More often than usual, I’ve been using the Slide To Power Off feature on my iPhone.
It’s the feature that takes about three seconds to initiate when you press and hold the top button on the phone. It’s not just sleep mode, which takes a nanosecond to wake up. A true “Power Off” takes about 30 seconds to come to life again. But in between, there can be hours of freedom.
When in OFF mode, I stand up taller, drive with both hands on my steering wheel, and process what my kids are saying without a five second delay.
When in OFF mode, I spend more time in the yard, trying to figure out ways to conserve water during the California drought. Succulents have come to mind.
When in OFF mode, I put the house in order, so it’s clear for fresh chaos when everyone gets home from school and work.
When in OFF mode, I complete my to-do list very quickly. I fill out field trip forms, fulfill shipments, and pay bills. Then my paperwork is complete for several days, instead of piling up.
When in OFF mode, I don’t react to a messages at an inopportune times. Instead, I give them my full attention when I’m ready. In fact, defaulting to OFF can make ON a lot more fun, because OFF helps me appreciate all of the connections and conveniences ON has to offer.
Slowly but surely, OFF is helping me become a better parent. It turns my brain ON. It turns my focus ON. It turns my conversations ON. I was going to say it turns ME on – but that would be getting carried away.
It takes willpower and consistency to follow through with OFF mode. It takes enough curiosity in myself to find out where OFF will lead. I might start celebrating this feature, Slide to Power Off. It may just be the best invention Apple has released yet.
