I’m in Florida at one of the biggest Martial Arts tournaments in the world.
I have several students competing and took them out to dinner last night.
Two of the youngest suggested we all put our phones face down and on top of each other in the middle of the table—so we could all be more present.
And it wasn’t until they suggested it that I realized I was the one who was on my phone more than anyone else at the table.
…To my defense, I was texting people who I was going to order food to-go for, who I was going to meet up with later and tomorrow, and who wanted pics and vids.
And yet, it really wasn’t an excuse.
…There I was, at the table with around 15ish of my team members, sending texts to other people.
And it took two of the youngest to remind me: there’s a time and place for those text convos… but right there, right then? …With all of us together IRL? …Enjoying the victories of the day and talking about the excitements of tomorrow? …Wasn’t it.