My year without a cell phone: can't imagine being totally unplugged for an entire day? Shape found one woman who did it for 12 months

Shape, April, 2008

Choking back tears, I walked out of the wireless phone center gripping my cell, which was now out of service, as if holding it close would somehow keep me connected. When I decided to quit my job to travel for a year and volunteer at a school in Africa, it never occurred to me that I would have to give up my calling plan--as well as the phone number that had been mine for years. But before shoving off, I had done some investigating and realized that keeping my cell didn't make much sense. In addition to being superexpensive, it wouldn't get good reception in most of the places I'd be visiting. (Verizon may be America's most reliable wireless network, but they sure don't have towers in Kenya.)

Being unable to instantly reach out and touch my loved ones sent me into panic mode: Would I feel isolated and alone? I comforted myself with the fact that once I landed in Africa, I could look into phones that would work there. But days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, and somehow I found myself surviving just fine without one--and, in fact, not just getting by, but actually thriving.

Before my trip, my schedule was crammed with meetings and deadlines, but because my phone was never farther away than my trendy little tote, I was able to squeeze in chats with my friends and family between commitments. I got into the habit of speed-dialing people whenever I was waiting in line or walking to the train. As time went on without my phone, however, I discovered new ways of connecting. I started people-watching and even striking up conversations with strangers--what a great way to learn about another culture!

But the biggest benefit I derived from my cell phone-free existence was learning to show up on time, seeing as I couldn't call ahead to say I'd be late. All it took was a few frustrating missed rendezvous to teach me to be punctual, even early.

And my newfound mindfulness spilled over into my personal relationships too. Once I was forced to rely on a pay phone and prepaid calling card, I actually listened to everything the person on the other end was telling me.

Okay, I admit it: I reactivated my cell phone upon returning home. But I'm a much more conscious user now. I keep it discretely tucked away in my purse so I can devote my full attention to the people I'm with, and I no longer stress about returning messages immediately. I even have "silent Sundays," when I set aside an hour to call the people I love most for a meaningful heart-to-heart--before turning the device off for the rest of the day.

HOLLY C. CORBETT is a freelance writer in New York City.