I almost bought a new iPhone 15, because it would be very cheap to do so, given the AT&T trade ins. There were a few available at the Apple Store on launch day, which has been a trend every year. Then I paused and thought about myself and what I’m trying to do here.
I’ve been trying to use my iPhone less with limited success; it can be quite addictive. Instead, I’m trying to use my devices more for their intended purpose; going to the iPad to write and reading on the Kindle rather then doing it all on the phone, which has so many other distractions. It’s so easy to get out my phone and spend a lot for time on it with nothing to show for it.
My online friend group has had a lot interest in iPhone sleeves, particularly the hardgraft wild sleeve. I’m not sure I want to spend that kind of money yet, so I got an apple leather sleeve for the iPhone 12, on sale for under 15 dollars. That also meant I could use the little lanyard that comes with it as a sling/lanyard for my phone.
We’ll see if this helps avoid scratches and create slightly more mindful use; it’s also nice that I can carry an ID and a credit card in the slip case. I may move work ID over to that and a secondary credit card, letting me keep my pocket notebook in my bag or in my pocket based on what I’m doing.
The leather is very nice, I’m happy on that front. It’s been nice having a smaller wallet, and it’s making me a little more intentional about journaling and using the small notebook, rather than just dragging it along as my wallet.
Really, the important thing here isn’t the case, or how much I can optimize my pocket carry. It’s that using my phone is now a slightly more deliberate step; is this what I want to do now? Would I rather use the iPad, and actually fully engage and create? If I’m going to read, would the kindle be better.
In the end, I’m intending to cut back on the “just checks”, especially when I’m with the kids. I’d rather they see my reading on a kindle, and know I’m reading and not scrolling. Or come see me writing and creating, not consuming. It’s similar to why I’m getting into using a pocket camera instead of the iPhone; in then end, I want to leverage my intention to be present in the moment.
Leveraged Intention 