A Day’s Journey

Zambia — July 2022

Like animals gathering at the watering hole, I witnessed a similar phenomena of humans gathering around the router. WiFi is the new watering hole for Homo Sapiens returning to Africa in 2022. On the trip of the lifetime to connect with nature I found myself connecting to WiFi as well.

The internet is a wonderful thing. Information at the tip of our fingers, loved ones face to face across the world, and an app for everything imaginable. Most places and campsites we travel to in Southern Africa do not have internet. Lando rides are spent with reading, music, or chatting and evenings at camp are spent with games, campfires, and good conversation. One of my highest values in life is connecting with myself, others, and nature (literally have this tattooed on me in mandala form)! This whole trip so far has been fulfilling this goal.

The first month of this trip, I had internet connection on average… maybe every 4-5 days? And briefly at that. Conversations, nature sightings, activities turned off while we all tuned in to our devices. It’s odd that going a few days without digital connection is so abnormal in 2022. In my “normal” life, I am used to having my phone on me and answering texts and calls as soon as I see a notification. The tiny buzz is addicting and can sometimes be a buzz of burden. It is now expected that all texts deserve a quick response and phone calls returned instantly. I love now having the space to distance from that lifestyle and also having set expectations that I am traveling and will not be connected daily. When we get WiFi, I am definitely on it though- I do love checking in with friends and family! And yes… we all know I love posting on Instagram. It goes without saying that “social” media can be anything but. Faux lives in display, comparisonitis, misinformation… some negative things can certainly come out of social media. But it can also be used as a way of connecting as well. Most of my travel time is spent solo where I’m not sharing memories with anyone. @a_daysjourney is my way of sharing my experiences with others. Although I decided I don’t want to be a traditional “influencer,” (promoting products I’d never buy and speaking into a camera and posting staged photos—- not me)…. I’ve found that I can still be a sharer. Maybe influence others to go out and experience these places too!

The WiFi watering hole can be healthy! It all depends on how you use it. In my own experience, I learned to take it in small and intentional doses to connect with people far away. However, I had to be mindful to not let it detract me from connecting with people and nature in the present moment. In your own life, take a look at your screen time and where it’s going. Are you checking in with friends and having genuine conversation? Are you using social media to connect, learn, or get inspired by intentional scrolling/following? Set limits to allow your phone to add value to you life and not take away your life’s value.