How I forgot my phone - and became present in the moment

This morning, I tried to work. But as a creative, self-employed person, I have my moments. If you’re a creative person or self-employed yourself, you know how it goes. Sometimes, the ideas just flow, and other times, you feel completely stuck.

I had one of those mornings where my mind felt full, and I just couldn’t seem to get into the flow. So I decided to go into town in Southern Spain, where I live. I’ve learned that, as a creative, getting out of the house and being around people can be a great way to find inspiration. And it definitely helps me every time. Before leaving, I picked out something nice to wear, hoping to lift my mood a little. I drove into town, parked my car, and started walking. Then, at some point, I wanted to check my phone and realized I’d forgotten it in the car.

My old self would probably have been annoyed and walked all the way back, blaming herself for being so clumsy. But today, something in me didn’t want to go back. Instead, there was this intuitive nudge: Just trust yourself and explore!

I was in a town I didn’t know very well, so what better opportunity to explore on my own? Little did I know that it would turn out to be one of the best decisions I’d made in a long time. It was one of those moments that reconnect you with yourself and remind you of things you might have forgotten along the way.

1. I disconnected from the noise

The latest baby news, the newest advice, all sorts of interesting content. It’s all good, and I have nothing against content creators. But sometimes, I realize how much noise social media can create. Energetically, it can sometimes feel like a marketplace where you’re constantly being offered all sorts of information or opinions. And sometimes, you just need a little break from all of it.

2. I followed the path that excited me

There are so many streets you can take, so many options. No Tripadvisor. Just a natural feeling of where to go next. There’s something so freeing about that in a world where we’ve learned to rely on online recommendations or help for almost everything.

I wanted to buy a journal, but I couldn’t remember exactly where the shop was. So I had to rely on my instincts.

As I was in a town I didn’t know very well, it was actually so much fun to explore without knowing exactly where I was going. It felt almost like an Eat, Pray, Love kind of moment, just strolling through the town. No ChatGPT, no Google Maps, just my curiosity guiding me.

I ended up taking streets I probably wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. I came across cute little places to eat that had so much charm, even if they didn’t have a Tripadvisor badge. I found views away from the usual tourist spots and got to experience more of the atmosphere of the Spanish town. I simply followed the streets that caught my attention and went into shops that looked interesting.

And I realized how much fun it was to make decisions without looking for external confirmation.

3. I enjoyed my coffee and was simply present

Suddenly, I felt like I had plenty of time. Even waiting at a red traffic light felt like I had tons of time. How often do we reach for our phones during the smallest pauses in our day? I caught myself several times wanting to check my phone. Not because I was expecting a message, but simply out of habit. Just to kill time while waiting. Or distraction.

But what happens when we let those pauses simply exist? At first, I felt a little confused. I wasn’t used to it. My mind had to adjust, and I had to fully trust myself. But as I kept walking, I started noticing more. The people around me, the atmosphere, and all the little things I might otherwise have missed.

I came across a cute little coffee shop and ordered a delicious slice of carrot cake. I’ve had a little obsession with carrot cake ever since I was young, so that made me happy.

While waiting for my coffee, I didn’t check my phone. It almost felt like I was back in the early 2000s. Instead, I took out a pen and paper and started writing. I suddenly felt like I had so much time.

I looked around the coffee shop and noticed a quote:

“Todo es posible con un poco de café y mucho corazón.”

Everything is possible with a little coffee and a lot of heart. Yes, indeed. What a lovely reminder to let the heart lead, even today. I just sat there, enjoying my coffee and carrot cake, without feeling the need to check anything. I was simply enjoying the moment. Funnily enough, I’d wanted to take photos that day and share it with my family because I was exploring a town in Southern Spain. But instead of collecting pictures of the experience, I came away with a real memory.

A moment filled with joy and presence. Like the old days, if you were born in the ‘90s or before.

What I took away from those two hours

Sometimes, we think, Oh no, how could I have been so clumsy as to leave my phone in the car? But for me today that quickly turned into, Thank God I forgot my phone.

Even though it was only two hours, it felt so good not to have to ask ChatGPT, Tripadvisor, or some random blogger where to go or what to do. I just trusted my heart.

And I realized how often we confuse being informed with being present. We’re so used to looking for recommendations, advice, and external confirmation that sometimes we forget how much fun it can be to explore on our own. Be it just to follow a street because it looks interesting. To walk into a coffee shop because something catches our eye or to simply to see where the day takes us.

Sometimes, reconnecting with that version of ourselves, the one that enjoys exploring without needing external validation, is exactly what can help calm the mind and ignite our inner spark. For me it definitely did. I came home in a much better mood, feeling calmer and more present.

And all because I forgot my phone in the car.

Sometimes, it’s simply you and your intuitive heart.

Journal prompt

When was the last time you felt truly present?

9 October 2026