There has been a lot of discussion in recent months about what it takes to regain freedom amid the COVID pandemic.
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Vaccination status has been at the forefront of discussions, and more specifically the regulations put in place by the powers-that-be. In NSW that amounts to limited freedoms for the unvaccinated until December 15 when the state is expected to hit a vaccination rate of 95 per cent.
As I recently learnt, there is another situation that can impact on your freedom even more - a charged phone, or rather an uncharged phone.
I confess that I can be slack at charging my phone at times. My battery spends a lot of time hovering in the red and closer to the zero per cent than the 20 per cent mark.
In the past it was not a great concern, and I was comfortable in the knowledge that I could check my messages once I recharged this modern form of technology designed to keep me constantly connected to everyone.
In fact, there were times when a charged phone felt more like a nuisance - let's face it we all need a little down time on occasions. Who really needs to be contactable all the time? Without a charged phone I felt a little more free.
Since the start of the COVID requirements to check in with QR codes I have flown close to the mark many times. But more recently I encountered the full impact of what can happen without a charged phone. And I am of the new opinion that this connection to just about everything is now essential.
I had tended to several of my Saturday morning duties - diligently checking in and out at every location. At the time I was aware that the battery was very low. I would have charged it a little in my car but the cord to do that was playing up. My next stop was to go to a phone shop to get a new connecting cord for my car.
But just as I stepped up to the QR code at the store, for the purpose of checking in, the screen on my phone went black.
I stood there with what I'm sure was a dumb look on my face wondering what I could do. As it turned out I could do nothing except get in my car and go home to recharge what has now become my lifeline to the outside world.
Without a doubt many would refer to this as a 'first world problem' - a description I don't dispute. However, it has been an eye-opener for me as I realise just how much our life is ruled by technology. So much so that without a charged phone my freedom is all but lost.
I will accept the situation - because I really have no choice - and I enjoy the freedom to be able to move about as I please. I respect the regulations in place but I can't help feeling that the meaning of freedom has changed. Furthermore the device I once considered a hindrance to my freedom has become my lifeline to the outside world.
I guess another benefit of a charged phone is the opportunity to take photos of the things you see when out and about, as can be seen in this great photo above of a storm rolling in.
I'm choosing to stay freely connected, what about you?
Jackie Meyers
Editor