As I started my planning for the holiday season, I always try to remember what is most important and that is always my family. Any time that I can find a way to prioritize my family, I try to do it. Thanks to the AT&T It Can Wait 21-Day Challenge, I was able to do just that. As a former workaholic and cell phone addict, I learned that above all else, everything can wait. People believe whata��s happening on their phone is urgent and needs their attention now a�� in fact, they often claim a�?ita��s an emergency.a�? They believe the world cana��t go on without them, or that the world will pass them by, which is not the case. The most important thing you can do to stay engaged and be available for emergencies and prevent emergencies, is to keep yourself safe. I was able to reflect on this lesson over the 2nd week of this challenge which overlapped with Thanksgiving weekend. My house is only a few miles from Interstate 95 and is bumper-to-bumper during the holiday travel season. I often hear of accidents that have happened and wonder if they could have been prevented. With this in mind, I did all I could to keep my pledge to not drive distracted and ensure not only I, but everyone, got home safe to their family. After a busy Thanksgiving weekend, my holiday decorations were up and my loved ones were home safely. That is what I am thankful for throughout this challenge. I am making an investment in my family and there is no better gift than that. I encourage you all to make the same investment, and I promise you will be thankful for the time spent with your family.
If youa��re interested in taking the AT&T It Can Wait 21-Day Challenge, below are some tips to get inspired and to help keep your pledge.
Tips for Staying Off Your Phone While Driving
Focus on the beauty surrounding you: Dona��t be afraid to take the scenic route and enjoy your surroundings, such as waterfront views, architecture or even just the local holiday decor. Staying off your phone will give you more time to focus on the beauty that surrounds you. I live in the low country so any chance I get to see marshland or Spanish moss, I am sure to take advantage of it.
Get inspiration for your holiday tasks while driving: There are so many things to plan for ahead of the holiday season, such as shopping for gifts, decorating your home and cooking social media worthy meals. Instead of being plugged into your phone, take the time to think about your holiday tasks and think of some fun ways to get them accomplished.
Listen to your favorite holiday playlist: Who doesna��t love holiday music? Before you put the car in drive, turn on your favorite holiday playlist and have a karaoke session in your car. If your kids or family are with you, make sure to have them join in! My favorite song is a�?This Christmasa�? so be sure to add it to your list!
As you celebrate the holidays and travel to see friends and family, I encourage you take the pledge to never drive distracted at ItCanWait.com. Then take the AT&T It Can Wait 21-Day Challenge to help you keep your pledge. Want some inspiration to encourage you to be a part of this challenge? Here are just a few reasons:
Why 21 days? Experts say it takes at least 21 days to make or break a habit. So, I encourage those who are struggling with this dangerous habit to stow their phones away while driving for 21 consecutive days.
Prevent temptation, turn your phone off or place it in the trunk of your car. You dona��t have to follow these exact rules, but find a solution that works for you.
The 21-Day Challenge will help people who pledge make safe driving a lifelong practice. It also will help the 1-in-3 drivers for whom distracted driving is a habit turn their bad habit into a good one.
Habitual distracted drivers have a false sense of security in their actions. Only 58% feel that using their smartphone behind the wheel is a�?very dangerous,a�? compared to 78% of non-habitual distracted drivers. Ironically, theya��re also twice as likely to have been involved in a near crash or a collision.
Wherever you are on your journey to safe driving, we invite you to join us. Pledging and making safe driving a habit are not just personal choices. When you pick up your phone, you put others in danger. We may be alone in the car, but wea��re never alone on the road. To get started, be sure to take the pledge here and for even more resources, download the AT&T DriveMode App on Apple or Google Play.
Take the pledge and join us in the 21-Day Challenge, sharing your progress on social using #ItCanWait and be sure to share with your friends. Above all else, no matter what is going on, it can always wait.
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Since taking my pledge, I was able to map out and get inspiration for my holiday decor. Here are some tips and inspiration I got while not focusing on my phone in the car and taking the time to remember that everything can wait.
Holiday Decor Tips:
Decorate the Mantles: You can never go wrong with a fun fireplace mantle. I chose to decorate all three in my home and gave a different style to each area.
Trees Don’t Have to Be Green: I decided to try a few colors and styles for my holiday trees this year including a sorority-inspired holiday tree assortment.
Dona��t Forget your Tables: A well-dressed table is a great way to add holiday decor without having to add much effort. Change out the table linens and table napkins and you will have a stylish holiday look you can use every day.
Bar Carts Love the Holidays Too: If you dona��t have a big dining area or room for a large tree, add a punch of holiday fun to your favorite bar cart or small table.
DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored blog post and I was compensated by AT&T. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Images by Mercede B Photography
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