Losing My Phone Was the Best Thing That Happened on the Slopes

This weekend, I was up in Stowe, Vt, for some riding and to see my daughter.??Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I lost my phone while snowboarding my favorite woods run.??It completely slipped out of my pocket.??I’ll be honest; it was frustrating at first. Being disconnected can feel uncomfortable, almost like you’re missing a lifeline. After the initial “I’m such an idiot,” I kept riding, and something unexpected happened.

Without the constant pull of notifications, texts, or the urge to capture every moment, I found something better—freedom. It was just me, the mountain, and my thoughts. Every carve, every turn, every breath of that crisp mountain air felt more real. My mind wandered in a way it hasn’t in a long time—clear, uninterrupted, and totally present.

It made me realize how important it is to disconnect—not just when it’s forced on us but?intentionally. We need to create space for ourselves to think, reflect, and just?be. Imagine the clarity and peace we could experience if we made it a habit to unplug every once in a while.

Sometimes, losing what you think you?need?is exactly what you need to find what truly matters.

Happy Living