When’s the last time you had a meal without looking at your phone? Putting your phone away might lead to a real connection with those around you.
It’s a simple question, but one that stayed with me during our recent trip to England and Wales. My husband and I spent a week traveling—first to Birmingham for a friend’s wedding, then through the Cotswolds, on to Bath for some time at the thermal spa, and finally to Cardiff to see our daughter Emma’s new apartment and help her finish moving in.
The week had a little bit of everything: a joyful wedding, villages that looked like they belonged in a painting, trains and Ubers, some really good cider, and plenty of family time. But what I keep coming back to isn’t the views or even the experiences. It’s this: I didn’t check the news once all week. And one night, we decided to put our phones away for the entire dinner.
It sounds so simple. But think about it—when’s the last time you did that?
A Celebration in Birmingham
We started our trip in Birmingham for a wedding. Weddings always carry a certain energy, but being there as guests in another country made it feel even more special. Some of the traditions were different, the accents were different, even the food was a little different. But the joy? That was the same everywhere.
Watching two people start their lives together reminded me that connection is what gives life meaning. We’re often so caught up in our daily routines that we forget how empowering it is to witness love, community, and people showing up for one another. It was the perfect beginning to a week that turned out to be all about presence.
A Different Pace
From Birmingham, we made our way through the Cotswolds. The villages looked like something out of a storybook—stone cottages with ivy climbing the walls, winding streets, and rolling hills that seemed to stretch forever. People lingered in pubs and cafés. Meals weren’t about rushing to finish. They were about conversation, laughter, and letting time stretch out a little longer than you planned.
That pace carried over to Bath, where we stayed for a couple of days. Even in a city filled with history and tourists, there was an ease about it. People didn’t seem in a hurry to move on to the next thing.
I’m not glued to my phone during meals, but I do tend to move quickly—finish one thing so I can get to the next. In England and Wales, the natural rhythm of slowing down reminded me that empowerment isn’t always about pushing forward. Sometimes it’s about pausing, giving yourself permission to enjoy the present, and realizing that not everything needs to be rushed.
Phones Down, Heads Up
The night we put our phones away, dinner felt different. We weren’t half-distracted. We actually talked—real conversation, not just quick check-ins. We laughed about small moments from the day, shared what we’d noticed in the villages, and paid attention to the food in front of us.
Presence doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it is. When you’re fully in a moment, you remind yourself that you don’t have to juggle everything at once. You can be right here. That’s enough.
Knowing My Limitations
Travel always nudges you out of your comfort zone. We hopped between planes and trains, navigated unfamiliar stations, and leaned on Ubers when we needed them. I know my limitations, and driving on the opposite side of the road in a country I don’t know well isn’t something I was going to attempt. Instead of stressing myself out, I chose the option that worked best for us.
That’s part of confidence, too—being honest about what you can handle and making choices that keep you steady and present. Every time we figured something out—whether it was catching the right train, finding the right stop, or even discovering a hidden pub—it felt like a small win. And those little wins stack up.
Rest Matters
One of my favorite stops was Bath, where we spent an afternoon at the thermal spa. The warm waters, the quiet, the history surrounding us—it was unlike anything I’d experienced before. At first, I had that little voice in my head telling me I should be doing something more productive. But then I reminded myself: this is exactly why we came.
Rest isn’t wasted time. It’s knowing your limits, listening to your body, and honoring what it needs. Sitting there without rushing or multitasking, I felt more recharged than I had in months. And that was empowering.
New Flavors, New Conversations
We also sampled some of the best cider I’ve ever had. Sitting in small pubs, slowing down long enough to enjoy a drink, and noticing the atmosphere around us felt like part of the lesson too. It wasn’t about rushing through or checking my phone between sips. It was about being present—tasting, talking, and letting myself enjoy something new.
Watching Emma Step Forward
The highlight of the trip was time with Emma. We helped her finish setting up her apartment in Cardiff—buying the last few things, moving furniture, hanging curtains, making it feel like home.
Seeing her life there reminded me that confidence doesn’t stop growing once you hit a certain age. For Emma, it’s about continuing to build her independence in a new city and making choices that reflect who she is. For me, it’s about recognizing my role has shifted. I don’t need to manage or fix. I get to show up, support, and celebrate the person she’s already become.
There was something powerful in watching her pride as she showed us around and equally powerful in giving myself permission to simply enjoy the moment. Sometimes confidence means stepping back and realizing the people you love are already standing strong.
Kindness Everywhere
Another thing that stood out was how kind people were. Strangers stopped to give us directions, suggested places to eat, or simply struck up conversation. That friendliness made the trip lighter.
It reminded me that confidence isn’t only about standing on your own. Sometimes it’s about knowing your limitations, accepting help, and then passing that kindness forward.
What I Brought Home
The biggest lesson wasn’t how to read a train schedule or which cider was best. It was the reminder that life feels richer when you slow down, when you put your phone away, when you admit you don’t have to do it all.
And here’s the thing: you don’t need to be across the ocean to practice this. You can start at your own dinner table. Try one meal this week without your phone. Notice the food. Notice the people. Notice yourself.
It’s such a small shift, but it changes everything.
One Last Thought
Travel always teaches me more than I expect. This trip gave me castles, countryside, laughter, and cider—but more than that, it reminded me that empowerment isn’t about proving you can do everything. Confidence grows when you know your strengths, recognize your limits, and give yourself permission to simply be present.
So let me ask you again: when’s the last time you ate without looking at your phone? Maybe it’s time to find out.
