Smart Livin

Category: Learnin

  • How I Reclaimed My Time with Simple Digital Tools

    After the kids moved out and life quieted down, I thought I’d have more free time. But somehow, the days kept slipping away. Between errands, appointments, chores, and a growing list of “should-dos,” I was always busy—but not always productive.

    I used to keep everything in my head or scribbled on random sticky notes. That worked for a while, but it also meant I was constantly forgetting things or repeating tasks. I was tired of feeling behind.

    That’s when I started trying out a few simple digital tools. Nothing fancy or complicated—just small things that helped me stay organized, remember what mattered, and make better use of my time. It’s amazing how a few little changes made a big difference.

    Here are five tools I use regularly that helped me feel more in control of my day—and less like I was chasing it.

    1. Google Calendar (or Any Digital Calendar)

    I used to rely on a paper calendar hanging by the fridge. It worked, until I left the house and couldn’t remember if my dentist appointment was on Wednesday or Thursday. Now I use a digital calendar on my phone.

    Google Calendar lets me add events, set reminders, and even color-code different types of appointments. I get alerts the day before—and an hour before—so I’m never caught off guard. I can also invite family members to events, so we’re all on the same page.

    The best part? I can check it anytime, anywhere. It’s like having a personal assistant in my pocket.

    2. Notes and Lists Apps (like Apple Notes or Google Keep)

    My old purse used to be full of crumpled shopping lists and little scraps of paper with things I didn’t want to forget. Now, I use a notes app on my phone. I keep a running grocery list, a packing list for trips, and even a list of movies I want to watch.

    Any time I think of something I need to do or buy, I jot it down right there. I don’t have to try and remember it later—and I don’t lose it in the laundry. It’s such a small habit, but it clears up so much mental clutter.

    3. Reminders and Alarms

    These might sound simple, but they are lifesavers. I use reminders for things like taking vitamins, calling the plumber, or returning library books. Instead of trying to remember everything on my own, I let my phone do the remembering for me.

    You can set reminders for specific dates and times, or even repeat them daily or weekly. I also set alarms for things like “start dinner at 5:00” or “leave for church by 8:45.” These tiny nudges help keep my day on track.

    4. Voice Assistants (like Alexa or Google Assistant)

    I didn’t think I needed one of these until I got one as a gift—and now I use it all the time. I just say, “Alexa, set a timer for 20 minutes,” or “What’s the weather tomorrow?” and she answers right away.

    I can add items to my shopping list while I’m cooking, or set reminders without touching a screen. It’s fast, hands-free, and actually kind of fun. It’s especially helpful if I’m in the middle of something and don’t want to stop and write things down.

    5. Online Grocery Shopping

    This one was a game-changer. I used to spend hours every week going to the store, walking up and down aisles, standing in lines. Now I shop for groceries online once a week and either pick them up or have them delivered.

    Most stores have easy-to-use websites or apps. You can even save your favorite items to make reordering faster. It saves time, reduces impulse buying, and keeps me from forgetting things. And let’s be honest—it’s nice not having to deal with crowded stores and heavy bags.

    Final Thoughts

    These tools didn’t just help me get organized—they helped me feel better. Less stress. Fewer forgotten tasks. More time for the things I actually enjoy.

    You don’t have to be super tech-savvy to start using these tools. You just have to take one step. Try one app, one reminder, or one digital list. See how it works for you.

    Because reclaiming your time doesn’t mean doing more—it means doing what matters with less hassle. And trust me, you deserve that.

  • Learning New Tech Without Losing Your Mind

    Let me tell you the truth: I didn’t grow up with computers in my classroom or smartphones in my pocket. When I needed to call someone, I used a rotary phone. When I wanted to know something, I looked it up in an encyclopedia—not Google.

    So, when everything started moving online—banking, shopping, even doctor visits—it felt like the world was changing too fast for me to keep up. And honestly? Sometimes I got frustrated. I felt embarrassed when I had to ask for help.

    But with time, I learned something important: you don’t have to be a tech genius to learn new things. You just need a little patience and the right mindset.

    Here are five tips that helped me learn new technology without pulling my hair out (or tossing my phone across the room).

    1. Be Okay with Feeling Confused at First

    When you start learning something new, it’s normal to feel confused. You might press the wrong button, forget a password, or get lost in an app. I’ve done all of that—more than once.

    But the confusion doesn’t mean you’re bad at it. It just means you’re learning. Think of it like cooking a new recipe. The first time might be messy, but by the third or fourth try, you’re a pro. The same is true with tech—it gets easier each time you use it.

    So give yourself grace. You’re not behind—you’re just on your way forward.

    2. Stick to One Thing at a Time

    Don’t try to learn everything at once. Pick one new thing that would make your life easier or more fun. For me, it was learning to video chat so I could see my kids and grandkids. Once I got the hang of that, I moved on to online shopping, then digital photo storage, and so on.

    Trying to learn ten apps in one weekend will just make you want to give up. But learning one app over the course of a week? That’s doable. Start small. Build from there.

    3. Take Notes (Seriously)

    This might sound old-fashioned, but I keep a little notebook by my desk with steps for using the apps and devices I rely on. Things like: “How to join a Zoom call,” “How to print from my phone,” and “Where to find downloaded files.”

    When I forget something—and I often do—I just flip through my notes. It saves me time, and it keeps me from having to ask for help again and again.

    You don’t need to write a novel—just a few clear steps in your own words. It makes a big difference.

    4. Ask Someone You Trust for Help

    Don’t feel bad about needing help. Everyone asks questions—yes, even younger people. You’d be amazed how often my grown kids still call me asking how to cook something or clean a stain.

    So when I get stuck with technology, I ask them. Sometimes I even record them showing me what to do so I can rewatch it later. And when they’re not available, I look up simple how-to videos online.

    The key is: don’t stay stuck. There’s always someone—or something—that can help you move forward.

    5. Practice, Practice, Practice

    Like any new skill, the only way to get comfortable with technology is to use it. Don’t just learn something once and walk away. Try it again the next day, then again the next week.

    When I first learned how to send a photo by text, I practiced by sending pictures of my lunch to my sister (she didn’t mind). That little bit of repetition made it feel natural.

    Even 10 minutes a day is enough to keep what you’ve learned fresh in your mind. It’s like building a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

    Final Thoughts

    Learning new technology isn’t always easy, but it is possible. You don’t have to know everything. You just have to take the first step—and keep stepping, even when you stumble.

    So don’t let frustration stop you. Breathe. Laugh at the mistakes. Celebrate the wins. You’ve learned new things before, and you can do it again.

    Even in this fast-moving digital world, there’s still plenty of space for people like us.

  • Keeping Up with Technology: You’re Not Too Old to Learn!

    When my last child moved out, I thought life would slow down. Instead, it felt like the world sped up—especially when it came to technology. Suddenly, everything was online. Shopping, banking, even talking to my kids had changed. I used to feel comfortable with technology, but now I was struggling to keep up.
    At first, I felt overwhelmed. But I didn’t want to be left behind. So, little by little, I started learning, and I realized that technology isn’t as scary as it seems. If you feel the same way, here are five simple ways to stay up to date.


    1. Start Small and Build Confidence
    Technology can feel overwhelming when you try to learn too much at once. Instead of diving into everything, start with one or two things that interest you. For me, it was texting and video calls so I could stay in touch with my kids. Once I got comfortable with that, I started learning how to use online banking, shop for groceries online, and even download e-books.
    The key is to take it one step at a time. If you try to do too much, it’s easy to get frustrated and give up. But if you learn at your own pace, you’ll be surprised at how quickly things start to make sense. Each time you master something new, your confidence will grow.


    2. Find Reliable Help and Resources
    One of the best decisions I made was asking for help. I used to think I had to figure everything out by myself, but that’s not true! My kids helped me set up my phone, and I started watching YouTube tutorials for things like fixing my Wi-Fi or organizing my digital photos. There are also free classes at libraries and community centers that teach basic computer skills.
    If you don’t have someone nearby to help, online resources can be a lifesaver. Websites like Senior Planet and AARP’s Tech Help offer easy-to-follow guides. And if you ever feel stuck, remember: Google is your friend! Just type in your question, and you’ll often find a simple answer.


    3. Stay Safe and Protect Your Privacy
    The internet is a great tool, but it also has risks. Scammers often target people who aren’t familiar with technology, so it’s important to be careful. Never click on strange links in emails or messages, and if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. I’ve made it a habit to double-check with a family member before clicking on anything suspicious.
    Strong passwords are also important. I used to use the same simple password for everything, but now I know that’s a bad idea. Using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols makes passwords harder to hack. There are even password managers that can keep track of them for you. Staying safe online is just as important as learning how to use technology.


    4. Use Technology to Make Life Easier
    Once I started using technology more, I realized it’s not just for young people—it can actually make life easier! I use my phone to set reminders for appointments, track my grocery list, and even pay my bills without leaving the house. Video calls help me stay connected to my family, and streaming services let me watch my favorite shows without commercials.
    If something in your daily life feels inconvenient, there’s probably a tech solution that can help. Whether it’s voice assistants like Alexa, smart home devices, or simple apps for organizing your schedule, technology is here to work for you.


    5. Keep Practicing and Stay Curious
    The best way to keep up with technology is to use it regularly. At first, I only used my phone for calls and texts, but now I try to learn something new each month. Sometimes I explore a new app, other times I read about the latest tech trends just to stay informed. The more you use technology, the more natural it feels.
    It’s also important to have the right mindset. Instead of seeing technology as something scary or frustrating, I try to see it as an opportunity. I remind myself that learning keeps my brain active and helps me stay independent. You’re never too old to learn something new, and every little step forward is a victory.


    Final Thoughts
    Technology isn’t going away, and honestly, it’s making life more convenient in so many ways. Instead of letting it pass us by, we can take charge and learn at our own pace. Start small, find good resources, stay safe, and most importantly—keep going! The digital world isn’t just for young people. It’s for all of us.