What I Think After Cancelling My Number

[mouakter13]

It’s been several weeks since I cancelled my phone number, and I’ve had some time to reflect on what that decision has meant for my daily life, my mental clarity, and my work. At first, the silence was jarring. No more unexpected calls, buzzing notifications, or texts pulling me out of the moment. I realized how conditioned I’d become to being always available, always “on.” Cancelling my number wasn’t just about reducing distractions—it was about reclaiming my attention and taking a step back from the urgency culture that a number tends to invite. And honestly? I don’t miss it.

There have been challenges, of course. Verifying accounts, handling special database two-factor authentication, and explaining to people that I no longer have a number has required some creative workarounds. I now use secure email, authenticator apps, and a handful of online tools that let me navigate life without a SIM or traditional number. For communication, I rely on Wi-Fi-based apps like Signal, Telegram, and email, and I schedule all video calls. Surprisingly, once I laid out my reasons, clients and colleagues were understanding—even curious. Most appreciated the boundaries I’d set and saw it as a sign of intentionality, not inconvenience.

Looking back, cancelling my number was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my focus, well-being, and sense of freedom. I no longer feel pulled in a dozen directions throughout the day. I choose when and how I communicate, which has brought a level of clarity to both my work and personal life that I never expected. If you’ve ever felt like your phone number was a leash, constantly yanking your attention away, I encourage you to imagine what life might be like without it. It’s not about disconnection—it’s about conscious reconnection, on your own terms.