I love my cell phone.

I often tell people that my phone is like an extension of my arm. If it rings, I'll answer it, even if I'm asleep (I often keep it under my pillow).

Over the years, my connection to my phone has caused many fights in my relationships. I've been accused of caring more about talking on the phone than caring about my mate.

I've burned meals, missed appointments and even answered calls during times when talking should have been the last thing on my mind.

I once called my cell phone company to ask about a feature, and as the rep pulled up my account he said, "I have never seen anything like this."

"Is there something wrong?" I asked.

"Ma'am," he said. "You've logged about 8,000 minutes and your billing cycle isn't over yet.”

I chuckled. "Yeah I know. If it's a bad month it'll reach about 10,000 minutes."

Last week I thought the world was going to end. I lost my iPhone while on vacation in New York.

When I realized it was gone, I felt light headed and sick to my stomach. I tried not to panic.

I had been at a festival with my mother and cousin, and as we were leaving, we decided to take pictures on a park bench.

As I retraced my steps, trying to find my phone, I thought, how could I have left it on that bench and walk away so easily? Would I have left my arm or my leg lying on the bench?

Of course not.

I had become totally dependent on my phone to tell me where to go (GPS), how much I should tip at a restaurant, what time to wake up, what time it was in China and which bills I should pay on a specific day. I hadn't even bothered to memorize any telephone numbers, not even my own home number, which I never use. I had to ask people for the time, because I rarely wear a watch, and when I do it's for fashion purposes only.

I was completely lost. I had a not been without a cell phone since 1995, and I had never lost one either.

As the days passed and I got over not being able to check emails, answer calls, schedule meetings, text, and update my various social media pages, a funny thing happened: I got a chance to rest and indulged in the sights and sounds of the city.

Loosing my phone taught me how to shut down. I felt a calmness that I don't recall ever feeling, and I liked it.

Unfortunately, the first thing I did after my return flight landed in Charlotte was rush straight to the store and activate my new iPhone 4.

I know. But like any addict, I've got to learn to take it one day at a time.