After challenging others to observe the second annual MoodOff Day, a dose of good old-fashioned guilt inspired me to power down my smartphone this morning at 6 and not text or call anyone till at least 11 a.m.

This was to show solidarity with the MoodOff movement’s message that we have become smartphone/text-obsessed and it’s high time to resort to some good old-fashioned connection.

I’m the first to admit my obsessions. I love sending and receiving texts, and though I’m a terribly unreliable FB poster, I do check in and lurk from time to time.

As for MoodOff Day, I’m happy to report I survived it. I’d like to say it was because I felt so much peace and tranquility disconnected. But actually, it was due to a texting friend’s suggestion that it was OK to use my landline.

Also, my daughter was in town this weekend visiting from Chicago, so I rousted her out of bed in time for plenty of conversation before we left for my son and daughter-in-law’s, where there was more conversation and entertainment by my three-year-old granddaughter.

Later, when I realized we were running late for a restaurant reservation, I nudged my daughter, who was not observing MoodOff Day, to make the call. Oops.

So I was not on my phone but I was constantly thinking about the fact that I was not on my phone and working around it. I guess that’s a start – recognizing obsession, briefly stopping, and enjoying the moment.

I think I’ll be ready to do it again. In another 365 days.