Hi there,

Here’s a question for you: If the Internet ceased to exist, how would your days be any different than usual? I know, it’s an obtuse questions. It’s like asking how would your days be any different if modern toilets ceased to exist. A bit shitty, but you won’t die. Anyway, I ask because of a realization I had: we often turn to our digital devices because the alternative sucks.

Below are five things I thought were worth sharing this week:

1. The big secret to reducing the time you spent online has FINALLY been revealed! Cultivate high-quality alternatives to digital distractions. The more I immerse myself in the offline world— reading, writing, going for walks, cooking, etc., the less enticing the digital world becomes. I encourage you to actively and consciously cultivate a leisure life that doesn't depend on low-effort digital junk for entertainment and to pass the time.

2. I began thinking about creating a well-developed leisure life after reading Cal Newport's take on it in his book, Digital Minimalism. I highly recommend you read it for the part one leisure alone.

3. I watched being offline is the new luxury last night, a 46-minute documentary on if hyper connectivity is all it's cracked up to be. I stayed up all night watching it just so I can share it with you, and it was worth every minute. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

4. A quote I’ve been pondering: “Oh, earth, you are too wonderful for anybody to realize you” discovered in the book Wonder. Two things: find parks, trails, conservation areas around your area and pleeeeeease, go explore, and pleeeeeease, read/watch Wonder. So, so, so, so good.

5. Instead of yet another article, I invite you to join me for a social crafts event I’m hosting for Valentine’s Day. This Saturday, Feb 6 at 2:00pm EST on Zoom. Bring your craft supplies and get your hands “dirty” for someone you love. If you’d rather read an article, here’s one on 13 easy card-making ideas that take 30 minutes or less. Creating is a great alternative to digital distractions.

P.s. I made an error in last week’s issue: the quote I shared should read “Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life (not like) as art” by Maya Angelou. Thanks to Dave for pointing it out!

That’s all for this week!

Thank you for reading, and please tell a few friends if you’d like.

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Until next time… :)

Mehret

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