The relentless pursuit of time spent offline

A worthwhile one

what’s y(our) future worth?

Hi there,

Last year this time I was pouring gasoline all over my life, daring it to go up in flames and burn to the ground: Burn, it did. Thank god it all happened offline. A year later, beautiful flowers are blossoming all around me from the ashes.

Five things to share:

1. Silicon Valley says I should download this app and that as if it is for my own good; asks what is on my mind as if we are besties, lovers, friends; constantly nudges me with its cheap tricks to look, look, look! I say, no, no, no— hell no! Fuck no! I look to life desperately: Please help.

2. When does a diary pay off?

   By Austin Kleon

   I keep a diary for many reasons, but the main one is: It helps me pay attention to my life. By sitting down and writing about my life, I pay attention to it, I honor it, and when I’ve written about it long enough, I have a record of my days, and I can then go back and pay attention to what I pay attention to, discover my own patterns, and know myself better. It helps me fall in love with my life.

3. A quote I want to share with you:

   When life changes, you will probably miss the way it was. You may miss those long morning drives or walks to the office, or those hectic family gatherings. You may miss them because those moments are finite — you will only travel those streets and see those people a certain amount of times.

   Every time you do something that is one less time you do it. One day you will do something the final time and you will rarely know when that day comes.

   For all you know, today might be the last time you walk in a particular neighborhood. Or it might be the last time you smile at a particular someone. To think otherwise, would be foolish. Nothing is guaranteed, except this moment. Your only real choice is to cherish every exchange like it is your last — because it very well might be.

   Therefore, the best way to cherish life is to remind yourself of life's impermanence. It is to remember that every time you see someone that is one less time you see them. It is to remember that every time you go somewhere that is one less time you visit. By doing this, you naturally slow down. Almost like a reflex, you start to truly live.

   — Andrew Anabi, How to Cherish Life (Source)

   Cherish each moment. ♡

4. The Perils of Audience Capture: How influencers become brainwashed by their audiences

5. A question for you: What has time spent offline done for you? No, not the Substack newsletter.

P.s. Reading Showing up for delight at an open mic— magical day! time spent offline, yes, the Substack newsletter, is going offline too, ha!

That’s all for this week!

Thank you for reading, and share with anyone you think may benefit.

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Until next time,

Mehret