Reclaiming My Mind and Body: Why I'm Disconnecting to Truly Connect

Today, I want to share a deeply personal decision that has been brewing in my mind and heart for quite some time. It's a choice born out of a growing sense of unease and disillusionment, and it has finally culminated in a liberating step:

I am moving away from regular active use of Facebook and Instagram.

This isn't just about freeing up time; it's about reclaiming a fundamental part of myself.

For too long, I've watched as the platforms of social media have ceased to be tools for simple connection and have become, instead I feel, something of a root of evil in our society. They amplify voices of hate, perpetuate division, and thrive on the manufactured outrage generated by bad actors and trolls. This knowledge is compounded by the sobering realisation that this isn't accidental - it's the system. Corporate executives pour money into a steel funnel, funding the very "hate and division" that we, as users, then contend with.

It's this constant exposure to negativity and the despair it causes - the feeling of being controlled by the scroll - that has been my greatest catalyst. I've felt the deep weariness of watching society consume itself, and it has led me to a simple, profound truth: my energy is needed elsewhere.

Trading the Scroll for the Soul: A Creative Pivot

The decision to quit is a principled rejection, but my departure is not a retreat - it's an advance. Instead of spending my energy consuming manufactured chaos, I'm dedicating my focus to creation.

I'm really excited about some new ventures, which will be my only digital presence going forward:

1. Three New(ish) Blogs: I'll be regularly maintaining this blog (life and photography), a dedicated music blog (for all my thoughts on sound and rhythm), and a third specialty blog (I'll share details soon!).

2. A YouTube Channel & Companion E-zine: I'm going to be launching a new YouTube channel which will be supported by a companion e-zine (again, I'll share more details soon).

This move is about liberating my mind and my body. I'm trading the endless noise for quiet contemplation, the sedentary scrolling for the focused work of writing and creating. I believe these spaces, built on my own terms, will allow for deeper, more meaningful connection with any person who genuinely wants to be there.

The metaphorical glass of these apps is being smashed, and I’m ready to look out the window at the world beyond the screen. This is an intentional step towards a life lived with greater authenticity, peace, and genuine purpose.

Thank you for being part of the journey. I hope to see you in my new digital home with warmth and a renewed optimism,

P.S. no apologies for the AI images, they make illustration so much easier and maybe a little more personal ;-)