Hey there, friends! Tina here, coming to you straight from the land of the unconnected and the beautifully analog. Yep, you read that right. I’ve chosen to hit the metaphorical power button and shut down the constant digital hum that’s been the background noise of my life for far too long. It all started on a particularly frustrating Monday morning. You know the kind: deadlines looming, emails piling up, and the Wi-Fi decides to take a personal day. As I sat there staring at the little spinning circle of doom on my laptop, I had an epiphany. This wasn’t just a tech hiccup; it was a sign. A sign that maybe, just maybe, it was time to step away from the digital chaos and reconnect with the world in a more meaningful way. Now, don’t get me wrong. I didn’t just toss my phone out the window and call it a day. This was a well-thought-out decision (with a touch of impulsiveness, I’ll admit). I started small, cutting down on social media and limiting my screen time. But the more I disconnected, the more I realized how much I was missing out on in the real world. So, I took the plunge. I decided to go full-on analog.

First things first, I dusted off my old turntable and vinyl collection. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the crackle and pop of a record that no Spotify playlist can replicate. I spent hours rediscovering my favorite albums, dancing around my living room like no one was watching (because, well, no one was). Next, I tackled my reading list. Instead of scrolling through endless articles online, I visited my local library. Yes, they still exist! I checked out a stack of books and spent my evenings getting lost in the pages of novels, biographies, and even some poetry. There’s a certain magic in the smell of a book and the feel of paper between your fingers that screens just can’t compete with. One of the most delightful aspects of my analog life has been rediscovering the art of letter writing. Remember those? With actual pen and paper? I started writing letters to friends and family, and to my surprise, they wrote back! There’s something incredibly personal and heartfelt about receiving a handwritten letter in the mail. Plus, it’s a great way to practice my penmanship, which I’m happy to report has improved significantly since my school days.

Without the constant lure of screens, I found myself spending more time outdoors. I started hiking, gardening, and even birdwatching. There’s a whole world out there that I’d been missing out on! I’ve become quite the amateur botanist, and my garden is now flourishing with flowers, vegetables, and even a few herbs. There’s something incredibly grounding about getting your hands dirty and watching something grow. One of the biggest changes has been in my social life. Instead of texting or messaging, I’ve made it a point to meet up with friends and family in person. We’ve had picnics in the park, coffee dates at quaint little cafes, and long walks where we actually talk and listen to each other. It’s amazing how much more connected I feel to the people in my life now that I’m not constantly distracted by notifications.

Of course, it hasn’t all been easy. There have been moments of frustration, like when I couldn’t just Google the answer to a random question that popped into my head. And let’s not even talk about the time I got lost because I refused to use GPS. But these challenges have taught me patience, problem-solving, and the joy of asking a stranger for directions (and sometimes making a new friend in the process). Despite the challenges, the rewards have been more than worth it. I feel more present, more mindful, and more connected to the world around me. I’ve discovered new hobbies, rekindled old passions, and built deeper, more meaningful relationships. My stress levels have plummeted, and my happiness has soared.

So, why am I sharing all of this? Because I believe that in our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, we could all benefit from a little more analog in our lives. I’m not saying you need to throw your phone in the ocean (please don’t do that), but maybe try disconnecting for a day. Pick up a book, write a letter, go for a walk without your phone, or have a face-to-face conversation with a friend. You might just find, as I did, that the analog life is a pretty sweet one. Thanks for coming along on this journey with me. Here’s to more unplugged adventures and a life lived fully in the moment. Cheers, Tina