Ways I've Been Slowly Changing my Life
Ways I'm changing my content consumption:
Chucked my Spotify subscription
Started listening to the local radio again
Thrifted CD's I like and have been using them in my car and bedroom
Slowly thrifting cheap movies and tv shows for my dvd player. I don't need fifteen streaming services.
Got a job where I am required to leave my phone in the break room. My last job I had unlimited access and I watched so many trashy video essays. My screen time has gone way down.
Reverted back to watching YouTubers I'm subscribed to rather than browsing the home page.
When I start a video, I have to finish the entire thing without skipping around. This is good with hour long gaming videos as it forces me to slow down
Ways I'm changing my hobbies
Set up a sewing station in an open space in my house, that way I don't have to set up my machine or ironing board whenever I want to sew.
Thrifted lots of old sheets and fabric from stores and garage sales.
Offering to fix things for my friends to encourage me to sew more.
Started making art as gifts rather than for myself, as it gives me deadlines, passion (I love my friends), and helps me use up wares that I've been saving for "precious occasions"
Started writing what I want rather than what appeals to the most people. Tumblr is dead anyways
Subscribed to Dracula Daily to give myself bite sized readings to stay engaged with.
Downloaded an app called the Daily Canon to, if not read, expose myself to more authors and works of literature.
Ways I'm changing my relationships
A recurring reminder in my phone to reach out to a series of people who i don't see every day anymore. I ask them to hang out or specific questions rather than "what are you doing?"
Making plans that I want to see instead of waiting for someone else to do it. People love activities, they often just don't initiate.
Found music ensembles or gaming groups who meet once a week or so. I meet with old coworkers on Saturday to play MTG. I am in my colleges drumline as an alumni to keep up with music. I'm in a book club with a guy I was in one musical with.
Ways I'm changing my mindset
Subscribed to Fix the News and Feel Good Newsletter. The world is scary right now but the worst thing I can do for myself is fall into despair.
Re-reading Lord of the Rings and taking note of the small ways that characters are making a large difference. I may not be Frodo, carrying the ring, but I can be Mr Butterbur lending him a horse
Trying more and more to reuse items. Making new candles out of old wax. Fished a flower pot out of the trash at my job because it was still on one piece. Making little frogs out of scrap fabric to give to my friends.
Rewatching a lot of Hank Green's videos specifically about hope. He has a lot of compelling things to say. To name a few; Better Things are Coming and Moving to Hope from Hopelessness.
The world is tough, and it will only get tougher. But life is good.
