I don't know if "party lines" existed in the US, but when I was a child, we had one such, which meant that your telephone line was shared with another, and if you picked it up to dial, but they were there first, you just heard their conversation. There was a button you could press to tell them you were waiting, but otherwise we were just awfully polite, put the receiver down, and waited.
Do you think we got the last of the party line brains?! 😂
Thanks for sharing this. I really feel these words.
It's ironic. I started writing again because I missed it, and because writing brings clarity to my thoughts. I chose Substack hoping to find kindred spirits, people with a similar mindset.
But now that I'm fully engaged here, I'm noticing this 'online presence' pulling me away from real life. The writing itself occupies my mind (which is good), but so do things that matter far less: subscriber counts, engagement metrics, posting consistency. Mental clutter accumulating. And then I remember why I have avoided social media for so long (and even Substack often feels like another social media platform to me).
So I need to keep reminding myself why I write: first and foremost, for myself. Not to get caught up in the game of likes and shares. Not to let the virtual dominate, neither my time nor my mind. To embrace, as you say, the real world...and indeed to be content with what I have.
Loved this. Learning to be content is something I'm currently working on too and I'm also reducing my online time drastically too. All social media platforms were deleted some months ago. It's been quite cathartic. I enjoy this old school feel substack, journal /chat space and my own old smallholding blog..they are the only online places I visit now ..sometimes once a week, sometimes once a month......and it's more than enough x
Once again, you're rummaging around in my brain. I don't know why I'm surprised anymore lol.
To be content, to be at peace with ourselves and our lot is a radical act in these modern days...and I'm always happier to embrace the radical. ;)
Here's to old school blogging and the joys of "missing out" (pfft. as if.)....xoxo
I don't know if "party lines" existed in the US, but when I was a child, we had one such, which meant that your telephone line was shared with another, and if you picked it up to dial, but they were there first, you just heard their conversation. There was a button you could press to tell them you were waiting, but otherwise we were just awfully polite, put the receiver down, and waited.
Do you think we got the last of the party line brains?! 😂
I think we may have...there's definitely some shared wiring going on! :D
Thanks for sharing this. I really feel these words.
It's ironic. I started writing again because I missed it, and because writing brings clarity to my thoughts. I chose Substack hoping to find kindred spirits, people with a similar mindset.
But now that I'm fully engaged here, I'm noticing this 'online presence' pulling me away from real life. The writing itself occupies my mind (which is good), but so do things that matter far less: subscriber counts, engagement metrics, posting consistency. Mental clutter accumulating. And then I remember why I have avoided social media for so long (and even Substack often feels like another social media platform to me).
So I need to keep reminding myself why I write: first and foremost, for myself. Not to get caught up in the game of likes and shares. Not to let the virtual dominate, neither my time nor my mind. To embrace, as you say, the real world...and indeed to be content with what I have.
So good to hear from you! The simple ways are the best, aren't they? Take care of yourself x
Loved this. Learning to be content is something I'm currently working on too and I'm also reducing my online time drastically too. All social media platforms were deleted some months ago. It's been quite cathartic. I enjoy this old school feel substack, journal /chat space and my own old smallholding blog..they are the only online places I visit now ..sometimes once a week, sometimes once a month......and it's more than enough x