My Living Process

Finding Clarity in the Disconnect
Two months ago, I started a challenging, yet rewarding, experiment: a 3-month unplugged plan to pursue Foundational Well-being and reclaim my focus. I physically disconnected devices, managed my phone use, and sought to build a more present life. I’m happy to report on what’s working, what’s been tough, and the incredible benefits I’ve found.

The Practical Strategies That Stick
The success of this plan lies in setting firm, simple boundaries.
The biggest game-changers have been:
* No Notifications: Turning off non-essential notifications was crucial. It broke the constant urge to check my phone, allowing me to decide when I engage with my device, not the other way around.
* Designated Zones and Times: My phone now has a “home” and is rarely with me outside of scheduled times. This simple rule has created clear boundaries, letting me dedicate focused time to my Python learning, my hydroponics projects, and my fitness goals.

Well-being as a Core Need: Preparing for Change
The physical disconnect has led to a profound internal shift, particularly in how I manage my daily energy and stress. As someone on permanent disability, and now facing the reality of losing my sight, this plan has become essential preparation for my future.

* Prioritizing Mental Space: By eliminating the constant demands of digital alerts, I’ve noticed a significant drop in background anxiety. This reduction in mental load is not a luxury; it is a necessity that directly impacts my ability to manage both my existing health condition and the immense stress of preparing for blindness. The clarity gained in my daily meditation practice is now vital.
* Time for Movement and Learning: The time reclaimed hasn’t just gone to hobbies; it’s been reinvested in my physical and intellectual health—preparing my body and mind for adaptation. This allows me to consistently show up for my low-impact activities—my daily walks are more frequent and longer, and I have the energy to commit to my yoga and strength routines. I also find a genuine satisfaction in dedicating specific, focused time every second week to crafting these website posts.

The Challenges and Adjustments
It hasn’t been without friction. The main obstacle was managing essential communication and resisting the initial, subtle pull of habit. I learned that “unplugged” doesn’t mean “inaccessible.”

The Fix: I adjusted by being more communicative upfront. I let friends and family know my new boundaries, assuring them I would check in during my designated times. This set healthy expectations and eased my internal pressure to “be available” at all times.

Conclusion: The Realization and the Road Ahead
The most profound realization from the last two months is this: The freedom isn’t found in getting rid of technology entirely, but in taking back control of your attention.
This experiment is about far more than just reducing screen time; it’s about strategically choosing where I put my energy to build resilience and focus on the skills and inner peace I will need most as I move into this new phase of my life. The unplugged plan is, in fact, my foundational training for the transition ahead.
Now, I turn it over to you: If you had to pick one thing—one device, one app, one notification—to unplug from for the next week to find clarity in your own challenges, what would it be?

Be Kind 💚 🤟 Be Grateful 💚 🤟
Being the Change 🌎