@substack create a reminder button! I want to read this anthem almost every time I come back to this online global zone. These questions haven’t left me alone for a while now.
I met a local artist—a real one. He has been walking all over the city on foot, sketching for 19 years! When we first met, I was still using Instagram, so we added each other, just in case.
Later, we ran into each other again and had a deeply nourishing conversation. By then, my Instagram was deactivated, so I took his number instead. A few days later, I wanted to send him the photos from that day. I opened WhatsApp, searched for his number, and—voilà!—there was no such number. That’s what I thought, at least.
Three days ago, in this city of 20 million people, I saw him again—on the ferry. What are the odds? I told him, “Oh, there must have been a mistake with your number. Can I take it again?”
He smiled and said, “I haven’t used a smartphone for five years now. My number is correct.”
Long story short, he only uses Instagram on his iPad when needed—because, as an artist, having an online presence matters. But he decided that being constantly reachable or getting lost in online distractions wasn’t for him. He found what worked best.
And me? I didn’t even try calling his number when I saw there was no WhatsApp account. Because, to me, not having WhatsApp seemed… unbelievable.
Everything is possible. I just wanted to share
Thank you for your words. I’m still questioning those questions, and about to answer I guess.
Not knowing is such a beautiful place to be. Buffering the need to hold stakes in everything is so life giving. As is the freedom to change our mind. Discernment. Flexi. To not being thrashed around! Thanks for this read x
Thank YOU for this piece! What an absolute gift, it came so timely (this tends to happen to me with your writing). I've been a lover of your writing since Earth is Hiring and have really enjoyed watching, well reading, things shift and change for you over the years. I'm so keen to read your piece on faith...what you explain here is exactly what i'm wrestling with at the moment when it comes to my own faith. I feel i'm being somewhat pushed into a box to express my faith and my relationship with God in a particular way. To fit the mold of my church. I love my church and my community there, but i've been noticing that my way to connect with the Lord and build my relationship with Him leans more towards some things, and away from others...i'm trying to balance this without feeling like i've "failed" as a Christian because i'm not doing ALL the things.
Anyway, that's my ramble for the morning! Thank you for your presence, Peta! Big love x
I'm in the midst of taking a couple weeks of Instagram/ YT and so much of what you said here is exactly what I've been thinking! Life is way more free without all the noise. Absolutely a refreshing read.
So needed right now. Nothing can be one-size-fits-all and there is no shame in taking a little and leaving a lot. Especially when it comes to content on the internet!
@substack create a reminder button! I want to read this anthem almost every time I come back to this online global zone. These questions haven’t left me alone for a while now.
I met a local artist—a real one. He has been walking all over the city on foot, sketching for 19 years! When we first met, I was still using Instagram, so we added each other, just in case.
Later, we ran into each other again and had a deeply nourishing conversation. By then, my Instagram was deactivated, so I took his number instead. A few days later, I wanted to send him the photos from that day. I opened WhatsApp, searched for his number, and—voilà!—there was no such number. That’s what I thought, at least.
Three days ago, in this city of 20 million people, I saw him again—on the ferry. What are the odds? I told him, “Oh, there must have been a mistake with your number. Can I take it again?”
He smiled and said, “I haven’t used a smartphone for five years now. My number is correct.”
Long story short, he only uses Instagram on his iPad when needed—because, as an artist, having an online presence matters. But he decided that being constantly reachable or getting lost in online distractions wasn’t for him. He found what worked best.
And me? I didn’t even try calling his number when I saw there was no WhatsApp account. Because, to me, not having WhatsApp seemed… unbelievable.
Everything is possible. I just wanted to share
Thank you for your words. I’m still questioning those questions, and about to answer I guess.
Not knowing is such a beautiful place to be. Buffering the need to hold stakes in everything is so life giving. As is the freedom to change our mind. Discernment. Flexi. To not being thrashed around! Thanks for this read x
I really love this. Thank you for writing!
Thank YOU for this piece! What an absolute gift, it came so timely (this tends to happen to me with your writing). I've been a lover of your writing since Earth is Hiring and have really enjoyed watching, well reading, things shift and change for you over the years. I'm so keen to read your piece on faith...what you explain here is exactly what i'm wrestling with at the moment when it comes to my own faith. I feel i'm being somewhat pushed into a box to express my faith and my relationship with God in a particular way. To fit the mold of my church. I love my church and my community there, but i've been noticing that my way to connect with the Lord and build my relationship with Him leans more towards some things, and away from others...i'm trying to balance this without feeling like i've "failed" as a Christian because i'm not doing ALL the things.
Anyway, that's my ramble for the morning! Thank you for your presence, Peta! Big love x
I needed to read this today, for so many reasons. Thank you 🤍🤍
I'm in the midst of taking a couple weeks of Instagram/ YT and so much of what you said here is exactly what I've been thinking! Life is way more free without all the noise. Absolutely a refreshing read.
So needed right now. Nothing can be one-size-fits-all and there is no shame in taking a little and leaving a lot. Especially when it comes to content on the internet!
Your voice is making my day today. It feels good to read your point of view, so refreshing and inspiring. Thank you 🙏🏻