29 Comments

It's funny, I've actually come to a peaceful place with Instagram. It's always been my creative outlet for my photography and shortform journaling, once I decided that this is ok and that I don't need to turn it into a 100% business account, I feel much calmer about it all and simply enjoy it. Mostly in the evenings when I chill out on the sofa while my husband watches TV. Mind you, reading real books! I have so many unread ones stacking up, you're inspiring me to replace my phone with one of those more often. I've never followed Seth Godin, maybe it's time to start. Great post! xo

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I similarly adore Seth Godin, and so appreciate his perspective on social media and other distractions. I'm still reconciling my own relationship with social media (and other distractions). Loving your forms of exercise and how you're working *with* your body. Happy new year, still!

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I’ve been “off” instagram since 9 December - and “solid” definitely sums it up. My ability to focus seems to have improved and I’ve read more books in 2023 so far than I did in the whole of 2022. And I am also trying to learn the tarot in 2023 - using the Modern Witches deck and “Wild Card” by Jen Cownie, which is lovely!

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My relationship with the socials is happily distant these days. I pop in briefly in the evening after I've given the best of my attention to the things that mean the most. Like you and others, it's definitely showing in improved focus and creative energy. Yay! I've also started morning writing again. Just 10 minutes of brain-dumping free write but it sorts out my head and gives me a "promise to myself kept" win every morning that translates to more promises to myself kept throughout the day. I'm in awe of your dedication to walking. Cheering you on from across the pond! I'll be adding gentle daily walks to my mornings in February. Too much change at once always ends for me in tears and wreckage, so I'm working in phases.

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This January has been extra dark, don't you think? I'm finding myself wanting to hibernate away and wake up when spring arrives. But it's definitely been a big permission to go inwards, lots of journalling and pulling cards and allowing myself to dream is what's been lighting up these dark days. As for Instagram, I left in June 2021 after a tumultuous relationship with it for years. I had finally had enough of my own BS with it: mindless scrolling, constant comparison, lack of clarity and focus. I'd thought about returning but it makes no sense because I know better. And I know I would fall back into the old ways. I guess I am just not one of those people that can create these boundaries with Instagram. I am either all in or all out. The all-out option just makes more sense to my piece of mind. I wonder if that's a neurodivergent thing :/

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Jan 17, 2023Liked by Jo Hanlon-Moores

Ah I have been thinking about that whole Instagram shenanigans myself. Every day. And I am on there less and less. I deleted Twitter app a while back and not missed it after weaning myself off. I know exactly what you mean. The feeling of more solid. With the work being done on the house I feel like I have to work hard to keep overwhelm at bay... so there is little space for that additional distraction.

I loved Scotland’s sacred islands, it had a profound impact on me and I am planning on rewatching it soon.

I am looking for more joy. Feeling good. Scrolling just does not often feel good. I am not saying it cannot because that’s not true either because at times I had great joy scrolling, but for the most part it just feels crap.

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Jan 19, 2023·edited Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jo Hanlon-Moores

I just settled down with a cuppa to read all the wonderful Substacks I subscribe to, and yours was first! Thank you for your reflections on 2023 so far. I loved that idea of deciding what you want to be great at and being blinkered to do that. I've noticed that writing short form posts for Insta has stunted my capacity to write long essays and blog posts and I want to get back to that.

And then I spat out my tea when I read my name!! I am thrilled that you're finding Circle Skills inspiring, and all giddy with gratitude and delight that you included it in what you've loved so far - thank you.

As to what's getting me through these winter days, always books, I'm currently reading Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It, by Janina Ramirez, and Earthed by Rebecca Schiller. Thanks again - I so love Substack connections xx

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So funny, I was out walking on the green way this afternoon and listened to the first 10 mins of Seth's Richroll podcast before losing my connection. To be continued...

I think everybody's feeling pretty much the same regarding IG at the moment. I've been sharing stories 5 mins a day and probably trying to block Shein / National Lottery /Bot babes another 10. Total waste of time !

However, last week, I met two online "friends" in Paris, one I've been chatting to for years, and the other a very impressive silent follower, who really took me by surprise. I came away from both of my rendez-vous with a spring in my step, determined to get on with my own thing...

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Aw I loved reading this. You’ve totally inspired me here on many counts! I have started a new approach to the socials this year which is working well. No apps on my phone except Substack and I’ve ditched twitter completely. I’ve done Instagram detoxes for a year but over Christmas it was just so insightful to me on so many levels. I’m excited to get INTO conversations again and make connections - I really feel Substack has given us the space for this again and made everything so user friendly! Cx

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deletedJan 17, 2023Liked by Jo Hanlon-Moores
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