A personal reflection on embracing digital minimalism in 2025, from switching to a Light Phone to quitting Amazon, plus changes for this Substack publication.
I love that you continue to be intentional about your writing and your life. It is always good to step back, reevaluate and see what is working. I am glad you are continuing to write at a pace that works for this current season of your life.
Thank you, Matthew. Have you read Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman? It's a great book. I think you would also enjoy The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, though that one's written for a Christian audience.
Ah, I've been thinking about getting the Light phone as well!
And it's the same thing that is holding me back - the ability to listen to music and podcasts (and for me, also audiobooks). If there is one thing about the internet I have probably never complained about is how much music is pretty easily available to me. And so far, I haven't found a way to compensate for that without an app :/
On the other hand, I have been thinking of severely dumbifying my smartphone but of course, then it's still a smartphone... Idk. I would love to hear about your experience with the Light phone later on!
Yes!! I'll update on how it goes. I listen to podcasts on Spotify, so I'm not even sure how it works, really. I've tried dumbifying my phone too.. but it's way too easy to re-download apps, and my self-control isn't good enough, I guess. 🥲
Same here 😅 I’ve been trying to research other ways to listen to music and podcasts in a way I’d like but haven’t really had much luck. But with the rising popularity of dumb phones and returning to analog versions of things, I’m hoping something will pop up at some point.
Really love this, Tiffany. I’m pretty good about not letting Apps suck my time but Substack notes (just reading and occasionally commenting) ends up sucking more time than I should let it. I really admire you for saying you’re not focused on growth after a certain point and want to focus on who's here *now*. 👏🏻👏🏻
You have more self-control than I do. I would delete apps, then eventually re-download them.. My saving grace is I leave my phone out of sight a lot and often forget where it is. Then my husband can't reach me when he needs me. And thank you!
Loved my Light Phone!!! I'm back on a "smart" phone now on a family plan but bought the Minimalist phone app which basically makes it similar to a Light Phone. Excited to read about your experience with the transition and the slowing down the pace of life in 2025, 1000% here for that!
I love this! I have been thinking about some of these very things as ways to simplify, so I appreciate your honest thoughts, intentions behind them. It helps me see that I'll be okay if I make that jump too! Also, just love your dedication to yourself — it's such an inspiring thing to watch. We NEED more creators talking about the power of being content.
Thanks, Jade! We will be okay. I want to hear more about how it goes for you, too. I think contentment is difficult, but I also think it's true what people say: if we're not happy with 100 followers, we won't be happy with 1000, and on and on. For someone who was utterly terrified of getting more than 100, it's grounding to continue focusing on my "core readers" whenever I write and publish something (like you, for example). That way I don't get distracted and "lose" myself in pursuit of success, whatever that even means.
I've been somewhat burnt out from work and all the writing goals I set for myself this year. Now I'm taking all of December off to reevaluate, and I can resonate with what you shared here about slowing down and simplifying!
So interesting to hear about the Light Phone. Very intriguing! Anxious to hear updates about how that works for you.
I think for me, one of my goals for being more intentional digitally is to focus on both consuming and creating more long-form content like newsletters, blog posts, essays, and YouTube videos vs mindless scrolling through short-form content like Instagram, TikTok, etc.
It’s so lovely to hear from you, Emily! My Light Phone be arriving any day now, so I’ll be sure to write about my thoughts after a while.
I love that, Emily. We could all do with more mindful reading/consuming. Speaking of which, I still can’t figure out how to get updates from your blog for the life of me.
I’m not sure there is a way right now 😅 It’s on my list of things to update eventually. But I will be starting a Substack in the upcoming year with more creative writing — the blog is focused more on reference posts and the writing is less creative because of SEO.
Yes to simplifying. That's a very brave move to change to light phone. I'll be interested to learn about your experience.
I wonder too if I should carry a camera to do more intentional photography again. I stopped like a decade ago? Much thanks to the convenience of iPhone.
I have to keep reminding myself too why I am here in the first place, and why I am writing. It is so easy to get distracted by growth and the "promise" of notes. I still do not want to go all in to this social media aspect of substack, not after I quit it for good.
I vote for more long form intentional writing, as a reader and a writer. :)
Yes to all of this! I’m planning to share about my Light Phone experience, good and bad. :D
Also guilty of not carrying a camera around anymore. To be fair, my camera is bulky and heavy, which isn’t convenient when you have diaper bags and small children…..but still. I used to be the person who carried it around EVERYWHERE, and I do miss the intentionality of finding art in the mundane like that sometimes.
It is so tempting to fall down the rabbit hole of wanting to grow. I get that, too. I’m very glad I have people like you, Rachel. Reminding me who I’m writing for.
Yknow, I'd try switching to a dumb phone if it didnt cost 600 dollars lol. But that's just an excuse. I'm sure I could find a cheap dumb phone susbtitute to the light phone you linked.
I love that you're trying to get more offline. It's something I know I need but am afraid of doing I guess. It's hard to get off of this digital cocain.
Getting addicted to substack notifications and chasing engagement is a killer of joy and ruins the experience for readers too, because you show up with the wrong intentions.
That book website seems really cool. Imma save this post. And subscribe too, albet a free one 😆. Also love seeing you promote yourself. It's not easy to market yourself. It can be deeply uncomfortable.
Thanks, Walyullah! I appreciate your encouragement.
Haha I hear you. Flip phones are still around. The light phone was a good compromise for me, though I admit the price is steep for what it is.
It's REALLY hard to get offline. I think as a millennial, I have the benefit of remembering a childhood without Internet and devices, and spending most of my time playing outside with my friends. That probably shapes my perspective. Plus, my parents were pretty controlling and VERY against the "outside world," so my Internet and computer access was limited anyway. One could argue that had its downsides, but at least one of the upsides is that it doesn't feel like such a huge loss to not be online all the time.
Yeah, as a homeschooled (for several grades, most of primary/middle school) gen z, I got online much younger, like around 10 when I was given my first device. Though until then it was a lot better and safer with someone's hand me down red game boy. I somewhat remember a internet free childhood. Flip phones with games on them were so cool to me haha. But that phase didn't last long.
I'm hoping this year I'll grow my internet relationship to something more intentional and regulated.
What would you say is the smallest first step towards that? From your experience. Something I can try to build as a baseline habit.
That's pretty good for gen-z, not having a device until age ten. As for advice, I think it depends on you. I do well when I go cold turkey. I sometimes put my smartphone away in a drawer and just didn't think about it. The problem was that my husband wouldn't be able to reach me lol. So I still needed a dumb phone for basic functions that wouldn't distract me.
I love that you continue to be intentional about your writing and your life. It is always good to step back, reevaluate and see what is working. I am glad you are continuing to write at a pace that works for this current season of your life.
Thank you, Matthew. Have you read Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman? It's a great book. I think you would also enjoy The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, though that one's written for a Christian audience.
I haven’t read either of those but will check them out. Thanks.
I didn't realise i could read Substack on Kobe!!!
It's a game-changer.
Ah, I've been thinking about getting the Light phone as well!
And it's the same thing that is holding me back - the ability to listen to music and podcasts (and for me, also audiobooks). If there is one thing about the internet I have probably never complained about is how much music is pretty easily available to me. And so far, I haven't found a way to compensate for that without an app :/
On the other hand, I have been thinking of severely dumbifying my smartphone but of course, then it's still a smartphone... Idk. I would love to hear about your experience with the Light phone later on!
Yes!! I'll update on how it goes. I listen to podcasts on Spotify, so I'm not even sure how it works, really. I've tried dumbifying my phone too.. but it's way too easy to re-download apps, and my self-control isn't good enough, I guess. 🥲
Same here 😅 I’ve been trying to research other ways to listen to music and podcasts in a way I’d like but haven’t really had much luck. But with the rising popularity of dumb phones and returning to analog versions of things, I’m hoping something will pop up at some point.
Looking forward to future updates!
Really love this, Tiffany. I’m pretty good about not letting Apps suck my time but Substack notes (just reading and occasionally commenting) ends up sucking more time than I should let it. I really admire you for saying you’re not focused on growth after a certain point and want to focus on who's here *now*. 👏🏻👏🏻
You have more self-control than I do. I would delete apps, then eventually re-download them.. My saving grace is I leave my phone out of sight a lot and often forget where it is. Then my husband can't reach me when he needs me. And thank you!
Same here! I lose track of my phone, which is great until my husband calls three times from the grocery store
Oh my gosh, yes! And he's ALWAYS like, "What is the point of you even HAVING a phone??"
Wow love this, I have to check out the Light Phone!
If you get one, I'd be interested to hear what you think of it, too!
Great ideas! Thank u for sharing. I’m def getting rid of some streaming channels next year.
Thanks, Robin!
Loved my Light Phone!!! I'm back on a "smart" phone now on a family plan but bought the Minimalist phone app which basically makes it similar to a Light Phone. Excited to read about your experience with the transition and the slowing down the pace of life in 2025, 1000% here for that!
How encouraging to hear that you loved the Light Phone, Anyakara! I'm really excited for it.
I love this! I have been thinking about some of these very things as ways to simplify, so I appreciate your honest thoughts, intentions behind them. It helps me see that I'll be okay if I make that jump too! Also, just love your dedication to yourself — it's such an inspiring thing to watch. We NEED more creators talking about the power of being content.
Thanks, Jade! We will be okay. I want to hear more about how it goes for you, too. I think contentment is difficult, but I also think it's true what people say: if we're not happy with 100 followers, we won't be happy with 1000, and on and on. For someone who was utterly terrified of getting more than 100, it's grounding to continue focusing on my "core readers" whenever I write and publish something (like you, for example). That way I don't get distracted and "lose" myself in pursuit of success, whatever that even means.
Thanks for sharing this reflection.
I've been somewhat burnt out from work and all the writing goals I set for myself this year. Now I'm taking all of December off to reevaluate, and I can resonate with what you shared here about slowing down and simplifying!
I appreciate your honesty, Kevin. I got quite burnt out, too. Wishing you all the best as you ground yourself and figure out what's best.
So interesting to hear about the Light Phone. Very intriguing! Anxious to hear updates about how that works for you.
I think for me, one of my goals for being more intentional digitally is to focus on both consuming and creating more long-form content like newsletters, blog posts, essays, and YouTube videos vs mindless scrolling through short-form content like Instagram, TikTok, etc.
It’s so lovely to hear from you, Emily! My Light Phone be arriving any day now, so I’ll be sure to write about my thoughts after a while.
I love that, Emily. We could all do with more mindful reading/consuming. Speaking of which, I still can’t figure out how to get updates from your blog for the life of me.
I’m not sure there is a way right now 😅 It’s on my list of things to update eventually. But I will be starting a Substack in the upcoming year with more creative writing — the blog is focused more on reference posts and the writing is less creative because of SEO.
YOU'RE FINALLY STARTING A SUBSTACK OMG!! Can I take credit? LOL. I'm so excited!!
Yes to simplifying. That's a very brave move to change to light phone. I'll be interested to learn about your experience.
I wonder too if I should carry a camera to do more intentional photography again. I stopped like a decade ago? Much thanks to the convenience of iPhone.
I have to keep reminding myself too why I am here in the first place, and why I am writing. It is so easy to get distracted by growth and the "promise" of notes. I still do not want to go all in to this social media aspect of substack, not after I quit it for good.
I vote for more long form intentional writing, as a reader and a writer. :)
Yes to all of this! I’m planning to share about my Light Phone experience, good and bad. :D
Also guilty of not carrying a camera around anymore. To be fair, my camera is bulky and heavy, which isn’t convenient when you have diaper bags and small children…..but still. I used to be the person who carried it around EVERYWHERE, and I do miss the intentionality of finding art in the mundane like that sometimes.
It is so tempting to fall down the rabbit hole of wanting to grow. I get that, too. I’m very glad I have people like you, Rachel. Reminding me who I’m writing for.
Yes! To all of this. I'm getting my Light Phone in February, and I can hardly wait. I hope you'll write about your experience with it.
Oh yay! I’m so happy to find another Light Phone user. Mine just arrived today, and I’m so excited.
I have no notification on my iPhone. Only my alarm clocks. If I read something, I read it. It’s very careless but somehow I’m never behind.
Yknow, I'd try switching to a dumb phone if it didnt cost 600 dollars lol. But that's just an excuse. I'm sure I could find a cheap dumb phone susbtitute to the light phone you linked.
I love that you're trying to get more offline. It's something I know I need but am afraid of doing I guess. It's hard to get off of this digital cocain.
Getting addicted to substack notifications and chasing engagement is a killer of joy and ruins the experience for readers too, because you show up with the wrong intentions.
That book website seems really cool. Imma save this post. And subscribe too, albet a free one 😆. Also love seeing you promote yourself. It's not easy to market yourself. It can be deeply uncomfortable.
Thanks, Walyullah! I appreciate your encouragement.
Haha I hear you. Flip phones are still around. The light phone was a good compromise for me, though I admit the price is steep for what it is.
It's REALLY hard to get offline. I think as a millennial, I have the benefit of remembering a childhood without Internet and devices, and spending most of my time playing outside with my friends. That probably shapes my perspective. Plus, my parents were pretty controlling and VERY against the "outside world," so my Internet and computer access was limited anyway. One could argue that had its downsides, but at least one of the upsides is that it doesn't feel like such a huge loss to not be online all the time.
Yeah, as a homeschooled (for several grades, most of primary/middle school) gen z, I got online much younger, like around 10 when I was given my first device. Though until then it was a lot better and safer with someone's hand me down red game boy. I somewhat remember a internet free childhood. Flip phones with games on them were so cool to me haha. But that phase didn't last long.
I'm hoping this year I'll grow my internet relationship to something more intentional and regulated.
What would you say is the smallest first step towards that? From your experience. Something I can try to build as a baseline habit.
That's pretty good for gen-z, not having a device until age ten. As for advice, I think it depends on you. I do well when I go cold turkey. I sometimes put my smartphone away in a drawer and just didn't think about it. The problem was that my husband wouldn't be able to reach me lol. So I still needed a dumb phone for basic functions that wouldn't distract me.
Oh draft to digital and pocket are both great PSAs - thank you!
Yes! I'm enjoying the promotional opportunities at Kobo too.