Sensi Magazine Freelance Work: Pre-Pandemic Digital Declutter

Today I’m sharing a piece of freelance work I wrote for Sensi Magazine, North Bay after roughly six months of research, and one month of executing my “digital declutter” plan for the month of January.

For those of you that followed me at that time, it will come as no surprise to learn that I had all but eliminated unnecessary technology use from my life. This included but was not limited to: texting, social media, internet surfing, television, and email. I’d use these things for work (during very limited and designated time slots – and only on my computer), or for personal reasons if only 100% necessary. I had researched my way into a routine that I was more than happy in.

I was reading more than ever, taking time for quiet introspection and meditating regularly. I felt grounded for the first time in a decade, and planned to continue minimal tech use moving forward. That is where this article came from.

The reason why I’m sharing this now is because 49 days after coming to these liberating conclusions as a digital minimalist, COVID-19 forced my brick and mortar business location to shut down and overnight I chose to pivot to stay afloat. I switched from a service-based business to one that was retail-based, instantly. Suddenly all the technology I had happily left behind was my lifeline. Social media, online meetings, email and texting kept us open for the fourteen weeks our literal doors were closed.

Now that we are open, I’m navigating both worlds and trying to find my balance, grounded-ness, and answers again. My plan is to write about this new journey, starting with today’s article. In February when I wrote it, it was simpler times for small business.