Reclaim your S P A C E ! ! !
I find myself increasingly growing adverse to using social media. Logging on now feels like a deliberate assigned task rather than a reflex. I’ve been inconsistent with my content because every time I try to adopt a pattern, I get angry for the reasons of having to have a side gig in marketing on social media to grow a brand. I'm not here as a marketeer1. I just wanna write.
With a flood of new subscribers migrating to Substack thanks to the ongoing dumpster fires of X and Meta, finding your digital tribe has never felt more like a survival skill.
Substack has carved out a refreshing corner of the internet—a space where creators can connect directly with readers through recommendations, free from the algorithmic overlords. It’s like the internet’s version of word-of-mouth, and I’m here for it.
The episode of Aud’s Pods covers topics of the ongoing social media global migration we are all currently under the influence of. And Godspeed to you ALL!
I’ll throw down the links to find the guests down below2 👇
If you are one of the Readers having found me through another publication, I'm welcoming you for being here! This feature is as good as an ol'fashioned word-of-mouth recommendation! Below I’ve linked some of my favorite accounts3.
Integrating into the Substack community feels like a fresh start. Whether you’re here as an anonymous avatar or to build your brand, the platform offers a sense of autonomy.
Sure, there are drawbacks (hello trolls, hackers, Nazis… and my growing privacy concerns), BUT, its direct-to-consumer model bypasses traditional gatekeepers. If we want to dethrone the likes of Bezos, this model is a solid start.
That said, Substack ain’t perfect. Direct messaging and the Chat feature keeps us more engaged to screens, but with applied boundaries, it’s manageable. I’m currently loving the slow flow of Subscriber replies that come via Chat.
Your ‘Stack’ is easily found by others users who find you through relatable content you subscribe to. A dependency is created, BUT it replaces the dependency to be elsewhere… if you delete the other platforms 🔑
The Big Tech Broligarchy4 are working feverishly to feed into our device additions, driving us to produce, buy, or consume more. Check out this article on the frustration of using Substack’s Notes feature. I can feel this writer’s exact pain.5 But for now, Substack has the right ingredients for the right time, and it's easy enough to move all your content, including your email list, with the click of a toggle icon.
And, at least here, I can choose authenticity over algorithms. Intentional engagement beats mindless scrolling any day. I'll take slow authenticity, raw talent, and uncharted content over forced algorithms of what others want me to see any day.
I appreciate the content creators and accounts that are keeping things simple6. Often, an image or a few lines of poetry in a post is enough7. That's not my publication strategy, but appreciate those who do this well!
Intentional Engagement in the Digital Wild Wild West
In my role spreading advocation for wellness and healthier mental health, it also feels awful to post messages about how to lower stress on a platform which is giving people more stress. I find it more rewarding to have real bodies in my presence to have discussions and practice these things with.
One of the best messages I can offer on how to deal with stress is unplug!
Put your phone away, turn off your computer and step outside into nature. Cook a meal, clean something, pet an animal, care for another human… whatever it takes to shift your perspective and get you back into living in real life again. Yeah, yeah…blah blah blah…
Though, only post when you feel inspired, and don't feel the pressure of having to do so while following a consistent publication strategy. Leaving a digital footprint with minimal content is best during these early days of Pluto in Aquarius 🔮
Will you make money following this route as a content creator? NO. Because it’s not consistent. If you are unsure of your online campaigns and your ways ahead, wait it out a few months and just observe.
Not everyone here seeks to monetise and grow a brand. Treating social media like it's an online shopping mall is helpful in changing your online habits for why you're here in the first place. What are you shopping for and why? Or are you just wasting time? If the latter, can this time be better "wasted" off the internet?
Are you just having fun and looking to engage with others? Well then, phuck up those algorithms! Confuse everyone! Post cryptic messages to your friends with memes that only make sense to you. Post a picture of your big hairy toe and say nothing. Respond to your own posts in your comment section encouraging yourself as a form of self validation. Host a live watch event and invite your friends to join you for a 1 song dance off. Express your disdain in protest of your shitty government!8 Nothing is out of limits anymore as the Wild Wild West of the Internet is officially a real-life virtual space of lawless anarchy.
I advise for you to not be predictable on social media, but rather remind you never to skip a nature break 😉
Embracing Anarchy in the Digital Sphere
During the pandemic, I redefined my relationship with social media. Setting boundaries and intentions wasn’t easy—it took much practice. But now, I openly acknowledge my struggles with online addiction while advocating for others to reassess their habits.
I spend much of my time monitoring what my kids are consuming online. If not for this, I’d likely operate loosely outside of the digital matrix, tethered to just one website and one social platform. Honestly, I’m in awe of those who do this already. (If that’s you, drop your wisdom—I’m all ears!)
But breaking an addictive cycle means redefining our values and how we use technology. It’s not just about logging off; it’s about reclaiming control of the space we create in leaving behind old habits. Breaking free from digital addiction is hard, especially when the online world feels like an extension of ourselves. But reforming our habits begins with one cold, honest question: Why am I here?
Take a hard look at your digital habits. Are they self-serving or self-sabotaging? By dissecting the why behind our usage, we can create healthier routines that prioritise self-care and mindfulness.
In essence, reshaping our digital habits isn’t just about behaviour change—it’s about empowerment. It’s about taking back control in an age where our time, energy, and attention are constantly up for grabs. And maybe…just maybe, it’s about reminding ourselves that the real world—the one beyond the screen—is still worth investing in.
Boundary Up!
Audra
Thank you ‘Book Coach K-Pow’ -
for your undying support and contributions 🫂🙏 Thank you Dr. Christina Winters for bringing a pragmatic Elder Millennial perspective.
💪 Hometown #joplinstrong favorite Amanda Bearden continues to offer homegrown organic wisdom from the flyover States 🇺🇸
And to
- for honourable mentions in spirit!In settings, link with other accounts to help cross promote, as shown below. Tagging these accounts in gratitude 🙏
- - - - - -
Share this post