Less Scroll, More Soul

“I’m just a simple girl in a high-tech digital world.” — Jewel

Those lyrics from Jewel’s Intuition have always resonated with me. And since that song’s release in 2003, our digital world has evolved beyond anything we could have imagined. Now, virtually everything is available at our fingertips. We carry in our pockets a little device that connects us to the world around us — while simultaneously pulling us away from our humanity.

On October 18, just as the Moon enters Libra in preparation for the New Moon, I’ll be deactivating my social media accounts. This is part of a bigger effort to streamline my life — to be more intentional with my digital experience and stay grounded in an analogue way of living. I’ve circled this decision for a while, but it’s clear, the time is now. From reducing my reliance on devices to stepping away from social media, I’m ready to embrace a simpler way of life.

I wasn’t going to say anything. I mean, why does it matter if I’m online or not? Why not just slip away quietly? But this time feels different. My why is clear, and naming it makes it real. It closes the loop so I can reclaim my time and energy. It’s like finishing a task that’s been lingering on your to-do list — the relief of freeing up that mental bandwidth is palpable. That’s what I’m after: less clutter in my brain, more space in my life.

I first noticed how draining social media was while leading a retreat in Italy last year. I barely touched my phone, and the difference was unbelievable. I felt free. Present. Spacious. Life had rhythm again. But this past summer was the opposite. I caught myself scrolling every chance I got — between tasks, during social events, and the worst, first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I filled every empty moment with stimulation: Instagram, podcasts, articles… I even started playing games on my phone, something I hadn’t done since Brickbreaker on my Blackberry (IYKYK).

At first, social media sparked inspiration: I can do that! Then came pressure: I should do that. Then comparison: Why aren’t you doing that? And finally, the critic: See, you could have done that — you could have been more successful, more visible, more known. It’s sneaky, how it seduces you with inspiration and then tears you down with criticism.

There have been so many “lost time” moments. I’d pick up my phone just to check a message, and suddenly time would evapourate. Once, I ran a bath — something usually sacred for me — and ended up cycling from app to app until I realized I’d been soaking for two hours. (Which isn’t unheard of for me, but I wasn’t even aware I was soaking.) Instead of feeling refreshed, I got out feeling fried, exhausted, and scattered. That’s the pattern: scrolling leaves me drained — and I’m meant to thrive.

So why now? Because I’m tired of feeling tired. Moving forward, I’m focusing on four areas: health, wealth, relationships, and Spirit. If something doesn’t regulate my nervous system, improve vitality, create stability, or deepen my connections with family, friends, my partner, or the Divine, then it’s simply a no. Social media pulls me away from all of these. It scatters me, overstimulates me, and distracts me.

If social media is sugar, I’m choosing nutrient-dense meals — moving my body, studying, working on creative projects, maybe even taking a class or learning a new skill. And if I return to social media, it won’t be to consume. It will be to share — more intentionally, mindfully, and meaningfully.

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Before I go, I want to leave you with this: your presence in this world is far more important than anything you can tap, scroll, or swipe. I love you.