JOURNALS

Saturday was a unique blend of activities that stretched across the productive and the mundane, wrapping up with some good self-reflection. The morning was largely marked by leisure activities, although it’s debatable whether going through and cancelling numerous unused subscriptions qualifies as relaxation. Still, it was satisfying in its own way. Sorting through the forgotten services and ending their sneaky charges felt a bit like decluttering, even if it involved more clicking than tidying.

My initial plan was to make significant headway with my website, specifically creating the "Shop is Being Revamped" page. This is especially vital as I plan to take the shop offline towards the month's end and replace it with a placeholder page. The challenge lies in deciding which platform to switch to—Squarespace, Wix, or something else. There’s a lot of 'shopping around' happening, even though it's all virtual. Right now, it's about finding the right balance between utility and cost-effectiveness, preferably with a discount for the first few months.

Reflecting on the past week, I find little in terms of experiences that would aid my relaxation. Encounters with estate agents and solicitors have been long and draining, filled with empty deadlines and false hopes. The constant two-week ticker that never quite reaches zero is frustrating. It’s exhausting mentally and leaves no room for genuine relaxation or a sense of well-being. This week is a reminder that dealing with continuous uncertainty can sap one's energy more than any single crisis might.

Despite the financial frustrations, I managed to find some comfort in the small victories of today. Cancelling those subscriptions brought a sense of relief that I didn't quite anticipate. It feels good to lessen the digital clutter, the ghost expenses that silently drain finances and mental energy. There's something oddly liberating about hitting 'cancel' on services that no longer serve any purpose.

Later in the day, I switched gears entirely, immersing myself in Diablo for a good chunk of time. Gaming provided an escape, a mental break from the complexities of adult life, and allowed my brain to just 'go with the flow.' It was a delightful reprieve, not just from today's tasks but from the lingering tension of the week.

As evening rolled around, I dedicated some time to reading "Artist and Computer". The book is a fascinating exploration of the intersection of art and technology, and I found it surprisingly relaxing. It started to shift my thinking from digital frustrations to creative opportunities. It aligns perfectly with my contemplation about moving towards more physical media, like zines and smaller publications. These offer a tangible form of expression and feel ever so slightly nostalgic, yet innovatively modern.

The day closed on a note of satisfaction—some tasks finished, some left for another time, but all within a context of renewed clarity. Moving forward, I want to explore these physical media avenues further. They promise a refreshing break from the digital world, something more tactile and perhaps more meaningful. The goal is not to eliminate social media but to use it more sparingly and deliberately, maybe even shifting some of that interaction into more personal and physical realms.

Finishing up, I am reminded that while plans don't always work out, and financial worries linger, there's still value in the small wins. Decluttering, gaming, reading, and even cancelled subscriptions all contribute to a nuanced improvement in the day. So, here's to small victories and the hope that they pave the way for bigger, better days ahead.