DiscussMormonism.com

You guys,

So I've been taking more and more time away from the internet lately and finding it good medicine for me. I've been shutting off my phone for about 2 years now, and just check it intermittently. I literally talk to no one by phone except occasionally immediate family members and only if I have to and one of my sisters probably once a year. No lie. That's because I've been sick for a long time. People who message me via phone already know they won't get a reply right away because my phone is off. Family knows how to get through to me if they need to. Anyway...currently, some things seem to be converging...shutting off the phone, the time I naturally took off from online and social media and how that feels to me.

Then I found an interview by a young woman about her organization called Log Off Movement...very good stuff.

Here: https://www.logoffmovement.org/

I detoxed for the most part from politics by unsubscribing to every single politics related youtube channel. I usually know what's happening by reading headlines (sometimes I don't even do that) and then I'll see youtube shorts or watch part of one video about it on youtube. I can even check what's happening by reading the threads on this board which lately aren't of real interest to me.

I chose Sundays for my no internet day and I've stuck to that for the most part. I don't usually post here on that day though I've slipped up a time or two but mostly don't even look at the forums if I happen to be checking messages. I extended that to some Saturdays too. There's something I *have* to do online but I've let people know that I won't be answering emails on the weekend to help clear my path to peace. Removing all the interaction I can reasonably achieve.

And this evening...I came upon a new video by the psych I really like, Dr. Razz is what I call him now.

If you're feeling off balance, stressed, like you fell through the Looking Glass type thing...you might like to watch this and see what you think about his advice. Run time is just over 20 minutes.

It Feels Like We Slipped Into A Parallel Universe About 10 Years Ago. A Psychiatrist Explains Why
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEJsR7Uv1dQ&t=987s

All that being said (or blathered as the case may be), it feels like I'm getting reinforcement for going increasingly unplugged in different ways and from sources, so I'm planning to take even more time offline now. I know it's better for me, I know what nature does for me, what solitude does for me, and what creative interests do for me as well. All good!

Take a look at Dr. Razz's new video and see what you think and look at the good work they're doing in the Log Off Movement.

I won't be here tomorrow to see if there are any replies. I won't be checking messages. I'm pulling my head out of the screen and...

"Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul" ~ John Muir

Have a great weekend friends!

J to the absolute no kidding G

Spending time away from the news isn't just a good vacation; I think it's vital for mental well-being. I'm finding it really easy to slip into despair when I read the news and it leads me to think about how belligerent and stupid Americans are, so it's better if I disengage for a while. I completely agree with your point.

Jersey Girl wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 21, 2025 5:17 am

You guys,

So I've been taking more and more time away from the internet lately and finding it good medicine for me. I've been shutting off my phone for about 2 years now, and just check it intermittently. I literally talk to no one by phone except occasionally immediate family members and only if I have to and one of my sisters probably once a year. No lie. That's because I've been sick for a long time. People who message me via phone already know they won't get a reply right away because my phone is off. Family knows how to get through to me if they need to. Anyway...currently, some things seem to be converging...shutting off the phone, the time I naturally took off from online and social media and how that feels to me.

Then I found an interview by a young woman about her organization called Log Off Movement...very good stuff.

Here: https://www.logoffmovement.org/

I detoxed for the most part from politics by unsubscribing to every single politics related youtube channel. I usually know what's happening by reading headlines (sometimes I don't even do that) and then I'll see youtube shorts or watch part of one video about it on youtube. I can even check what's happening by reading the threads on this board which lately aren't of real interest to me.

I chose Sundays for my no internet day and I've stuck to that for the most part. I don't usually post here on that day though I've slipped up a time or two but mostly don't even look at the forums if I happen to be checking messages. I extended that to some Saturdays too. There's something I *have* to do online but I've let people know that I won't be answering emails on the weekend to help clear my path to peace. Removing all the interaction I can reasonably achieve.

And this evening...I came upon a new video by the psych I really like, Dr. Razz is what I call him now.

If you're feeling off balance, stressed, like you fell through the Looking Glass type thing...you might like to watch this and see what you think about his advice. Run time is just over 20 minutes.

It Feels Like We Slipped Into A Parallel Universe About 10 Years Ago. A Psychiatrist Explains Why
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEJsR7Uv1dQ&t=987s

All that being said (or blathered as the case may be), it feels like I'm getting reinforcement for going increasingly unplugged in different ways and from sources, so I'm planning to take even more time offline now. I know it's better for me, I know what nature does for me, what solitude does for me, and what creative interests do for me as well. All good!

Take a look at Dr. Razz's new video and see what you think and look at the good work they're doing in the Log Off Movement.

I won't be here tomorrow to see if there are any replies. I won't be checking messages. I'm pulling my head out of the screen and...

"Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul" ~ John Muir

Have a great weekend friends!

J to the absolute no kidding G

I'm doing that also and doing far more of my watercolor painting, and its so right for me to be doing. I'm even selling several now! I do enjoy online at times, but not at all like I used to 24/7. GOOD ON ya Jersey Girl.

Some Schmo wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 21, 2025 6:03 am

Spending time away from the news isn't just a good vacation; I think it's vital for mental well-being. I'm finding it really easy to slip into despair when I read the news and it leads me to think about how belligerent and stupid Americans are, so it's better if I disengage for a while. I completely agree with your point.

Same. It's not good for your head. Do you notice that when you pull your head out of it and walk out the front door that everything is fine in your neighborhood? Folks going about their business and all? Out here in the sticks, nothing has changed. People walking the dirt roads still wave to you as usual. I'm so happy I live out here. Was driving to the pharmacy yesterday and notice a big herd of cows grazing in their pasture and I thought..."See that? They don't know what's going on in the human world and they are at peace just doing what they do". And so long as I shut off the garbage online that's me too.

Sat on the back porch today for a while and this is who I interacted with.

Philo Sofee wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 22, 2025 2:38 am

Jersey Girl wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 21, 2025 5:17 am

You guys,

So I've been taking more and more time away from the internet lately and finding it good medicine for me. I've been shutting off my phone for about 2 years now, and just check it intermittently. I literally talk to no one by phone except occasionally immediate family members and only if I have to and one of my sisters probably once a year. No lie. That's because I've been sick for a long time. People who message me via phone already know they won't get a reply right away because my phone is off. Family knows how to get through to me if they need to. Anyway...currently, some things seem to be converging...shutting off the phone, the time I naturally took off from online and social media and how that feels to me.

Then I found an interview by a young woman about her organization called Log Off Movement...very good stuff.

Here: https://www.logoffmovement.org/

I detoxed for the most part from politics by unsubscribing to every single politics related youtube channel. I usually know what's happening by reading headlines (sometimes I don't even do that) and then I'll see youtube shorts or watch part of one video about it on youtube. I can even check what's happening by reading the threads on this board which lately aren't of real interest to me.

I chose Sundays for my no internet day and I've stuck to that for the most part. I don't usually post here on that day though I've slipped up a time or two but mostly don't even look at the forums if I happen to be checking messages. I extended that to some Saturdays too. There's something I *have* to do online but I've let people know that I won't be answering emails on the weekend to help clear my path to peace. Removing all the interaction I can reasonably achieve.

And this evening...I came upon a new video by the psych I really like, Dr. Razz is what I call him now.

If you're feeling off balance, stressed, like you fell through the Looking Glass type thing...you might like to watch this and see what you think about his advice. Run time is just over 20 minutes.

It Feels Like We Slipped Into A Parallel Universe About 10 Years Ago. A Psychiatrist Explains Why
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEJsR7Uv1dQ&t=987s

All that being said (or blathered as the case may be), it feels like I'm getting reinforcement for going increasingly unplugged in different ways and from sources, so I'm planning to take even more time offline now. I know it's better for me, I know what nature does for me, what solitude does for me, and what creative interests do for me as well. All good!

Take a look at Dr. Razz's new video and see what you think and look at the good work they're doing in the Log Off Movement.

I won't be here tomorrow to see if there are any replies. I won't be checking messages. I'm pulling my head out of the screen and...

"Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul" ~ John Muir

Have a great weekend friends!

J to the absolute no kidding G

I'm doing that also and doing far more of my watercolor painting, and its so right for me to be doing. I'm even selling several now! I do enjoy online at times, but not at all like I used to 24/7. GOOD ON ya Jersey Girl.

Remember I told you decades ago that you were gifted? Do you? If people could SEE what you are doing right now they'd just flip and I'm not at all surprised that you are selling. I love what you create, Philo Sofee. Exquisite evidence of an exquisite mind. I can't believe what I am seeing come from your head to your hands to your brush in watercolor or who knows...maybe even a coffee cup.

There is so much more to this world than what appears on our screens. Beautiful things to wonder at, admire, and for you to paint. I can see headlines if I want to. It's all the same click-bait-stress-you-out-and-keep-clicking-stuff.

I ain't falling for it. I am making it a priority to guard my head and my heart. I'm falling for nature, for God, and my paints. And I'm camping out right there.

Jersey Girl wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 23, 2025 3:52 am

Some Schmo wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 21, 2025 6:03 am

Spending time away from the news isn't just a good vacation; I think it's vital for mental well-being. I'm finding it really easy to slip into despair when I read the news and it leads me to think about how belligerent and stupid Americans are, so it's better if I disengage for a while. I completely agree with your point.

Same. It's not good for your head. Do you notice that when you pull your head out of it and walk out the front door that everything is fine in your neighborhood? Folks going about their business and all? Out here in the sticks, nothing has changed. People walking the dirt roads still wave to you as usual. I'm so happy I live out here. Was driving to the pharmacy yesterday and notice a big herd of cows grazing in their pasture and I thought..."See that? They don't know what's going on in the human world and they are at peace just doing what they do". And so long as I shut off the garbage online that's me too.

Sat on the back porch today for a while and this is who I interacted with.

Oh Bambi on the grass. GRIN! I am green with envy!

Jersey Girl wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 23, 2025 3:52 am

Do you notice that when you pull your head out of it and walk out the front door that everything is fine in your neighborhood? Folks going about their business and all? Out here in the sticks, nothing has changed. People walking the dirt roads still wave to you as usual. I'm so happy I live out here. Was driving to the pharmacy yesterday and notice a big herd of cows grazing in their pasture and I thought..."See that? They don't know what's going on in the human world and they are at peace just doing what they do". And so long as I shut off the garbage online that's me too.

Jersey Girl, I often can relate to what you say, but this... It's like we've mind-melded.

When I go outside and just walk around my neighborhood, everything seems fine. People are normal. Kids are playing.

I swear: the general public was never meant to have computers or the internet. I think I will always stand by that opinion. The vast majority can't handle it. Computers were meant for geeks, and they should have stayed in that community. The world would be a better place.

Philo Sofee wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 23, 2025 5:34 am

Jersey Girl wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 23, 2025 3:52 am

Same. It's not good for your head. Do you notice that when you pull your head out of it and walk out the front door that everything is fine in your neighborhood? Folks going about their business and all? Out here in the sticks, nothing has changed. People walking the dirt roads still wave to you as usual. I'm so happy I live out here. Was driving to the pharmacy yesterday and notice a big herd of cows grazing in their pasture and I thought..."See that? They don't know what's going on in the human world and they are at peace just doing what they do". And so long as I shut off the garbage online that's me too.

Sat on the back porch today for a while and this is who I interacted with.

Oh Bambi on the grass. GRIN! I am green with envy!

Don't let her peaceful demeanor fool you. I've seen her go for all out broke when defending her child.

Stay away from the baby. Stay very far away. Don't even look like you're coming near it.

Some Schmo wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 23, 2025 6:06 am

Jersey Girl wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 23, 2025 3:52 am

Do you notice that when you pull your head out of it and walk out the front door that everything is fine in your neighborhood? Folks going about their business and all? Out here in the sticks, nothing has changed. People walking the dirt roads still wave to you as usual. I'm so happy I live out here. Was driving to the pharmacy yesterday and notice a big herd of cows grazing in their pasture and I thought..."See that? They don't know what's going on in the human world and they are at peace just doing what they do". And so long as I shut off the garbage online that's me too.

Jersey Girl, I often can relate to what you say, but this... It's like we've mind-melded.

I can believe that. All you have to do is get away from screens and you can see it all around you. It was good to observe the cows and their calves. I know that the human world is more complex but I think we've done it to ourselves.

When I go outside and just walk around my neighborhood, everything seems fine. People are normal. Kids are playing.

Yeah see? Maybe it's what you might call the power brokers that get all the attention and us regular folk are out here just living our lives. Kids just playing like kids do. Wave to your neighbor or have a little chat on the way. Over here there's almost always someone walking...couples, families, and often walking their country dogs. It's really nice. We make sure to drive slow and not kick up dust on the road. It's the kind of place where we all came to, to get away from town and people. But if we see you slid off the road in winter or put out a call for help on Facebook, someone will come right away. I like to think that even though we're not having you over for coffee, that we take care of our own out here. I feel insulated from the outside world and all I need to do is NOT let it in as much as I have in the past.

I swear: the general public was never meant to have computers or the internet. I think I will always stand by that opinion. The vast majority can't handle it. Computers were meant for geeks, and they should have stayed in that community. The world would be a better place.

I agree with you except that I think even if tech had stayed in the hands of the geek community, it would have still been misused. Let me say why I think that.

I think I've noticed that with every new invention, scientific discovery, medical research that we humans get to the point where we are in over our heads because we never considered or forsee that it could make us lose control over it. Like we have enough brains to invent life support systems, but we can't figure out when to remove it. We can't agree on when life begins or when it ends, or distinguise beteen what is humane or what is convenient, and when. We have face recognition but can that feature be used to harm us? We don't look down the road at what might be ahead of us. Computers exactly the same and now it's AI.

I think we're irresponsible in that we dive in without knowing how deep the water is or how deep it could get.

I took an admin class years ago before becoming an administrator for ECE programs. Part of it was all about the use of tech and how it polarizes workplace relationships, and causes division and conflict. That had to be back in the early 90's.

And here we are. Facing it every single day. Unless we choose not to put our face in it for extended periods. Then we return to cruising speed mentally and life becomes not only tolerable but joyful and there is peace.

Oh wow I just remembered I watched another youtuber on this last week (?) when the planes were crossing in my heads and I felt like I was getting reinforcement to go even deeper in logging off. I think the reinforcement is spiritual and from God but I know you would call it coincidence and I totally get that. It could well be coincidence but it was coming from different directions and so of course, I see the hand of God in it where you wouldn't.

I'll put a link to it on the thread. It maybe be of interest to someone here.

You know what I think is so cool, Schmo? And I know I've said similar to this in the past. It's that you and I, who come from different world views, realize that we can connect and relate just as the humans we are. I think much the same way about most of the posters here and that's who I read. People I can learn from or laugh with. I'm really just hanging out when I want to and go around being who I am. I know I'll be doing less of it in the future.

Jersey Girl wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 23, 2025 9:24 pm

You know what I think is so cool, Schmo? And I know I've said similar to this in the past. It's that you and I, who come from different world views, realize that we can connect and relate just as the humans we are. I think much the same way about most of the posters here and that's who I read. People I can learn from or laugh with. I'm really just hanging out when I want to and go around being who I am. I know I'll be doing less of it in the future.

Agreed.

The other thing is that you and I have butted heads over the years, and I can't help but respect someone who can fight when they have to and also acknowledge and respect their opponents. We may disagree again in the future, but I think we are way past the point where I will feel any genuine disrespect for who you are on this board. You are the real deal, as far as I can tell. You're good people.

People don't have to agree on everything to get along. I think people do have to agree on basic facts and argue in good faith, however, for respect to happen.