2024: What's next?

As we are approaching the end of 2023, one sometimes asks themselves a simple yet profound question that most people also realize they question as well: what is next for me in 2024? Moreover, what can one do to help improve circumstances, mental health, finance, whatever they need to  work on, we can also do even now before 2024 begins? 

Well my answers, though for me, may relate to some of you as well: 
For starters, I have been lacking on discipline regarding screen time and excess doom scrolling. Though I've already noticed how much I don't pay too much attention to some social media apps these days due to work and simply not having anything to say on those apps, I still find myself at fault when doom scrolling on a couple of other apps. Instead of using the time I have available on being productive, it's wasted on looking at content that I don't even find interest in. So for my 1st point, I aim to keep my smartphone at home when I head to work and switch it out with my current flip phone. It's a very minimal switch to do, sure, but if you know anything about the Y2K tech and its studies on them based on how many of today's youth intentionally use the flip phones for a social media/scrolling detox, you would find that it is beneficial not just for lowering the average screen times, but also improve one's mental health overall as time goes on. 

TLDR: Use flip phone for work, going out with friends, and errands, then use smartphone as a treat or reward when all of my "to dos" are done. If possible to check social media via laptop, then I will do so to further minimalize my time on my smartphone whenever I don't need to have it with me.

Secondly... subscriptions. As the cost of living increases, there are occasions where I am obligated to lower my subscription tiers or having to cancel them entirely in order to save money. None of the subscriptions I have had in the past were negative in terms of experience. I've received nothing but positive interactions, great services, and feeling great about the purchase(s). However, I still have one active subscription left and that is the one thing I will not cancel. I may have to lower myself a tier or two to save a few more dollars, but it is not because of the content creator. Again, it is because of the situation regarding costs of living, taxes, you name it. Nothing that I had to cancel with other services were personal. All of it strictly fell under the all too recently common "need to save money" reason. No more than that. 

TLDR: If I really need to save money on subscriptions that I can easily resub at any time when I can afford to again, then I will either pause, lower myself down a tier or two, or cancel for a certain amount of time just until I am financially able to support subscriptions again. The reason is NEVER on the services; they have ALL been friendly, exceptional and GOOD in my case. This is not me saying "I'm going to do it", however. This is me saying "IF I have to cancel ALL of my subscriptions one day just to help me save a few bucks especially in emergencies then I will; with the intention of resubbing again when I can."

Lastly, I want to make a point on socializing both online and offline. For several years now, I have been adamant on keeping my socializing mostly online because "I cannot trust most people regardless as to where I am or what I do." Obviously my tune to this has changed. Going to church, work, branching out in varying communities and maintaining the existing ones I've been in for a long time now made me realize that there are good people out there both online and offline...I just need to put in more effort to step into things that aren't comfortable. What's the point of living life anyway if you constantly play it safe? Sure, don't do anything hasty or extreme because you're having some sort of existential crisis, you don't wanna do that... but wanting to do a little more, try something else, go somewhere you've never been to or always wanting to go...there is no harm in that. Do so reasonably, of course, don't drain your wallet in the process--but don't be afraid of trying new things and going to new places. That's what I've learned and will try to implement in the new year.

TLDR: I've been paranoid and too safe when it comes to most habits. I realize that now, especially after going to church and having a decent job that actually cares about me somewhat, so what I gotta do it put on my big girl pants and step out of my comfort zone once in a while. Take chances, but don't be extreme about it. Have fun! I only got one shot on this planet before I eventually kick the bucket due to old age....might as well create exciting and unforgettable memories in the process instead of looking back like "oh wow I did absolutely nothing...that was a waste of time."

Well that's all I got for you--at least for now anyways. Next blog entry will be up probably sometime in the new year. :)