2025 is for digital detoxing
Experience the freedom of going "naked"
Am I the only one who relishes time away from screens?
Leading Thought
The cure is to look up and to look around.
This week was the third consecutive week without the Instagram, Grindr, or ShopStyle apps on my iPhone. Surprisingly, I haven't missed them. I nixed the apps that I habitually opened, just to browse or occasionally interact, only to close them feeling unfulfilled.
Sure, they can be fun, but I often felt a subtle pang of comparison—rooted in the awareness of others' experiences and lives, even if ordinary. Social media is a performative space where we compete for likes, attention, and validation from anonymous people, acquaintances, and even those we dislike. It’s not necessary to constantly be window shopping if I don’t actually need any clothes.
This week, I was out in the world, driving to deliver plants and running without my phone. I felt more engaged and present, not constantly distracted by screens and notifications. My neighbor Balbina had a similar experience, forgetting her phone during a 12-hour nursing shift and feeling more connected to her patients and colleagues.
I think the answer is balance—limiting social media and news consumption and other “time suck” apps, and focusing on what's right in front of us. By reconnecting with the physical world and the people and activities that light us up, we can cultivate more creativity, connection, and presence in our lives.
Good People
I’ve been working part-time for my friend Felix at his plant shop The Juicy Leaf. It’s there that I’ve spent time away from screens, learned more about plants and trees, and enjoyed being physical in ways that feel incredibly refreshing after five years of working remotely in front of a computer the majority of the week.
These days I’m helping him move and transport medium and large plants used for events and staging, small plants headed to gift recipients and everything in between. A modern plant business is now about brand building—i.e. quality product, consistent service, and an attention to detail and artfulness. It’s also having a physical location that serves as a “flagship space” and selling charming plants from as little as $1 to four figure spindly trees with immense finesse and sculpting. It’s incredible to witness and participate in. We see the range of wealth and lifestyles too, from Pasadena to Manhattan Beach and Beverly Hills. It’s also been around for two decades, so Felix has lots of friends and connections and fans.
And unsurprisingly, it’s super fun! Bouncing around in a U-HAUL or driving a Toyota Tundra at freeway speeds with a face full of ficus audrey enroute to a bachelor pad in Culver City. Placing with surgical precision the white pebbles in a succulent arrangement, and so on. Good stuff and good people!
Debbie
Speaking of freeway speeds. Debbie prefers them.
Driving a car I loved as a teenager is weird, because I have this concept of perfection and purity that doesn’t always translate while I’m driving and interacting with a 27 year old car with over 100,000 miles. Perhaps it was never accurate, but I’ll never know. At least not until I bid my way to a low-mileage pristine vintage version on Bring A Trailer.
Nevertheless, I listen to her. I note her groans and growls and thank her for working overtime while I’m staying in Laurel Canyon, up and down steep hills and twisty country lanes. But I think she secretly likes a good thrash and spirited cruise along Mulholland.
She’s due for a full check up in 200 miles so we’ll be paying the doctor a visit.
Adventures in Dogsitting
Five dogs in the woods.
Three seniors, a retiree, and a young stallion.
Tamu the Alpha, Pink and Pepper the Brains, Rebel the Veteran and Nico the Rookie.
I call them The Peace Patrol.
They are prone to howling in unison about once a day. I’ve taken to joining in with them just for fun, a release.
That’s it!
Goodbye! Until next time.
-Aelx