Where Do You Go to Disconnect From Digital?

A Life Worth Living | Mar 25, 2022

Every Saturday I share a story about my life in a way that you can hopefully relate to. I believe we are all here to share our journey, both the highs and the lows, as this is how we collectively raise the consciousness of the planet. If anything resonates with you, please share! 🙏 (5 minute read)

Where do you go when you need a digital break?

I'm probably not the best person to ask as I feel I'm a child of the digital age.

I was thinking about this recently, and it triggered a trip down memory lane.

The World's Heaviest Typewriter

Maybe it was the first time I laid eyes on the behemoth known as the Qyx Intelligent Typewriter. And yes you're reading that label below correctly, it was created by Exxon.

That little strip of digital letters you see on the typewriter above was the extent of my 'screen'. I would type out a sentence, and correct the letters as I went. Once I had them proofread, I would hit Enter, and the copy would then be printed, one row at a time.

Needless to say this was cutting edge stuff, LOL.

Fast forward to today. I'm typing this straight into beehiiv (my newsletter app), and with my misspelled words immediately underlined in red as I type, and the ability to quickly fix any typos, I tend to take it all for granted.

Back in the 80's, I felt like I was miles ahead of my fellow classmates. Keep in mind that the only reason this was possible was that my father was working at the Exxon in their computer division at the time (thanks Dad!)

Prior to that, we're talking traditional manual typewriters. To anyone who might remember, there is no backspace and delete button. If you accidentally typed in the wrong character, you would either have to start again or pull out the trusty Liquid Paper.

I imagine there's something to be said about how much more time we would take 'back then' with our thoughts, and being very present to what you were typing in that moment. But that's some deep contemplative stuff that I'd need to give some more thought. Hopefully I can find the words for it in a future letter.

There is some truth there, though. I've been thinking about that lately, in light of all this 'AI' news and how it seems there's a new innovation happening in that space every day. It can be a dizzying affect, considering the pace at which technology moves.

Cassette Hard Drive Anyone?

At some point in the 80's, my passion for computers was clear and my parents gifted me a Texas Instruments TI-99, which was billed as 'the world's first 16-bit computer'. Cool stuff back then.My 'hard drive' was via a cable that connected to a cassette player.

I have had a fondness for technology since those early days. The TI-99 would lead to Radio Shack's Tandy 1000 and eventually the Gateway 2000s!

I guess you could say I'm a child of the technology boom.

Any original Palm Pilot fans out there?

Damn, I remember carrying that around and thinking I was like some James Bond-esque digitally-savvy tech guy. I'll have to check my closet, but I'm pretty sure I still have the original.

So, for better or for worse, I've always had a love affair with all things tech. For most of my adult life, that's meant more and more time in front of screens and that shows no sign of slowing down.

Regular readers will know that my first passion is house music. And while thankfully, i still have my Technics 1200 turntables and a good portion of my early dance music collection on vinyl, I am acutely aware of how it is one of the few remaining analog pleasures.

NOTE: Notice I said 'house music, not electronic music or (shudder) EDM. There's a difference, but I digress.

Lately, in an effort to broaden my hobbies, I've enrolled in an in-person electronic music production class. And while it is fun to get my mind out of the podcast and entrepreneur space every once in a while, I'm aware that it is another 'screen' activity.

If You See Something Say Something

I think this awareness making itself more present is what prompted today's letter.

I first need to be aware of the source of my love for tech, but also be cognizant that I likely have to work harder than most to manage my time in front of a screen.

I don't have the answer readily available today, so unfortunately there is no 5-step process today.

But I thought it might be helpful for those of you for whom this resonates.

🙏 with gratitude,

Harry

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