Creating a digital garden to stop consuming

The one where i put down my phone and actually engage with my thoughts...

The heat here in the UK, specifically my corner of it in London has been unbearable. There’s been many videos of it showing how much we like the warm weather and then we’re repulsed by it (case in point this video).

So, my plans to sit and enjoy the weather started out great and then as predicted by countless British summers….it started to rain. I write this and sit listening to heavy rain rapping on my windows and doors.

Lately, I’ve been trying to consume less…less social media, less stuff and less of other people’s ideas.

I know I’ve become lazy since I developed an addiction to social media, and since I could get all apps straight to my phone…well, let’s just say having original thoughts has become more challenging.

I notice it in the way I excitedly share reels and Tiktoks with my family and friends rather than actually having a conversation because that is just too hard sometimes.

Why actually discuss your feelings when a meme will do instead?

Watching this video by Anna Howard on how to create a digital garden to reduce doom scrolling and consumption was eye opening. Sometimes the youtube algorithm gives me good stuff (I’ve jinkxed it now haven’t I?)

Enjoying the good weather lately, I started carting my current reads up and down the house in a tote bag to try and entice myself to stop doom scrolling and then I had the genius idea to add more things to it inspired by this video where the creator offers some ideas on how to stop doomscrolling with activities you enjoyed as a child.

I call it my busy bag.

You can have books, puzzles, crosswords, knitting, small sewing projects, sudoku puzzles, colouring books, word searches and whatever else you fancy to help you to doom scroll less and create more.

If you ever read The Babysitter’s Club and wanted that kid bag that the babysitters had, you can now create your own with your adult money and no-one can stop you!

Another thing I’ve been meditating on has been libraries.

I’m super lucky to have a network of libraries both physical and digital I can access Alhamdolillah (Thanks be to God) but not everyone does. This video by Lady of the Library shares the history of public libraries in the UK and how we’re now in danger of losing them because of lack of use.

If you do have a public library near you, please become a member. Take out books digitally and physically even if it’s occasionally just to keep it accessible for others who need this third space.

My library has saved me so much money and helped me discover so many new books and authors which I would never have found if not for the hard work of the librarians to highlight books.

What I have been reading

Lately I’ve been obsessed with the Murderbot series of books by Martha Wells as narrated by Kevin R. Free.

I’m aware there is a series with Alexander Skarsgård (who actually went to my uni for a year but sadly before my time) and so I’m making my way through the books and they’re really funny and enjoyable.

Did I really envision that I would enjoy a series of books about a murdering robot who enjoys TV as much as I do in the future? Not really, but I’m going with it!

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff was a charming read and this edition from my library also included the sequel. It follows Helene as she begins a correspondence with Frank Doel manager of books at Marks and Co in London. Helene based in the USA requests books, sends gifts and generally becomes such a beloved customer that she’s treated as a friend by all the staff and their families.

Unfortunately she’s not able to make it to London due to various reasons until the sequel where her book propels her to fame and she can finally visit the London of her imagination and the real people who she corresponded with for 25 years.

This has been recommended on the What Should I Read Next podcast a few times and I managed to randomly find it in my library. It’s short and sweet, so I hope you pick it up.

Island Calling by Francesca Segal is the sequel to Welcome to the Glorious Island of Tuga.

This is an unusual book because it’s set on a remote island that’s also a British territory. We follow a few characters including resident vet Charlotte Walker who discovered her biological father was one of the islanders in the first book but he has so far refused to engage with her.

Now, Charlotte’s mother Lucinda Compton-Neville KC has come to bring her daughter back home and get her back to her real life. Charlotte is resigned to obeying her mother’s wishes but then things happen that make her rethink and stand her ground.

Honestly this series is a slow burn but I’m looking forward to the final book in this trilogy because it really shows human nature, emotions, secrets and life on a small island with such talented writing, you’re hooked.

What I have not enjoyed

I really wanted to like The Bookshop Woman by Nanako Hanada with Cat Anderson (Translator) but while it started out good, I kind of felt it got repetitive and flat by the middle but I persevered so I could finish it for the Something Bookish challenge I’m doing for the third year in a row.

The Deep Blue Between by Ayesha Harruna Attah focuses on twin sisters Hassana and Husseina who are ripped from their home and sold as slaves. The sisters have such drastic lives that the only way to stay connected is through their dreams.

I really wanted to like this one and despite it being in the children’s section, I think this book is definitely more YA and one for older teens or young adults. There’s a lot of adult themes discussed and it takes a while to switch from one sister’s story to the other. When they finally meet again, I felt it was a bit of a let down.

It was an interesting story and of a period of history I had no clue about but I just felt it could have been more nuanced in places.

And that’s it for this time. Hope you’re all well and let me know what you’re reading and consuming.