8 Comments

This is a ridiculous, insane, audacious idea, AND I'M HERE FOR IT. And the fact that you're leaning on principles of subsidiarity? Genius. Looking forward to talking with you more about this very thing.

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Thanks! Nervously excited (as I know you are too, for your thing).

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I love this. I’ve never heard of the principle of subsidiarity, but it crystallizes a lot of beliefs/thoughts that I already hold. I wonder, as you are thinking of purchasing local/supporting local if you would consider it meeting the heart of the principle to buy second hand/consignment items at your local thrift store or Plato’s closet type place? Those normally support local people and sometimes local charities.

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Yes, absolutely! It's long been a practice of mine to check thrift stores before buying new... I'll now consciously shop at locally-owned thrift stores first.

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This makes so much sense. I’ve felt really turned off by the push for online community for myself because participating takes time away from what I say my priorities are, namely my in-person people. Pandemical times have revealed how small that group is, and I’m sad about that. I’m challenged to choose to really engage with those around me - family, neighbors, the church community I long for.

Your and Seth’s writings have encouraged me to deactivate Insta for a while. I’m already off FB, except for an account I set up just to be able to access some FB Group info. I’m keeping that off my phone from now on. Intentionally losing these easy relief twitches means finding another resource to take their place. Breath prayers, anyone?

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I downloaded Instagram again yesterday to deactivate it and then got sucked in for “one last update” on people I follow. And it became a binge. And it feels like a hangover this morning. I stopped drinking alcohol in August 2017 because it wasn’t helpful for me. I can see that giving up social media is the same life-giving move I need to make.

My Insta is now deactivated for the foreseeable future. I feel relieved.

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So much yes to this! I’ve put a lot of intention to how I don’t spend my time (I quit social media, am only on YouTube when someone specifically recommended a video, and generally limit consumption of online things). But what’s missing is the intention around what I do. I love the specificity you put around things you plan to intentionally engage in. My wheels are turning as to how I can implement “intentional doing” into my life more.

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Glad to read in your 5 quick things that you are (re)reading Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegatable, Mineral. It was my first thought when I read your challenge. This choice is a bold move.

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