Staycation

NOTE: Tik-Tok has been reinstated as of 19 Jan.

In lieu of the recent dreaded decision on the ban of one of America’s most popular social media and career advancement apps (Tik-Tok), and the onslaught of dreary snow days, maybe it’s time to focus on some positives in the coming weeks.

Take this time to focus on YOU and your growth. I’ve compiled a list of things I’m currently working on and looking forward to this winter and spring of 2025 that may be ignite your own inspiration:

1. Focus on rekindling relationships with family, loved ones, and old friends. And not just sharing posts back in forth that will eventually get lost in your message inbox. I mean calling, sending letters, taking photos, sharing stories, learning skills from, and spending real quality time with the people you hold close to your heart.
2. Get outdoors. A mile walk around the block, a short hike at a nature reserve, a morning spent birdwatching or reading on the porch. In winter, this may look more like 17 layers of clothing and trudging through the snow, cursing about the aches and pains from your stationary lifestyle. But hey, you made it out there and did the thing. Treat yourself to some cocoa after.
3. Support local businesses, creators, and artists. Delete the apps. Or if you’re too tied down to social media, unfollow big names and celebrities. Curate a positive feed for yourself by seeking out local hunters, farms, shops, and volunteer organizations. Join a community theater or conservation effort. Share your town’s updates and community creator pieces. Support one another in these difficult times.
4. Get sober. Easier said than done for most, myself included. You may be tempted to turn to the bottle to escape, but use this time wisely instead. Distract yourself other ways, like journalism, reading, cooking, horticulture, or learning new skills. There are plenty of places to seek out advice and instruction online, at your local library, or simply by word of mouth. Therapy or life coaching can be extraordinary tools for overcoming obstacles like this.
5. Try new things. This sort of ties in with everything listed above. Set new goals, travel new places (they don’t have to be far, I just discovered a park 3 blocks from my house!), and be EXCITED about the future. Never stop learning, and you will never be bored.
6. Downsize. Learn to live with less. Clean out that closet, pick a favorite perfume from the massive stockpile, stop online shopping. Don’t fall for the latest trends. Use what you have, recycle, up-cycle, donate, shop at thrift stores, and buy products with GOOD ingredients and the earth in mind. Purchasing mass-produced “eco-friendly” products doesn’t actually help the planet. Eliminate ads and A.I.-generated manipulation tactics from your life.

As always, follow along on my Instagram @dancinggibby for updates and subscribe to this blog to be notified when a new post is published. Stay warm ❤