(A living document)

With the constant stream of breaking news and information, the pressure to use social media to stay connected, and the expectation to always be “on,” life these days can leave us drained and emotionally paralyzed. The planet is in crisis, and the weight of the world feels heavier than ever.

During moments like these, it’s natural to crave connection, so we turn to social media, which leads to endless scrolling and knee-jerk reactions to clickbait. But what we need most is real connection, moments that remind us what it really means to be human. A quiet morning walk. Conversations with our neighbors. A meal shared with people we love. These are the things that ground and reenergize us.

So, this is an invitation to take a deep breath, slow down, and unplug. We’re not machines and contrary to popular belief, our worth isn’t determined by how much we consume or produce.  

When we turn off our screens and step outside, we remember how to listen, how to be present, and how to exist within the rhythm of the seasons and the natural cycles of life. This is what heals us. When we unplug from the Internet, we make time to plug into our neighborhoods and local government, where we can make a tangible impact.

I’d like to help create a world that truly values nature and where we take care of each other. Where we feel deeply connected to our local communities and where technology supports our lives instead of consuming them.

Stepping back is not about rejecting the advances we’ve made in technology. It is about understanding its impact and choosing how we engage with it. It’s about making small shifts in how we spend our time and where we place our attention. What we choose to focus our attention on can lead to real change.

I hope you join me in taking the first step.

Zadi Diaz