Fortunately I grew up before the internet and spent my first 5ish years in the world as an adult without it. A 4 year digital detox broke my social media addiction. Real world community and authentic connections reinforce regularly that a different life is possible…
This hit hard. The way you name permission as something we’ve outsourced — to metrics, audiences, and imagined judgement — feels painfully accurate.
I was especially struck by the idea that people aren’t afraid of failing, but of looking unserious while learning. That explains so much of the waiting.
“Write before you feel legitimate” feels like the quiet, necessary rebellion here. Not loud — just sovereign.
You cover a lot of ground and those are some scary effective images. Life does not exist unless it’s in a selfie. We spend much time thinking about what others want. Great work
Wow, I have no words. This has hit home, and empowering at the same time. I’ve always marched yo my own drum, yet find I succumb to the “norms” or metrics. Thank you for the everything-but-subtle reminder I don’t need permission, likes or shares.
Most people spend more time "online" than out in "the wild". I strongly prefer "out in the wild" over an online existence. Online is where we write about our adventures "in the wild". Fantastic article. You have immense talent. Looking forward to more.
Wonderful piece, Mariah. It's what we used to call authenticity. That battle between being who we are versus what's approved of has turned many dreams to ashes, but it's more vicious now within the instant algorithmic feedback loops of today. Thank you for your brilliant advocacy of creators.
The problem with social media (and there are oh, so many problems), is that it’s made us afraid to do anything without validation. Lost followers because you said something critical about everyone’s favourite TV show? Day ruined. Some famous dude liked your post or re-posted it? Month made. Nobody pays attention? Guess I’m not worthy.
The irony is that while we are out there trying to be authentic, we are completely messing up our authenticity because we are putting it in the hands of other people. That’s effed up, eh.
Another cracking article, bang on the money. This, I think also applies to the apparent surge in mental health related diagnoses. Me included as I am listed on my Doctors notes as Bipolar without any diagnosis but still feel like an imposter.
It is the very thing, though, that pushes me to attempt new challenges and not accept my own status quo.
Last night I emailed an energy company to get some information to get a Solar installation on the place I work part time.
I have bought some dj software to get mixing the music I make and love.
I am going to contact a local small farm and make a proposal to work on a compost system for them, and maybe turn it into a soil health school or as an example of regenerative practice.
I have bought my daughter some dj equipment and am going to advise her on music production.
I am building up a range of spice pastes and sauces to sell outside our house (after building a little ‘shop' out of waste wood…)
All this is terrifying and exhausting but seeing so many people following the herd, while Rome burns, frustrates me more.
I started, and lost, a business couple of years ago but this is a bagel of honour, not shame, as at least I got off my ass and did it.
Mike, exactly thisss. ♥️ you’re describing someone who refused to let the waiting room swallow him. That “diagnosed but not really diagnosed”? Such a perfect example of how easily identity gets outsourced to systems that don’t actually know us. You feel like an imposter because the label never came with a lived explanation, just a file entry. Everything you listed the solar, the compost, the music, the sauces, your daughter’s DJ gear that’s what life looks like when someone stops waiting to be allowed and just starts moving. It’s messy, terrifying, exhausting and very much real. Losing a business is absolutely a badge of honor🫡. You tried. ♥️ I’m proud of you dude!!!
This article speaks the true meaning of social media and the mindset that was pedalling from eons.
Basically says - start, believe in yourself, know your worth and don't let anyone tell otherwise.
‘Being scared of looking unserious while learning’ -- I climb out of it most mornings
Fortunately I grew up before the internet and spent my first 5ish years in the world as an adult without it. A 4 year digital detox broke my social media addiction. Real world community and authentic connections reinforce regularly that a different life is possible…
This hit hard. The way you name permission as something we’ve outsourced — to metrics, audiences, and imagined judgement — feels painfully accurate.
I was especially struck by the idea that people aren’t afraid of failing, but of looking unserious while learning. That explains so much of the waiting.
“Write before you feel legitimate” feels like the quiet, necessary rebellion here. Not loud — just sovereign.
You cover a lot of ground and those are some scary effective images. Life does not exist unless it’s in a selfie. We spend much time thinking about what others want. Great work
How many of us are willing, when we encounter live music, to be the only ones or the first ones to stand up and dance?
My wife and I do that. It’s just plain fun.
But if you’re not even willing to do that, how do you expect to do all the other things you really want to do?
Very good, Mariah. I saw the alert and had to check it out when my screen was clean to see whats upp. Good post.
- Michael
Wow, I have no words. This has hit home, and empowering at the same time. I’ve always marched yo my own drum, yet find I succumb to the “norms” or metrics. Thank you for the everything-but-subtle reminder I don’t need permission, likes or shares.
Thank you.
Most people spend more time "online" than out in "the wild". I strongly prefer "out in the wild" over an online existence. Online is where we write about our adventures "in the wild". Fantastic article. You have immense talent. Looking forward to more.
"It’s sovereignty"
Wonderful piece, Mariah. It's what we used to call authenticity. That battle between being who we are versus what's approved of has turned many dreams to ashes, but it's more vicious now within the instant algorithmic feedback loops of today. Thank you for your brilliant advocacy of creators.
Very well said, happy to be here, everything beautiful to you.
Great shit!
The problem with social media (and there are oh, so many problems), is that it’s made us afraid to do anything without validation. Lost followers because you said something critical about everyone’s favourite TV show? Day ruined. Some famous dude liked your post or re-posted it? Month made. Nobody pays attention? Guess I’m not worthy.
The irony is that while we are out there trying to be authentic, we are completely messing up our authenticity because we are putting it in the hands of other people. That’s effed up, eh.
Another cracking article, bang on the money. This, I think also applies to the apparent surge in mental health related diagnoses. Me included as I am listed on my Doctors notes as Bipolar without any diagnosis but still feel like an imposter.
It is the very thing, though, that pushes me to attempt new challenges and not accept my own status quo.
Last night I emailed an energy company to get some information to get a Solar installation on the place I work part time.
I have bought some dj software to get mixing the music I make and love.
I am going to contact a local small farm and make a proposal to work on a compost system for them, and maybe turn it into a soil health school or as an example of regenerative practice.
I have bought my daughter some dj equipment and am going to advise her on music production.
I am building up a range of spice pastes and sauces to sell outside our house (after building a little ‘shop' out of waste wood…)
All this is terrifying and exhausting but seeing so many people following the herd, while Rome burns, frustrates me more.
I started, and lost, a business couple of years ago but this is a bagel of honour, not shame, as at least I got off my ass and did it.
Keep up the good work.
Mike
Mike, your words are inspiring. Thanks for sharing. You have motivated me to go out and seek new experiences this year. Keep it up!
Mike, exactly thisss. ♥️ you’re describing someone who refused to let the waiting room swallow him. That “diagnosed but not really diagnosed”? Such a perfect example of how easily identity gets outsourced to systems that don’t actually know us. You feel like an imposter because the label never came with a lived explanation, just a file entry. Everything you listed the solar, the compost, the music, the sauces, your daughter’s DJ gear that’s what life looks like when someone stops waiting to be allowed and just starts moving. It’s messy, terrifying, exhausting and very much real. Losing a business is absolutely a badge of honor🫡. You tried. ♥️ I’m proud of you dude!!!
This was so well written and relatable! Thank you for writing it!
awww thank youuu ♥️
This hits.
Thank you for the swift kick in the ass.
I aim to gently shove others toward their own lives. LOL You got it dude! ♥️