Letters from Tammy Strobel is a free weekly newsletter about creativity and curiosity, funded through Buy Me a Coffee.
Thank you for reading!
Simplifying my digital life is an ongoing process. For example, over the past five years, I’ve done the following:
Archived my former blog (RowdyKittens 2007-2021)
Quit social media
Redesigned and changed the name of my website
Reorganized my digital photo library
Deleted thousands of emails
Moved 99% of my documents to an external hard-drive and the cloud
Taught a class on digital decluttering
And so much more.
I love simplifying my digital life, and I like to experiment with technology. I’m constantly searching for platforms and software that are simple and easy to use. Thankfully, I'm good at quitting services when they no longer serve me. Quitting, curating, and deleting has helped keep my digital life organized.
Reflective journaling helps, too. For example, archiving RowdyKittens prompted me to reflect on my creative work. Here’s what I shared with newsletter subscribers in April 2022:
“... When I reflect on my body of work, the through-line is creativity. I've circled back to this topic again and again in my writing, photography, and life. For instance, my tiny house days are an example of creative and simple living. My Morning View is an example of pairing grief with creativity. Writing about the healing power of journaling and gratitude is another example of my interest in creative expression. Thinking about my work deeply helped me simplify my website. It's also helped me shift my perspective.”
Changing my perspective helped me simplify my digital life, and make a fun decision. I decided to set-up a newsletter/blog on Substack! The platform is easy to use, it will allow me to share my work more broadly, and I can connect with fellow writers and readers with ease.
No action is required on your end. Unless, you want to unsubscribe. No hard feelings if you do! (The unsubscribe link is at the bottom of this email).
As an aside, I didn’t get “a deal” to move to Substack. I’m not that cool!
Right now, here’s how I see my digital footprint:
1.) My website — tstrobel.com — is an evolving portfolio of my creative work. I’m using LinkedIn in a similar way.
2.) Substack is where I will share and archive my newsletters. I’m also looking forward to connecting with readers and writers on the platform.
3.) Buy Me a Coffee is where readers can support my creative work with a one-time or recurring contribution.
If you have any questions, just respond to this email, or leave a comment on my Substack! I’m happy you’re here.
GOOD LINKS
With that, here’s what I enjoyed reading and listening to this week:
1.) I love reading my favorite newsletters on Substack’s app!
2.) “Billionaire No More: Patagonia Founder Gives Away the Company” is an inspiring article about Yvon Chouinard’s decision to give away his fortune. The article reminded me of the book—Die with Zero. The book is a “provocative philosophy as well as practical guide on how to get the most out of your money—and out of your life. It’s intended for those who place lifelong memorable experiences far ahead of simply making and accumulating money for one’s so-called ‘golden years.’”
3.) “The Pause” is a beautiful newsletter by Krista Tippett. I loved learning about her contemplative reading and journaling practice.
4.) The latest edition of “Tiny House Magazine” is out.
5.) Let’s Talk About Hard Things by Anna Sale is a fantastic book! Sale covers all the hard things — death, sex, money, and more. Also, Sale’s podcast — “Death, Sex & Money” — is excellent, too!
THANK YOU!
I know there is plenty to read, watch, and listen to online, and I'm appreciative of your readership and support.
All the gratitude goes to: Peg, April, Jennifer, Bonnie, Carla, and an anonymous someone for the coffee and kind words!
If my newsletter/blog enriches your life, please support my creative work with a one-time or recurring contribution.
With gratitude,
Tammy Strobel
Hi Tammy, I read "Die with Zero", probably on your recommendation, and found it really enlightening! Made me re-think about my money, and when I will retire; within 2 years versus 5 years! Thanks!
Looking forward to checking out the new platform. And wondering if you are likely to offer another class on digital decluttering. Winter would be a great time for letting go.