Marcus Lopés

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Writing Off the Grid

The Creative ‘Balancing’ Act

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balance

We live in crazy times. Not necessarily crazy, but so much different from when I was a child. Technology has changed how we live and work. Politics are more divisive, and uglier, than I can remember. It is a me-first world, and trying to keep up can leave you exhausted. And through it all, we are trying to follow our own path, do what we love — be a beacon of hope in a world seemingly turning in on itself. To do that, I used to think that it was important to bring balance to our daily lives.

I was wrong. [Read more…] about The Creative ‘Balancing’ Act

Crash and Burn

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crash and burn

In my recent four-part blog series, “On Becoming a Digital Minimalist,” I wrote about how I was changing my relationship with technology and how I use it. The ultimate goal — and a constant work-in-progress — is to live an intentional, purpose-driven life where I focus on what is most important to me. It means cutting out the noise and chatter to work in a distraction-free state.

But it cannot be all work and no play. This lesson was — again — brought home to me when, this past weekend, I was so exhausted I could barely focus. I also ended up breaking my streaming rule, watching three movies. Too tired to think and focus, it was a constant battle throughout Saturday just to keep my eyes open. [Read more…] about Crash and Burn

On Becoming a Digital Minimalist

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becoming a digital minimalist

Part IV: Going All-In

Over the past few weeks, I have written about my intention to become a digital minimalist. As noted in previous posts, it is about embracing the concept of digital minimalism. At this time, it is perhaps helpful to revisit that definition as outlined in Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport:

A philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support things you value, and then happily miss out on everything else.1 [Read more…] about On Becoming a Digital Minimalist

On Becoming a Digital Minimalist

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the rules more rules

Part III: The Rules. More Rules.

Cut. It. Out. Often used as an admonishment by my mother when I was a kid and acting out, here I am referring to all the ‘noise’ in the world. The social media apps keeping us glued to our phones. Useless celebrity gossip. Narcissists. Anything, or anyone, holding us back from living an intentional, purpose-driven life. That might cause some to panic, but if we keep letting people and things distract us from living the purpose we desire for our lives, ask: To what end? [Read more…] about On Becoming a Digital Minimalist

Persuasion

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persuasion

‘Persuasion’ is a continuation of ‘Traitor, Traitor‘.

The two-kilometre perimeter around the convention centre was in place, with roadblocks set up at all nearby intersections and manned by city police officers. Michael’s earlier feeling, that something was of, still nagged at him. Had Findlay intentionally left his phone behind? And unlocked? Michael snapped his fingers. “Of course,” he mumbled. “He wanted to send a message. And he did.”

“Agent Reid…”

Michael, conferring with Brian, spun around to see Superintendent Daniels approaching.

“There’s something you need to see,” Daniels said solemnly.

Michael glanced at Brian, then they followed Daniels and another officer to one of the convention centre’s service entrances, located on the east side of the building.

“The bomb squad…” Daniels pointed at the open garage door. “They found this when they were clearing this section.” [Read more…] about Persuasion