The Analog Life Project: some things to know before we get started

THERE'S A LOT OF WIGGLE ROOM HERE: This project is not a 10-Step Program or How-To Guide. My life feels like it has slipped into the deep-end of the online digital world so the idea of this project is to make more room for all kinds of analog experiences, in order to feel more balanced, more creative, and more engaged with the human parts of life.

This can look different person to person! For me, I love reading and the feel of a book in my hands, seeing the books I've collected on my shelves every day. I love cooking and exploring new recipes. I sell stationery for a living! so I love pretty paper, cute washi tape and the feel of a weighty, smooth pen. And as someone who has published a couple journals, I love digging deeper through writing and guided prompts.

This project is slanted toward my own interests and loves but it can be tailored to whatever analog activities you want to explore. I look forward to hearing about where you take this too, as well as the meaning you're finding in 'going analog.'

That said . . .

THE IDEA IS TO BE OFFLINE MORE OFTEN: Given that this is a project that encourages more offline living, my attention will be diverted from social media, Substack, and blog much of the time. So, while I treasure your comments, I expect our direct engagement and communication will be more limited than usual. Again, I'm trying to find a balance between engaging with this community and not spending more time online!

HOW WE USE INSTAGRAM: Many of you have found this project through Instagram. Welcome!

These days the algorithm on Instagram is directing me to all the "analog lifestyle" posts. The nostalgia!  And while I love the cozy analog life aesthetic that Instagram presents, I can lose hours out of my day by scrolling and watching other people live their lives online. Not my goal! So I want this project to go beyond the nostalgia and the novelty of walkmans and dial phones. My goal is not so much about creating an aesthetic as about being offline and specifically being off social media more often. 

So my plan for Instagram will be to use it to keep you posted when content for this project is available, and, of course, for my ongoing business purposes, to showcase the products I sell. Instagram won't be used as a platform for the project itself.

SUPPLIES: Each month I'll be providing printable materials so you will need access to a printer. I also think it would be cool to keep all of the year's worth of content in one place ( a three-ring binder or folder) so you can see it all together at the end of the year, a tangible archive of your analog year experiment.

There will be a letter-writing component coming up so letter-writing supplies are recommended. (We will talk more in detail about this next month!)

ANALOG MEDIA: My dad is giving me his old 35mm camera, and I’m oddly excited to relearn how to use film again after a 20-year lapse! For the photo challenge activity, if you're inspired to buy an old camera at a thrift store—wonderful. If you want to use your phone—also wonderful. This project is about creativity and attention and exploration. Not about having to buy stuff.

TIME & ATTENTION:  This project is about slowing down, pausing, and thinking deeply about WHY this endeavor is important. For each of us our reasons might be different but all of us were drawn to this idea and it's important that we give ourselves enough space to explore why!

LIBRARY CARD: In January we'll be talking about the library as a resource. Having a card isn't necessary but still an a pretty darn good idea.

BLOG POSTS: Each month, I’ll share 1–2 short essays on the blog and Substack about my own analog life experiences, books I'm reading, food I'm cooking, etc., along with ideas for other small practices - things to make, to notice, to do - for integrating a little more meaning in our lives. 

PRINTABLE PDFS: Each month I'll offer an assortment of printables (worksheets, journaling pages, lists, bookmarks, recipe cards, etc) Not assignments or challenges, but instead prompts and possibilities—easy and pressure-free. Some will be reflective, some creative, some just for delight. You can keep the printables in a 3-ring binder or folder: a tangible archive of your analog year experiment.

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT:  Your thoughts and experiences are welcome and encouraged on Substack. I'd love to see a robust contribution, and exchange, of ideas and inspiration there. 

PEN PALS: Yes! I will be posting about a Snail Mail Club in January. And I'm having a blast designing some super cute stationery for the project too.

COMMUNITY: Several of you are planning to do the project with a friend or as a group. Great idea.

CRAFT CIRCLES: Love the idea of combining the project with a creative group activity.  Knitting? Embroidery? Sketchbooking? I'm here for it and I want to come too.

READING MEET UPS: Grab your book, head to the coffee shop, meet other humans. I love this idea.