I’ve been doing it. The News Hermit approach is working.

By intentionally stepping back from the constant barrage of headlines, breaking news, and endless commentary, I’ve managed to keep the noise down in my life. That doesn’t mean I’m oblivious. I still know the major things happening—fires raging, the escalating climate crisis, political turmoil in the U.S., and the ripple effects of major decisions around the world. But that’s not all I’m paying attention to anymore.

Instead, I’ve been focusing on my own creative projects, connecting with real people, and diving into thoughts and ideas that inspire me, rather than drain me. It’s been a refreshing shift, one that’s made this blog naturally slow down. And honestly? I feel like I’m in a better place. If I can hermit my way through this chaotic stretch, I’m confident I can keep it up long-term.

But here’s something I didn’t expect: I’ve started to feel a little embarrassed about this approach. There’s this nagging voice in the back of my head suggesting that pulling back from the news is selfish, or worse, willfully ignorant. I worry it might seem like I’m burying my head in the sand, pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. Sometimes, I even catch myself avoiding the topic in conversation.

And yet, despite that discomfort, the practice itself feels undeniably healthy. Creating space from the news cycle has helped me show up better in my own life, more grounded and engaged in ways that actually matter to me.

So, yes—the blog may be quieter, but that just means I’m out there living more loudly. And for now, that feels like the right balance.