Falling off the Face of the Earth! Goodbye!
News flash! Going incognito and making progress as an individual in silence does not make you a bad person, despite what some people might think.
In a world of Find My iPhone, Life360, and Snapchat Maps, privacy is slowly slipping out of our grasp as the years pass. Our family, friends, and even people we do not speak to can locate us with a click of a button.
For years, I have wondered if I am the out-of-touch one for not wanting everyone to have complete knowledge of my whereabouts at all times. However, after giving it more intentional thought, I realize that wanting privacy and disconnection is simply a natural human-centric desire.
One day, the harsh reality will confront us. We will only have ourselves, which is why it is vital to be content in our own company. Rather than viewing alone time as a negative, I realize it is a privilege to disconnect from the world and retreat for a moment.
A personal goal of mine for the last year has been to value my alone time and be content with my own company. Some people respect this; others resent it. The important part is not to take things personally. Everyone is on their own journey and path, sometimes simply attempting to stay in their own lane to better themselves as an individual, navigating the world.
Constantly having to know where your friends are at all times is unhealthy, and usually leads to a slippery slope of self-deprication and anger.
We will inevitably come across individuals who are simply dependent by nature, needing attention at all times, and feeling the urge to make their next move known to the masses. A few years ago, I could relate to this, but as I've grown older, I have developed greater maturity and responsibility. It is not that no one cares about me or what I am doing, but it is not anyone's business, nor is what I do anyone else's priority.
It truly is amazing how much growth you can make in silence. Sure, not having constant validation can be daunting, but that is just life. No one gets a medal for accomplishing tasks in the real world. It is simply what we have to do as humans.
We will come across people who understand that neutrality and silence are not synonymous with malice. In contrast, others may take situations personally when, in reality, they have nothing to do with them.
If people who are supposed to be your family or friends view protecting your peace as a negative thing, they are not your family or friends. If something as minuscule as not allowing anyone to stalk your every move sends someone into a spiral, they have bigger issues at hand.
True friends and family will try to lift you up in their own time, without even needing to let you know they are wishing you the best. The funny thing is, you will always know when people are lifting you up rather than making you feel inadequate.
Just because I may not reach out every day to discuss the same mundane topics usually discussed does not mean I have any less love for you. As we get older, we become more invested in our future, which means we have less time in general.
I want to share some advice I recently received from a significant person in my life. "You do not have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm."
Your peace of mind is not up for grabs for anyone to take hold of. Protect it with your life, and continue walking your own path, lifting yourself in the meantime. Your current and future self will thank you in the end.
Strike Out, and only share your location with your parents from now on,
Matty Wolfe
Boca Raton
Matty Wolfe is the Senior Editor for Strike Magazine Boca. This avid reality television consumer loves to escape the world as often as he can. You’ll find him outside often, working on his tan and playing mermaids in the ocean. He’s also a future Survivor contestant, even if the producers do not know it yet. You can reach him by email at mattheww0507@gmail.com
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram / @yaknowme_hitomi
