41 Comments

I've been getting your newsletter since the beginning, but only realized today that I could comment on it, so here are some thoughts I have!:

Rule #1 hits home in a big way. I got off of all social media last September after months of wavering back and forth on it, and it has been the best thing for my own life-long anxiety problems. Honestly, its hard sometimes, especially when I got hit with the realization that most of the people I followed/followed me didn't care as much about my life as I thought (one of the many illusions Instagram feeds us) and that its a lot tougher to be remembered by people. But, the benefits outweighs the costs for sure. Quality of friends over quantity. Also, I feel more present than ever, and its honestly inspired from you talking about your journey getting off of it in the beginning of 2020. So thank you for paving the way and normalizing life without it!

The other rules are so important too. I have found myself trying to live by the rule of, "you have to be your own #1 fan, because if you're not, no one else is going to do it for you." And all the steps you've taken have really encapsulated that as well. Can't give away good vibes if you're not recharged with them yourself.

It seems like Puerto Rico is treating you well and I hope you're enjoying connecting with your roots more! My family is from Cuba, so I totally relate to being enamored with the Caribbean air and water, the tropical lifestyle, and of course the incredible food.

Keep doing you, man. You're really inspiring others to take a leap of faith and to not have to follow the mainstream and be on social media 24-7 in order to have impact. Some people have called me crazy to try to make the world a better place without have a social media presence, but I just know there's gotta be a better way, and you're showing that.

I look forward to reading the next newsletter, amigo!

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"You have to be your own #1 fan" thank you for this Justin! I am trying to prioritize myself. I feel this is a skill and I am slowly working on improving this skill. :D

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No problem Jackelyn! I heard it once from someone I respect a lot (Dr. Heidi Sarver of University of Deleware Marching Band Head Honcho) and its stuck with me ever since. Glad it can be a source of help for someone else :D

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Dear Justin,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with all of us here. I loved every single word you have written. I don't really see a necessity for me to quit social media at once. However, I downsized my consumption a lot. I wish you success in making the world a better place and I'll be looking forward to reading more of your replies.

Peace!

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Mohammed, that is very kind of you to say and honestly means a lot. I definitely plan on making more comments as time goes on, so hopefully I don't become to repetitive 😅. Even a downsizing of consumption has massive impacts, so I'm sure you'll be making huge strides in your life because of it!

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how cool is this? I end up falling in love with anything Matt writes. Every article inspires and fascinates me

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Hi Matt! I’ve been thinking of deleting Instagram for a while now and I believe this was a sign to finally do it! Absolutely love your newsletter and can’t wait for the next one :)

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While i'am reading this, i'm at the office, kinda stuck and wishing to go home. I really wish everyone had the opportunity to go out and do their jobs remotely, but in my case its a little bit harder. I am debating on going away alone to disconnect, but the truth is that im scared of facing myself. Your words give us some kind of hope and happiness. Thanks for sharing!! Love 😘

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Congrats! I am very glad you went through change, it seems to have suited you well. To more growth and happiness! We are here for you seeker

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I just graduated from college and I decided years ago that I wanted to take a year off to try and reconnect with my Egyptian heritage. When I first thought of this, I was still a senior in highschool. I've always struggled with my identity as a Dutch-Egyptian girl so instead of trying to navigate that right away I kinda put it away and told myself that'd deal with it after college. Now it's finally time. I had to really push myself to not pursue a job or grad school right away and instead book a one way ticket to Egypt to figure this shit out. Only thinking about it brings me so much anxiety. I've had panic attacks every time I went to Egypt in the past 3 years because of the pressure I felt of having to face the society there. I want to change that. I want to find out what my Egyptian heritage means to ME. Not what society wants it to mean to me. So I'm excited for this new journey I'm venturing into. Love the newsletters Matt, I hope you're well💫

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I deleted my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter today. 😁

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Thank you for being an example of aiming for the stars and shooting for them. I've been on my own personal development journey on and off for a couple years now and I draw a lot of inspiration from your words and transparency. Keep it up Matt, move those mountains man. <3

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I eagerly wait for ur news letter.. it brings a positive vibe, there's so much of learning in it, every time a new aspect which is worth giving a thought.. thanks for sharing.. lots of love to u

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Your grandmother is a very wise woman for sure 💛

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Thank you for this week's newsletter. It touches up on something I've also thought about. I'm debating on deleting my Instagram yet I find that Instagram is quite valuable and has a lot of resources that could help on my healing journey. I already created a second account where I'm only following people that inspire and help me. But then I'm clicking on the discovery page and still a lot of bullshit comes my way. I think I have to figure out if I want to let go of the truly helpful content but therefore also let go of a lot of a lot of time wasted.

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Hey Matt, your newsletters make my day. I am so happy for you. I have been thinking about deleting my Instagram for two months now. But I guess it's time to stop thinking and choose happiness. Thank you!

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Im so in love with your writing , lifestyle and views matt brother

I wish I could see you in person someday and just give a tight 🤗 hug

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Miss you baby!! xoxo

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I think you should read about Allah!

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Inspirational as always. Dropping the phone for the month of august :)

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