Chapter 1: The Quest for Attention

In today’s fast-paced world, everyone seems eager for our focus. Whether it's a friend trying to grab our attention or an advertisement pushing the latest product, the constant demands can be overwhelming.

“Hey! Over here!”

“No, this way! It’s more interesting.”

“Check this out—I can show you how to shed 10 pounds in just a week!”

“Come on! You look great. Click this link to get rich quick with cryptocurrency.”

“Forget crypto; NFTs are the future! Visit our site now!”

“Are you feeling hungry? These ads will certainly tempt you.”

“No way! She wants it HER way—Burger King beats McDonald's any day.”

“Did you hear the latest scoop on the Kardashians?”

“Actually, all he cares about is Kanye’s latest comment!”

It's astonishing how challenging it is to find tranquility in our daily lives. Aside from the moments we spend asleep, we rarely experience a few quiet minutes without someone or something vying for our attention.

As the year progresses, consumerism reaches its peak, with commercials flooding our screens, urging us to check out the newest must-haves.

“YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED THIS ____________!”

In reality, we don’t, and it's frustrating to see our social media feeds cluttered with "suggested for you" ads based on our browsing habits.

With our phones and laptops constantly in use, the background noise becomes unbearable. Countless companies and websites bombard us, insisting that we need the latest products to be happy or that our loved ones will appreciate us more if we shower them with gifts—especially the ones on sale.

I’m sure I’m not alone in this struggle. Finding the perfect gifts for occasions like Mother’s Day, graduations, or holidays can be a daunting task. Why do we even try?

This sense of overwhelm extends beyond shopping seasons. The sheer volume of pop-up ads while browsing news articles makes me want to throw my phone against the wall.

Perhaps I should consider getting Dad a new phone for Father’s Day—or at least a screen repair.

Social media is no sanctuary either. Every post seems to yell, “PAY ATTENTION TO ME!” or “CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS!” It’s exhausting to sift through countless demands for our focus from both acquaintances and strangers alike.

The multitude of apps available on our devices doesn’t help foster a peaceful environment. While many of us try not to demand attention from fellow writers on platforms like Medium, we all desire recognition for our work. Despite my best efforts to create engaging content, it’s clear that others are also seeking validation and attention for their writing.

This yearning for acknowledgment is part of human nature. We all crave appreciation, validation, and love. In a world boasting over 8 billion people, it’s only natural to want to stand out. Yet, this constant noise can be exhausting. With so many messages competing for our attention, finding inner peace can seem impossible.

Chapter 2: Reclaiming Our Time

To start, we might benefit from reducing our screen time. Before the era of portable recording studios and vast social networks at our fingertips, it was easier to concentrate.

We've become so accustomed to being glued to our screens that it’s challenging to appreciate the present moment.

Still skeptical? Try this little experiment: Visit a business, preferably one with a queue or a waiting room, but leave your phone in the car.

I've unintentionally done this a couple of times, and let me tell you, being without my phone in such situations feels torturous.

“What do I do now? Where should I look? How do I occupy my hands?”

This is the reality of our scrolling addiction. We read, we scroll, we click, and then we scroll some more.

It's no wonder that finding genuine peace during shopping holidays or throughout the year is challenging.

I encourage you to try something different. For a short duration—say, 15 to 30 minutes—put down your phone.

“What if someone messages me? What if I hear a notification?”

Yes, let those messages wait.

Try it out. Once you're comfortable with 15 minutes, aim for 30, and then 60. Engage in activities that don’t involve screens. Play with your pet, take a long-desired nap, or go for a walk. The notifications will still be there when you return.

Remember, life existed before technology. Allow someone else to deal with the relentless barrage of messages we receive on our devices. You might just find a sense of peace.

This first video captures the essence of seeking attention and the chaos that surrounds it.

The second video delves into the importance of being noticed in our fast-paced lives.