I'm Doing A 90 Day Media Fast

My rules, criteria and overall goals

Last Friday I shared that all about The Distraction Dilemma and how I wanted to take charge of the media that I consumed and grow closer with God. I also made mention that I had my own rules or criteria for this fast that I would share which I’ve organised into sections. As this post goes up, I am currently beginning the first day of the fast.

Reading Materials

1 chapter of the Desire of Ages each day. This is a book that I’ve heard a lot of great things about and also the book recommended by Christian Berdahl. It walks through the life of Jesus and gives extra context to the New Testament. I do also have a book called The Discipleship Handbook which has the corresponding Bible texts for each chapter which I will read if I feel like it. 

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport before day 45 of the fast. I think this is the only book I’ll allow myself to read that doesn’t fall into the Christian literature section. I do have a couple books on decluttering and minimalism, but I’m doing my best to complete those before my fast starts (though I don’t know if I will stop midway through if I don’t complete them in time).

Ellen G White and a select few Christian books. Apart from the Bible and my Experiencing God book (which I’m still completing), there are very very few books that I will allow myself to read as I don’t want to have too many external voices during this time. One book I have as high priority is His Victory Is Ours by David NG which I started reading on my Kindle, but I’m going to start from the beginning again as I now have the physical copy (I want to add my highlights again and have a refresher). 

You will notice that Substack isn’t on this list. Yes, I won’t be reading any Substack articles until the end of my fast where I plan to catch up on some of my favourite publications that I’ve missed and reevaluate who and what I follow and read online. Please don’t think I’m intentionally ignoring you! We all need a break from other voices from time to time. 

I will still be coming onto Substack, but only to write and schedule posts. I’ll respond to any comments that I may have received only when I come here to write an article. I will still be keeping my same upload schedule so that The Creative Lifestyle presence isn’t entirely missed and because I have the time now to focus on my writing (seeing as it’s not being filled with other media). I don’t think I will be posting much to notes though, if at all during this fast. 

Video Materials

Videos I’m editing for YouTube and Substack uploads. If it’s not something that I’m working on, then I’m not watching it. I know this is going to be the hardest one to fast from but, all the more reason to do it. 

Select sermons. I actually have a playlist of my most watched sermons that I return to from time to time. I will allow myself to watch some sermons, but it’s limited to Sabbath hours only (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset). 

The Distraction Dilemma… of course! Every now and again I may watch this series over again when I need a reminder of why I’m doing this in the first place or a little encouragement. 

Listening Materials

Audio Scripture. This is for emergency purposes only; if my hyperacusis is becoming too unbearable. 

I have a few ideas of what I would like to accomplish at the end of these 90 days, but I may reveal them once I’ve completed/achieved them. 

If you’re taking this fast with me, please let me know in the comments! Let’s encourage each other. 

I’ll let you know how my first week goes next week!

✨ Nadine