I have had my hands in the digital world since the internet was simply the internet, when an app took years to develop not minutes through an AI tool.
The world is changing, and the digital world is changing with it. The last year was just a glimpse of this accelerating speed.

The only constant has always been change. That is what I learned from over 25 years working in the digital field. My focus was never the technology itself, but the humanness behind it how we evolve our mindset to cope with advancement.
It became a kind of muscle, a routine. I would constantly ask: What is new? How can this benefit the business? How do we develop teams that can work with it? How do we create processes that integrate these tools smoothly into operations?
After years of doing this work, one thing became very clear perhaps more than one thing, but you understand me.
Technology will continue to evolve, but our ability to cope may never truly catch up. That is my truth.
So now what?
I have always believed that technology, like all things made by humans, is a tool. Its purpose is to make our lives better. But if we pause and reflect on the years following COVID when mass digital migration occurred and many of us built businesses, identities, and entire worlds online we begin to see the cost.
It was fascinating to witness creators flourish through expression and creativity. Yet, as with all tools, when we stop using them as tools and begin worshipping them or forming deep attachments, as we have done since industrialization with currency, medicine, food, and more we lose our footing.
We found ourselves drowning in an overwhelming amount of information, stimulation, and competition. Being rooted and grounded in ones true identity became increasingly difficult. In its place, a digital identity emerged an alter ego fighting digital wars in a space where authenticity is praised, but viewership is the real currency.
Something deeply disturbing has been created. Even more disturbing is the expectation to keep up with it.
After 25 years of navigating the digital realm and social media in particular I have decided to consciously pick and choose what I take from it.
Our energy is our most valuable resource. Not only to us, but to everyone who wants access to it.
If energy flows where attention goes, then it is fair to say that the battle for our attention is very real.
Pick me.
Love me.
Engage with me.
Instead of seeking connection, we began seeking retention. And when retention becomes the goal, we slowly lose ourselves to whatever sustains engagement.
It is a very tricky road.
As I write this, I remember the posting anxiety the fear of reactions, the anticipation of judgment. And I realize it is fair to say that I am choosing to reside primarily in the physical world, while visiting the digital realm and social media in particular intentionally.
When I started Joie de Vivre, my focus was resonance and connection. This piece is a reminder of that original intention.
I take back my power.
I take back my attention.
And I take back my energy.
I will not be driven by the algorithm, nor shaped by it. I will focus on my own authenticity my own voice, my own message.
And I hope, in time, to find the words to fully share my truth with you.
Stay Kind
JDV