I deleted the apps

Hi {{ first_name | friend}},

I've been quiet for two months. No dramatic reason, just life doing what life does.

But I've been thinking about what I actually want this newsletter to be, and I realized something: I don't want to write monthly updates about what I did. That's a diary, not a newsletter.

So here's the shift: Every Tuesday, I'll share one idea that's helping me navigate the messy middle. Finding my footing in a new country, switching careers, building habits that actually stick, or just staying sane while figuring it all out.

I'm 32. I moved from Turkey to Germany for a master's degree and ended up staying. I switched from humanitarian work to the private sector when funding dried up. I write online, mostly because it helps me think. I'm not here to tell you I've cracked the code. I haven't. I'm here because I know what it feels like to be in transition, and I think there's value in sharing what I'm learning while I'm still learning it.

So let's start.

Three weeks ago, I deleted all social media apps from my phone.

Not a detox. Not a break. Just... gone.

I'm still posting (from my laptop, intentionally), but the apps aren't on my phone anymore. And something shifted.

I started reading on my commute. Actual books. I just finished Happy Mind Happy Life by Rangan Chatterjee. And it, ironically, is what pushed me to try this experiment.

Here's what I didn't expect: I feel calmer, not because I have more time, but because I compare myself less.

The scroll wasn't just stealing my attention. It was stealing my sense of "enough." Every swipe was a subtle reminder of someone doing more, earning more, living more. I didn't even notice how heavy that was until I put it down.

Now when I get home, I'm actually home. Not half-present while checking what strangers are doing.

I'm not saying delete everything forever. I'm saying: try one week without the apps on your phone and notice what changes.

You might find, like I did, that the noise was louder than you realized.

One more thing: I call this "the cheapest therapy I've found," but I'm also getting actual therapy. The two work together.

Here's what stuck with me from the book: research shows we smile 30% less when our phone is present. And happier people are 3x less likely to get sick.

Read that again. The phone in your pocket is costing you smiles. And those lost smiles might be costing you your health.

One thing I've learned from therapy: we can't change other people. We can only change ourselves, our perceptions, and how we react.

Deleting the apps was me finally accepting that. I can't control what people post. I can't stop the highlight reels, the humble brags, the endless noise. But I can control whether I let it into my head every day.

If you've been thinking about talking to someone, consider this your nudge.

A few things I'm planning to write about:

What's one thing you're curious about? Something I could write about that might actually help you?

Just hit reply. I read everything.

See you next Tuesday,

Selim

🌐 selimuysal.net 💌 leadletters.digital

P.S. If you're curious about digital writing or want to start your own newsletter, whether for your business or just for yourself, I'm happy to help. Just reply to this email and let's talk.