By being on the internet you're exploring the **digital universe**, an infinite space rich in knowledge and opportunities for boundless learning and [[Digital Self-Actualization|personal growth]].  Unfortunately, it's hard to realize this when it can also easily cause the opposite… Deteriorating your attention span by doomscrolling across different social media apps. Neglecting the need for growth and challenge in our lives by solely fulfilling it playing open world or competitive games. But if we dig deeper, what brings us here in the first place? We spend more time online because a part of us doesn't feel nurtured or fulfilled in the physical world. I grew up in a rural city known for its quiet plains and farmer lifestyle. Don't get me wrong—I value a simple life of less materialism and bustling urban landscapes. But at the same time, I felt unfulfilled and suppressed from exploring my potential. Instead of standardized paths like school that neglected my curiosity, I wanted an environment that satisfied my inner desire to grow. This led me to play games with friends, building worlds and [[High performance in gaming|achieving high ranks in video games]]. These experiences were the highlights of my childhood and I look at these times with fond memories… But suddenly, my digital universe started to change and began to feel more like a lonely void. After reading my first self-help book at the start of my self-improvement journey, I felt alienated trying to share these ideas with anyone else. I was no longer on the same social media algorithms as my friends full of video games, memes, and half-naked women. No amount of introspection or journaling could thaw the frigid, dark void I found myself in. I yearned for the warm embrace of connection and the illuminating inspiration from like-minded souls. %% the outer world brings a disconnect with their inner, so they seek to find an outer that does connect with the inner %% This was until I understood the bigger picture of the digital universe. %% expand on how it felt to be in this liminal state of waiting for things to shift, and then it opened up %% If we take a closer look, we can break it down into the following cosmic phenomena: - **Galaxies**, diverse domains with unique cultures and ecosystems to explore, helping us broaden our perspectives - **Shining stars**, illuminating ideas and perspectives from the brightest minds in the world exploring their own uncharted curiosities, letting us create personalized learning voyages - **Spaceships** built using modern software and technologies, letting us freely embark on these voyages - **Fleets** of kindred explorers we can journey alongside to share and plan future explorations Once I understood this, I began a new exploration, using curiosity and passion as my guiding compass. I fled from galaxies focusing on entertainment and gaming and discovered communities valuing self-improvement and growth. These spaces were filled with insights from early pioneers that inspired me to continue exploring these uncharted areas. %% could say something how the early pioneers in their own way explored something beyond the normal. just as how you are with your more growth/expansion oriented approach to exploring the internet %% To navigate this new landscape, I replaced my old spaceship of TikTok and Steam with new ones like [[Obsidian]]. This led to journeys [[My memorable online friends|alongside fellow explorers]] who shared and supported similar pursuits of [[Self-improvement does not have to be lonely|self-learning software development]] and creating content online. It was with this new digital universe that I began my current journey [[Digital Self-Actualization]]. %% It's helped me explore this universe of boundless knowledge and opportunities with my curiosity and desire for growth as my north star A public digital galaxy lets other people follow in your footsteps towards uncharted territory