I’ve said it before: I have a love/hate relationship with social media. These platforms start as a way to share stories and passions, but over time they turn into noisy, in-your-face marketing machines fighting for every second of your attention.
Facebook was the first to go several months ago. Instagram followed. The old time_2_xplore account was tied so strongly to the Ford Explorer that once that chapter ended, the Volvo content never carried the same fibre. So I wiped the slate clean. After a few weeks, I launched t2_xplore, and the Volvo-based posts are doing… okay. Not viral, not explosive—but honest and steady.
But the deeper issue is trust. Social platforms can erase you without warning. The recent YouTube incident—where a “made-up” infraction caused my entire channel and Google account to disappear—was a brutal reminder. I’ve spent two months rebuilding the restored channel from zero, and only now am I starting to see traffic and a few new subscribers return.
This is why I’ve always pushed owning your own domain. Your website is your home. Your rules. Unless you violate your hosting provider’s terms, no one can hit “report” and erase years of work.
Why a Digital Detox in December?
Because I need it—and maybe you do too.
December is the perfect time to step back, slow down, and reset. It’s about clearing mental clutter, spending time with family, and getting ready for a meaningful new year.
This month I’m removing social apps from my phone. I’ll still update my websites, but I’m giving myself room to breathe and refocus.
And I have plenty to focus on.
Acre13.ca — A New Home for Off-Grid and Property Content
Acre13 is becoming its own dedicated space for all things off-grid and property-related:
- Woodlot projects and improvements
- The 15ft geodome rebuild
- Rural DIY builds and gear tests
- Trails, firewood, and day-to-day off-grid living
It has its own website and YouTube channel so everything stays organized within its niche. No more mixing property content with travel content—each will finally have a proper home.
Web: Acre.ca
IG: @acre13.ca
Time to Xplore in the New Year
Time to Xplore continues forward with the adventures:
- The Volvo XC70 soft-roader build
- Cycling
- Long hikes
- Fatbike trips (as soon as I get a new rack to mount it to the roof)
- More filming as my feet continue improving with better hiking footwear
And to Heather—if you happen to be reading this: yes, I did indeed place that bike rack in our Amazon cart.😊
Digital Detox December isn’t about disappearing from the online world—it’s about reclaiming it. Slowing down. Creating more than we consume. Building from our own platforms instead of someone else’s rented digital space.
This month, I’m choosing quiet mornings, real experiences, and meaningful work over endless scrolling.
If you’re feeling the same pull, you’re welcome to join me.
