I realized today during my lunch walk that I was talking to myself out loud. It occurred to me that it felt like a long time since I had talked to myself audibly. I find it healthy to do so, and I was slightly appalled that it had been so long.

What was different? I didn’t have headphones in— I wasn’t listening to music or a podcast. I was alone with my own thoughts as I did my two miles. There was nothing but the sounds of city and nature to accompany, as about 15 minutes in my mind settled. We find a rhythm when experiencing that right level of bliss.

When I returned to my office I decided upon my focus for the midterm: consume less. Two simple words, and a seemingly easy concept. Consume less food. Consume less information; spend less time on screens. Consume less alcohol and caffeine. Reduce the noise, that I’m actively bringing into my life, so I can hone in on the signal. Eliminate the distractions so I can focus on what matters: love, health, and time. Consume less.