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Instagram has been my creative home for six years. I joined in late 2019 with one purpose: to share and promote my poetry book, Out of the Shadows. I’d never used Instagram before, and in those early days, it felt simple, rewarding, and exciting. But after six years, thousands of posts, experiments with new features, and building entire communities through poetry and travel, I can honestly say this: Instagram doesn’t feel like the same app anymore. And it’s fair to ask the question many creators are quietly whispering—is Instagram dying? In this post , I share my raw experience, from the early days of growth and community to today’s struggles with reach, reward, and burnout. You’ll see how the platform has shifted, why so many feel it’s in decline, and whether Instagram is still the place to be for creators. In This Post... ● The Early Days ● The Shift ● Engagement Collapse ● Effort vs Reward ● Business Value See More... ● Community and Connection ● Where Is Instagram Heading? ● So, Is Instagram Dying? ● Poll ● FAQ ● Social Media Resources The Early Days: Clean, Simple, Rewarding When I first started, Instagram felt like a breath of fresh air. I’d post poetry pieces—sometimes single-image posts, sometimes a carousel with a longer poem. I’d write thoughtful captions explaining why I wrote the piece or how I was feeling. And it worked. People saw it, liked it, commented, followed, and supported it. There was a strong sense of community and reciprocity—if you engaged with someone’s work, they engaged back. It didn’t feel transactional; it felt like a digital neighborhood. Even the features were clean and straightforward. Stories came along, and while I struggled to know exactly what to put there at the beginning, they eventually gave me another way to connect. Reach was strong. Growth felt organic. There was a clear reward for effort. That reward has all but disappeared today. The Shift: Reels, Algorithms, and Pay-to-Play When Reels first appeared, I was excited. I was in Canada during lockdown, experimenting with adding text, music, and creative edits. It felt fresh. Reels were fun, and they delivered real visibility. But then the shift happened. Reach was slowly squeezed. Suddenly, posts came with constant prompts: Boost this post, pay $2, and get 1,000 more views. The platform started to feel less like a creative playground and more like a pay-to-play system. Reels also turned stale. Instead of original content, the feed became full of recycled trends, identical hooks, and endless “how to grow on Instagram” coaches trying to sell you something. The variety and creativity drained away, replaced by an endless scroll of sameness. Meanwhile, the algorithm became more punishing. Like one random cat video, and your feed is cats forever. Genuine engagement turned into algorithmic signals, which made people hesitant to interact at all. And then there are the bugs. The app constantly shifts, features break, posts upload blurry, and captions vanish. Buttons move every week, features appear on one account but not another, and half the new tools nobody asked for. Instagram is trying to be everything at once—video app, shopping app, AI app—and it’s failing at all of them. ADVERTISEMENT Engagement Collapse: The Community Disappears One of the clearest signs that Instagram is dying is the collapse of engagement. Four or five years ago, gaining followers was a natural process. You’d find someone new, like a few posts, maybe leave a comment, and they’d come back to support you. A like was a like, not a trap for your Explore feed. Today, engagement feels hollow. Likes and comments have dropped. The sense of community is gone. People are hesitant to engage for fear of what it will do to their algorithm. Loyal followers often don’t see your posts at all. Scroll your feed, and it’s almost entirely people you don’t follow. The “Following” tab, which should fix that, just shows you five posts from the same account before you give up. Stories get buried, too, and if you post more than one in 24 hours, the reach is limited. Even the “friends feed” is hidden behind taps that most people don’t know exist. As a result, Instagram feels more like a content dump than a community. Effort vs Reward: A Losing Game Creating content today takes far more time and energy than it used to. Editing tools are complex, polished videos are expected, and you’re constantly second-guessing. Is the hook right? Did I use trending audio? Should I post at 7 p.m.? Will the algorithm punish me for posting a blog link? You can spend hours putting together something thoughtful and beautiful, only for it to reach 1% of your followers. And even if one thing does perform well, it likely won’t work the second or third time. There’s no consistency, no predictability, and no reward. Instagram has turned into a job without pay. Instead of being a space to share your creativity, it demands that you serve the algorithm first. Business Value: From Weak to Almost Worthless For creators and businesses, Instagram’s value has dropped dramatically. Links in stories tank reach. Promotional posts rarely get seen. Instagram shopping was buggy and has largely been retired. And unlike platforms like Pinterest , which actively drive traffic to blogs and websites, Instagram keeps people locked inside the app. For me personally, Instagram has never been a reliable driver of clicks or conversions. It was slightly better years ago, but today it’s almost worthless as a business tool. You can post all the polished content you like, but if nobody sees it, what’s the point? Community and Connection: From Heart to Hollow The saddest part of Instagram’s decline is the loss of genuine community. Back when Jenn and I ran Closer Lives Poetry , we built a community of over 5,000 people who engaged with prompts, joined live readings, and supported each other’s work. Our hashtag of the same name has over 35,000 submissions. We didn’t have half the features Instagram has now, but it worked. People cared. Now, those features exist in abundance with collabs, interactive stickers, DMs, and group chats, but the soul has gone. Engagement limits, fear of being flagged for “too many actions,” and a flood of bots have pushed people away from authentic interaction. What’s left feels more like silence than conversation. Where Is Instagram Heading? To me, it doesn’t feel like Instagram knows where it’s going. It’s trying to compete with TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and even shopping apps, but in doing so, it’s lost its identity. On my phone, I have three different Instagram accounts, and each one looks different. Different buttons, fonts, and features. It’s fragmented, buggy, and inconsistent. The only thing creators consistently ask for is reach. Look at the comments under any post from Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri—it’s the same chorus every time: We just want our followers to see our posts. Until that changes, in my opinion, the platform will continue to decline. TikTok thrives because it rewards people. Whether or not those millions of views translate into long-term followers, the dopamine hit of visibility keeps people posting. Instagram has stripped away that reward, leaving creators drained and disengaged. So, Is Instagram Dying? For me, the answer is yes, at least in the spirit of what it once was. Instagram used to be fun, creative, and rewarding. Today it’s cluttered, buggy, unrewarding, and exhausting. Unless you’re one of the tiny percentage of monetized creators, the app feels like a job without benefits. Could it be saved? Maybe. Fix the bugs. Simplify the interface. Stop chasing every other platform. And most importantly, give creators back their reach. Until then, Instagram will remain what it feels like today: an app in decline, a platform that lost its purpose, and a place where too many creators have stopped asking “what should I post next?” and started asking, "Why bother posting at all?” Poll FAQ: Is Instagram Dying? Why has Instagram engagement dropped so much? Because the algorithm has evolved to prioritize content discovery over connection. Reels reach strangers, not followers, and regular posts often reach less than 1–2% of your audience. Likes and comments have become algorithmic triggers instead of genuine interactions. Most creators aren’t being shadowbanned—they’re just not being surfaced. Has Instagram become pay-to-play? In many ways, yes. Boost prompts and paid reach options appear on almost every post now, and the platform increasingly rewards accounts that advertise. Organic reach has plummeted, leaving smaller creators feeling invisible unless they spend to compete. Why does Instagram feel less creative than it used to? Because creativity is being replaced by performance. When creators are forced to follow trends, hooks, and formulas to be seen, spontaneity and individuality vanish. What used to be a creative outlet now feels like content production for an algorithm. Is Instagram still useful for businesses or bloggers? Not like it used to be. The lack of link visibility and external clicks makes it difficult for creators to drive traffic or conversions. Even Story links tank reach. Platforms like Pinterest or TikTok are now stronger for discovery and blog traffic than Instagram ever was. What happened to the community on Instagram? Community was replaced by consumption. Features like Stories and Reels turned Instagram into an entertainment feed rather than a social network. Users hesitate to comment or like because one action can reshape their algorithm. The sense of mutual support—what once made Instagram special—is almost gone. Is Instagram really dying, or just changing? It depends on who you ask. For brands and trend-based accounts, it’s still useful. But for creators who built their followings through photography, art, writing, or storytelling, it’s largely unrecognizable. Instagram isn’t dying because people left—it’s dying because people stopped caring. Can creators still succeed on Instagram? Yes, but not in the same way. Success now requires structure more than spontaneity: organizing ideas, setting posting schedules, and defining purpose. It’s less about virality and more about personal clarity—knowing why  you post, not just what . What would it take for Instagram to feel alive again? Three things: reward, simplicity, and stability. Bring back Reach, clean up the bugs, and stop overcomplicating the app. Most creators don’t want new features—they just want to feel seen again. Social Media Resources

If you are like me and have been using Instagram for a while, then you probably know all about 'cleaning house.' As in tidying up that following list, which, let's face it, can get out of hand at times. Again, like me, you may have fallen foul of Instagram's notorious 'guidelines' and been put in Insta Jail for too many actions (having to check if someone is following back is an extra tap, for example). Indeed, you may also have been me, heart in mouth and all, when IG detected a third-party app being used and stopped me from logging in entirely. Threatening to disable the account permanently and all sorts. Yep. That went south real quick. Which brings me very nicely to the purpose of this article. I know the struggle is real; many users often dread managing their followers and following lists, especially if trying to identify accounts that don’t follow back. Instagram does the bare minimum to help you with this, although they do have a nugget of a feature that will get you there in six easy steps with some help from our good old friends at ChatGPT. In This Post... ● Introduction ●   Risks of Third-Party Apps ●   Why This Method is Safe ●   The 6-Step Process ●   Tips for Long-Term See More... ●   FAQ ●   Any Other Questions? ●   Social Media Resources Introduction to this Guide Instagram numbers/stats hold great importance for many users, particularly those looking to boost their follower count for increased engagement and online presence. I have totally been in the thick of a bulging community with healthy exposure, and I sure as heck know what follow-for-follow is and how quickly those numbers start piling up. Many turn to third-party apps for identifying FNFB (I'm not sure if I just made this up or not, but it means 'following not following back'). Two years ago, I fell foul of this, admittedly not knowing it could cause a block, but eventually it did. Let's just say 24 days with no access to the 'gram and potentially losing everything you have on there does give one pause for thought. So yes, let's not do that! This guide will show you how to identify accounts not following you back safely—and without breaching those touchy Instagram community guidelines. It is perfectly within the rules and is super easy. You will have that list cleaned up in no time. Risks of Using Third-Party Apps With Instagram having been cracking down on third-party apps for some time now, users need to adopt secure methods to manage and monitor their follower connections effectively. This Instagram policy is designed to protect user privacy, banning unauthorized apps that gather user data. These apps pose risks, including ● Privacy breaches, as they often require login information. ● Account suspensions or restrictions. ● Potential for having your account disabled for guideline violations. It is important to note that even with the best of efforts, the Apple and Google app stores will still be brimming with a ton of apps offering to do this type of service. No matter how genuine they look, pilfered IG logo and all, don't touch them! ADVERTISEMENT Why This Method is Safe and Effective The method outlined here is compliant with Instagram’s guidelines since it relies on Instagram’s native data-download feature and manual analysis with ChatGPT, ensuring no breach of terms. It does require a little bit of effort once you have the data, but effectively, you are doing the same thing as one of those apps we keep not wanting to talk about. Overview of the Process Below is a brief overview of the easy six-step process we will be covering: ● Obtain your Instagram data, focusing on the 'followers' and 'following' lists. ● Import this data into a suitable analysis format. ● Utilize ChatGPT (or another AI; heck, you could even use Meta's) to detect differences between the two lists, pinpointing individuals who do not follow you back. ● Once you have your list, you can begin unfollowing. Step 1: Exporting Your Instagram Followers Data: Accessing Instagram’s Download Tool Instagram offers a data download tool where you can request a full export of your profile, including followers and following lists: ● Navigate to Settings > Your Activity > Account Center > Download Your Information. ● Select the preferred format (JSON for simplicity or HTML). ● Wait for Instagram to prepare the file; this usually takes a couple of minutes. Refresh the page, and you will notice the status change * Expand / Swipe for instructions Step 2: Downloading Your Data Files ● Download the file: Extract the compressed file to access the HTML files. IG does offer the option of downloading in JSON format, but it always seems to come in HTML anyway. ● Go to connections > followers_and_following Step 3: Converting Data for Easy Comparison If your data is in HTML format: ● Open in your browser window ● Highlight all [ctrl + a] and copy ● Paste into Excel (or another similar cell-based app) Step 4: Preparing the Data for Analysis ● Organize your lists to create two columns—Following and Followers. ● Check that the usernames are in a consistent format. ● Delete any unnecessary fields for a cleaner comparison. Step 5: Using ChatGPT to Compare Followers and Following Now that your data is ready, ChatGPT can cross-reference the two lists and give you the names of users not following back. Open ChatGPT and use specific prompts to identify discrepancies. ● Sample prompt: There are two lists in the attached file: 'followers' and 'following.' Compare and list users in 'following' who are not in 'followers.' Ignore the dates in the rows. ChatGPT will output a clean list of non-followers. Double-check ChatGPT’s results by reviewing a few names to ensure accuracy. Minor discrepancies may occur if usernames have changed or if there were any loading errors. Step 6: How to Unfollow Accounts Safely Once you have your list, you can use the search function on IG to visit the profiles you want to unfollow and do so individually. There is no automated process with this, so you just have to take the time. Maybe even just give the accounts a nudge if they are still active; in many cases, they might not realize they weren't following you. Note: You will want to avoid rapid unfollowing to prevent temporary account restrictions. While Instagram has never officially put a number on action blocks, it is believed that anywhere between 200 and 300 actions in 24 hours could land you in hot water. That includes likes, shares, and saves, too. I would recommend unfollowing between 50 and 100 per day, and be wary of using repetitive actions to do so. It might take a while, but you would rather spend this time than go through the hell of your account being disabled. Believe me! Tips for Managing Your Followers List Long-Term Building a real fan base is super important to keep people interested in today's online world. It's not just about numbers; you've got to work on forming genuine connections. Taking the time to interact with your followers one-on-one is key. As they say, engagement is king. 'Empty follows' honestly does zero for your account, especially with an algorithm that changes the way the wind blows and is decidedly quite anti-social. These days, just following someone back, or indeed following them yourself first, is no given. In the end, genuine growth will only ever come from authentic connections. And if that does become your case, then doing the process in this article will probably be something you won't have to do again Frequently Asked Questions: Disabled Instagram Accounts Can I download my Instagram data anytime? Yes, Instagram’s download tool is available 24/7. Usually, requests are processed within a few minutes but can take up to 48 hours to become available. Is it safe to use ChatGPT (or another AI) for this process? Yes, ChatGPT analyzes data you input and does not access your accounts or store any private information. Are there limits to unfollowing users on Instagram? Yes, Instagram has limits to prevent spam. Avoid unfollowing large numbers at once to prevent restrictions. The general rule of thumb is to limit the total number of actions to no more than 200 per day. Bear in mind this includes likes, follows, and shares. Will this method show me new followers? No, this method only identifies accounts that you follow who do not follow you back. Can I use this method on a mobile device? Yes, the data files can be downloaded and uploaded through cloud storage to mobile-friendly applications. The data formatting part might be a little tricky on smaller screens, but once you have your list, you can use split-screen view to easily unfollow. Do professional accounts have better tools for tracking followers? Yes, professional accounts on Instagram offer basic engagement metrics, which may help gauge followers’ interaction with your profile. However, IG does not have any option to track unfollows. Any Other Questions? Hopefully, this post has given you all of the tools you need to clean your follower list safely. If you do have any other additional queries on points not covered here, however, you are more than welcome to get in touch . You can also check out our FAQ page  for more Instagram-related questions. Social Media Resources

If you are here, it is sadly likely that your account has been disabled by Instagram. Or locked out, or maybe even hacked. 'Your account has been disabled for violating our terms.' Pretty much the total of it, right? Unfortunately, when this happens, Instagram doesn't exactly help you out with any information. Just a quick Google search will offer you an absolute ton of pages offering to help you recover your account, along with plenty of scam messages that you will see plastered all over Reddit and Facebook forums. Let me tell you, if anyone is offering to get your account back, especially for money exchange, do not do it! In this post, I am not here to ask you for anything. I am simply just one of the large numbers of people who have had this happen to them, and I just want to offer you advice from my own experience with Meta and helping countless others, for FREE. Read on for a highly effective new 2025 method that has worked for many people this year already, and I hope, many more. In This Post... ● Why is My Account Disabled? ● Can I Recover My account? ● Disabled Account Appeal Forms ● Meta Verified ● My Account Has Been Hacked See More... ● Protecting Your Account ● FAQ's ● Get in Touch ● Social Media Resources Why Did Instagram Disable My Account? There are many known reasons as to why this may have happened, with one of the most significant of them being that you have used an unauthorized app to connect to your account, like one of those follow/unfollow ones. Before we continue, from this point on, if that is the case, just don't hide it. In any of your communications, be upfront about it, because Meta knows . And they are far more likely to forgive and forget if you own up to it straight off the bat, rather than try to plead innocence/ignorance. Here are a few common reasons why your account may have been disabled: ● Connecting an unauthorized application to your account, such as insight apps, automated like apps, follow/unfollow apps, etc. Tap here for more about this .   ● Buying followers (these are usually bots) ● Joining follow loops / follow trains ● Participating in engagement groups ● Sending spam messages to followers and non-followers ● Following & unfollowing in large numbers ● Using Instagram shopping in unlicensed countries ● Providing your login credentials to a 3rd party application or service that is automating actions or scraping information ● Using an app or service to interact with Facebook or Instagram in unauthorized ways ● Your account was shared or compromised/hacked, and someone is taking actions on your behalf or without your knowledge ● Changing your location regularly I would highly advise reading the Terms & Conditions of Use  in Instagram's Help Centre  to try and fully understand why the block has happened. Be honest with yourself, and do not be afraid to admit any breach of the rules. As you progress with the appeal, and as you will see from my experience, honesty is the best policy here. I have written an extensive article about this topic, which you can read below. In it, I include all of the dos and don'ts around how to stay within Instagram's infamous community guidelines and how to contact Meta/Facebook through the Meta Business Centre . Worth a read before you formulate your email / plead your case. Will I Be Able to Recover My Account? For this post, I am mainly going to focus on a new approach to contacting Instagram directly through the IG app . Before we get to it, I must stress that the process outlined in my original post about this topic still stands and should be followed first so you can generate your case number(s). It is also important that you have a Facebook account, although with this process, it does not need to be a business account, and you do not need an ad account either (although this may help in the long run). Other mitigating factors include the length of time your account has been disabled. I am hoping you are here because it has only just happened, but there may also be a chance you are here because you are at your wits' end trying to recover your account and have been for a while. Sadly, if you are the latter, know that you only have 30 days from the point of getting your account disabled to the point of recovery. After that period has elapsed, the account will automatically go into IG's deletion process. From there on in, it is game over, I'm afraid. ADVERTISEMENT Instagram Disabled Account Appeal Forms So, assuming you are below the 30-day threshold (the earlier the better) and are prepared to own up to any potential infringements of the community guidelines (including follow apps and engagement groups!), let's get started with the process. First things first, you may have heard about all of the appeal forms you will need to let Instagram know you are appealing the deactivation of your account. They look something like this: ● instagram.com/contact/60696731 ● instagram.com/contact/39616978 ● instagram.com/contact/43790879 ● instagram.com/contact/16525678 ● instagram.com/contact/16104597 2025 Update: It appears that Meta/Instagram has removed the functionality of these forms. This may be temporary, or it could be a permanent change. Alternatively try instagram.com/hacked Should you be able to locate the forms, my advice is to complete each of these forms once only and on separate days . You will most likely read and see many people advising you to complete these multiple times a day until you get a response. I did this myself. In total, I completed each one 3 times! However, I eventually found out that this was to my detriment. After speaking directly with Meta , they clearly stated that every submission goes to the bottom of the pile! It seems strange, but it kind of makes sense. Think about it; you and I will not be the only ones to assume that the more we fill out the forms, the better chances we will have. They receive thousands on any given day, and so they treat it like a waiting list. You are in a queue, and there is no jumping the line, I'm afraid. Meta Verified, and Getting Your Instagram Account Back Meta Verified adds extra security to your account. [Source: Getty Images ] Once you have completed the forms, the next stage of the process, which is brand new for 2025, is to get yourself Meta Verified . This is honestly the golden goose in recovering your account, and I have seen countless successes through this route, having advised many accounts this year about it. ⪢ How Much Does Meta Verified Cost? A Meta Verified subscription for standard creator accounts is USD 19.99 per month. There are several business plans available, too, which include additional features and offers. You can find the full range of options and purchase information here . Prices are correct at the time of writing (March 2026). Price is in U.S. dollars. Convert your currency here . ⪢ I'm Now Verified. How Do I Get in Touch with Instagram? Now, this will work best if you can do it through Instagram. If you have a second account, you can do it on there, or if not, you can set up a new account. There is no minimum following for who can get verified, so that is not an issue. You can also do it through Facebook if you do not want to set up a new account. The important thing is that you use the same information as would be on the account that is disabled. That means the same email, the same name, and ideally the same phone number too. I cannot stress how important that is to the process. Once you have been verified, you can gain immediate access to Instagram Live Chat Support. There is also a much higher probability of getting your account back, as Instagram has now verified your identity. So, here is how to get in touch. As with most things, it is buried in an obscure place in the settings area: OR Note that you can also use this area to contact me by email, which I would advise you to do as a backup option. Be sure to have all of your reference numbers from the appeal process to hand, as you will need them. When you talk with the support team, be sure to make a genuine case as to why you believe your account should be reinstated. Tell them what it means to you, why you use it, and what went wrong. ⪢ Honesty is the Best Policy Honesty is the best policy, and most of the success I have seen has been through people simply owning up to why and being genuine about their use of Instagram and the connections they have made through their account. Instagram is not the enemy; as with any business, they just want to protect their rules. In all of the cases I have seen this year, this process has gotten the account reactivated. In most cases, it has taken less than 24 hours. If there is any reason why it cannot be given back to you, at least here you will find out directly from Instagram itself. I Did Not Violate Guidelines; My Instagram Account Has Been Hacked Instagram has a specific team to support hacked accounts [Source: Getty Images] If you have been locked out of your account entirely, going through the process outlined here is unlikely to help. Although I would still suggest giving it a try. Again, if you are verified, it boosts your chances of proving who you are, which is the first major hurdle to overcome. The only place to go in this instance is instagram.com/hacked . Protecting Your Account There are a couple of things you can do to help keep your account secure and in good order. All of these options can be found in the settings area of your Instagram account. ⪢ Connected Apps & Websites It is recommended that you check this to ensure there are no unauthorized connections to your account or connections you do not recognize. ⪢ Two-Factor Authentication & Data Download I would certainly advise turning on two-factor authentication  on Instagram. Even if you do not 'log in' that often, adding this layer of security will make it harder for hackers to gain access to your account. The Data Download  feature on Instagram is not well-known, but it is an excellent option for keeping your data secure. Once requested, you will have 4 days to accept the download from your email. It comes as raw data, so do not expect it to look like your posts do on the app. All of your photos, videos, comments, likes, etc., will come to you in separate folders, which are a bit tricky to navigate and piece together. However, this is a fantastic option that helps you protect your content and potentially reuse it should you ever need or want to start a new account. ⪢ Security Checkup Instagram has been adding several features over the past couple of years, and if you are using the app, you can utilize the 'security check-up' feature in the settings section. Here you can review all of the key security aspects of your account in one place, including your phone number, associated email address, and that essential two-factor authentication. If you can recover your account, I would highly recommend reviewing these settings. Not particularly helpful if you are only reading this because your account is disabled, I know, but I wanted to include it nonetheless! Frequently Asked Questions: Recovering Your Disabled Instagram Account What does a disabled Instagram account mean? A disabled account is temporarily or permanently removed by Instagram for violating guidelines or due to suspicious activity. You won’t be able to log in and will usually see a message stating your account was disabled. Why was my Instagram account disabled? Common reasons include: ● Violating community guidelines (e.g., nudity, hate speech, spam) ● Using unauthorized third-party apps ● Copyright infringement ● Reports from other users ● A mistaken flag by Instagram’s AI systems Can I recover my disabled account? Yes—many users do successfully recover their accounts by using the official appeal process and, if eligible, contacting Meta’s live support. Be patient and persistent. Where do I submit an appeal? If the appeal process doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try reaching out to Instagram support directly. Be sure to review their community guidelines to understand what may have caused the account to be disabled. Where do I submit an appeal? You can only appeal directly through the link on your login message should the appeal form process not work. If your Instagram is linked to a Facebook Business account, you may be able to access Meta’s live chat support . This is currently the fastest and most effective route for many creators and influencers. How long does recovery take? Recovery can take anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks, depending on your case, your appeal message, and Instagram’s backlog. Follow up politely every few days. How do I access Meta's live support chat? If your IG account is linked to a Facebook Business account, you may qualify for live chat through Meta Business Support. This is currently one of the fastest methods for getting help. What should I write in my appeal message? Keep it clear and professional. Explain: ● Your account was disabled in error ● You follow the guidelines ● You would like the account reinstated ● Avoid emotional language or accusations. Can I recover a hacked and then disabled account? Yes, but you’ll need to first secure your email and Facebook, then appeal to Instagram. Mention the hack in your message and use “I believe my account was compromised” where relevant. What if I don’t hear back from Instagram? Try again every 48–72 hours. Use different forms if necessary. Be polite and consistent—it often takes multiple attempts before a response. How can I prevent future account issues? ● Enable two-factor authentication ● Don’t use unapproved third-party apps ● Avoid risky content or banned hashtags ● Link your account to Facebook and a verified email ● Download your data regularly Any Other Questions? Hopefully, this post has given you all of the tools you need to clean your follower list safely. If you do have any other additional queries on points not covered here, however, you are more than welcome to get in touch . You can also check out our FAQ page for more Instagram-related questions. Social Media Resources

It's with a mix of emotions that we are stepping away from Etsy after two years. The platform offered a fantastic launchpad for our products. Still, after careful consideration and a heap of frustrations, we have decided to pursue a different path for our store, Closer Lives Emporium. In this post , we share the many reasons behind our decision and our major concerns with the platform. Things that drove a massive 32% drop in Etsy's stock price in 2023, other sellers leaving in droves, and the tripling of Etsy's seller fees. Not to mention the hugely controversial Etsy reserve fiasco. What did we learn on Etsy, and what exciting things do we see coming next? Read on to find out! In This Post... ● What is Etsy? ● How is Etsy Performing? ● Why We Choose Etsy ● Journey to 300 Products ● Understanding the SEO ● The Importance of Branding See More... ● The Etsy Ads Disaster ● Etsy's Direction ● Crazy Etsy Charges ● Time vs Effort ● Competition – How Tough Is It? ● The Infamous 'Reserve' Debacle ● Poor Store Customization ● Time to Quit ● Benefits of Your Site ● The Future ● Lifestyle Resources First Things First: What is Etsy?   Etsy is an online marketplace that caters to those who appreciate unique and handcrafted items. It's a popular destination for people looking to support independent sellers and artists from all over the world. The platform offers a wide range of products, from jewelry and clothing to home decor and art. If you're looking for something special and bespoke, Etsy is a great place to browse. Imagine Etsy as a giant online version of a craft fair. Here, you'll find a vast selection of handmade and vintage items created by independent sellers. This means you're directly supporting creative individuals who put their heart and soul into their work. So if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind piece or a gift with a personal touch, Etsy is worth checking out. ⪢ Drop Shipping and Print-on-Demand In addition to handcrafted items, Etsy is also a platform that is an outlet for the masses of drop-shippers and print-on-demand companies who have exploded onto the scene in recent years. Drop-shipping and print-on-demand (POD) companies like Printify are fulfillment models that allow you to sell products online without holding any inventory. With drop-shipping, you partner with a supplier who stores and ships products directly to your customers after you make a sale. POD takes it a step further—you design custom products (like t-shirts or mugs), and the POD provider prints them on demand only when someone orders, handling the fulfillment for you. Both models free you up from managing stock and allow you to test out a wider range of products without upfront investment. How is Etsy Performing? In Q4 2023, Etsy reached 7.9 million active sellers, with a year-over-year growth of 3.8%.   One reason why selling on Etsy can be profitable is the growing number of buyers on the platform. According to Etsy, the number of active buyers went up by 3.4% to 97.3 million. This shows that Etsy is becoming a bigger market where sellers can make good money.   In 2023, Etsy’s consolidated Gross Merchandise Sales (GMS) decreased slightly to $13.16 billion from $13.32 billion in 2022, with a 1.2% decrease. However, annual consolidated revenue notably increased, reaching $2.75 billion, marking a 7.1% YoY increase from $2.57 billion in 2022. Particularly noteworthy is the fourth quarter performance, where revenue marks a new record of $842.2 million, a 4.3% increase compared to Q4 2022, highlighting Etsy’s ongoing strength and resilience.   In February 2024, Etsy received 474.1 million visits, according to the web traffic collected by Similarweb . This number has made Etsy the 4th player in the Marketplace and Shopping category, only after Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. Source: https://www.fool.com/ Despite this 'increase,' 2023 was not such a good year for the platform when you drill down into the numbers. While its revenue seems to have grown, actual sales on Etsy have stalled. On Etsy, the money from sales goes directly to the millions of sellers on the platform, not Etsy itself. Etsy makes its money by charging sellers fees for various services they use to list and sell their products. Here's the interesting part: Even though Etsy's revenue has increased from a very aggressive seller fee strategy to counter losses, the total amount of sales on the platform (called Gross Merchandise Sales or GMS) has dipped. This means sellers are making less money overall. This trend worried investors in 2023, and it's why Etsy took action. In December of that year, they announced they were laying off 11% of their staff to focus on initiatives that would help sellers grow their sales on the platform. Initiatives that we will look at throughout this post. Funnily enough, they do not seem to be helping one bit. ADVERTISEMENT Why We Choose Etsy for Closer Lives Emporium Fresh into our full-time travel adventure and with an eye on not depleting our savings too much, we started looking around for some serious ways to earn on the go. Etsy was by no means our only option, as we were already teaching English online when we decided to give it a try. That being said, we liked the idea of earning money without having to do much; it kind of seemed too good to be true! We were inspired by many hours of researching YouTubers and successful entrepreneurs who were sharing their Etsy success stories. Some were demonstrating hundreds of thousands of sales on POD items. With plenty of creative ideas as content creators on social media, it looked like an opportunity for us, too. If they could do it, why couldn't we? At the time, we were establishing this website, which was born from Closer Lives Poetry on Instagram, a community page that Jenn had founded. Closer Lives was initially intended to be a Creator Academy initially, to expand the concept beyond the confines of IG at the time. With very little experience in website building, establishing our POD range on Closer Lives did not seem like the best idea, given the fact that it would take some time to garner domain authority, and we wanted to start earning straight away. So familiar with the brand and prowess of Etsy, it seemed like the perfect spot to build. And so, Closer Lives Emporium was born. The Journey to 300 Products We started creating our range in Merida, Mexico (of all places). We had a super cute Airbnb in the middle of a quiet urban sector of the city. It was a good spot to relax and get creative, and once we got started, our range just exploded! There are a few platforms you can try for POD services, the main one being printify.com . We set up accounts with both but opted to use Printify more, as it felt a little more user-friendly, and it synchronized with Etsy pretty seamlessly. For those who may not know, POD companies usually have tie-ups with big players like Etsy and Shopify, whereby the products you create are uploaded directly to the respective selling platform. Any time a product sells, the order automatically generates in the POD platform, and aside from some customer service, the process is entirely automated from the point of order to the customer receiving the goods. There are some nuances and processes you can put in place, like manually authorizing orders, sending thank-you emails, and such, but even postal tracking is automated, so you don't have to. All this takes a little bit of work to set up and get right, but once you have it done, you can sit back and earn money in your sleep, as they say. We kind of lost track of how many items we were creating at one point; if anything, we were just having fun with it. We quickly made it to over 100 products, and before we knew it, we hit over 300 across 17 categories. Woah!!! Understanding the SEO: Product Descriptions, Alt Tags, Size Charts, etc. Mistakes Spell a Time-Consuming Disaster! One of the biggest challenges was marketing the products, which goes far beyond just making them and sticking them on your Etsy storefront. There are things like flat lays, descriptions, alt tags, getting the title right, terms and conditions, refund policies, privacy policies, size charts, fulfillment times, actual delivery times, etc. Say what now? We thought this was going to be easy! Such things are not exactly talked about when people share their glossy charts advertising thousands of sales. This was exactly where time started to become a factor. Creating a ton of designs, popping them onto a product template, and pressing 'publish' is honestly the easy part. Getting these items on the virtual shelf properly is another matter entirely. Especially if you don't know what you're doing and make some critical mistakes along the way. Let's give you an example. Alt tags. Yes, alt tags. You may have heard of them, and in the past year or so, they have grown into the conversation so much so that you can even see them given as an option for you in your Instagram posts. An alt tag is a hidden description for an image on a webpage, helping visually impaired people understand the image. It also provides backup text if the image fails to load, but perhaps most crucially, it improves search engine ranking . And search engine ranking is a biggie. Like the biggest, actually. Funnily enough, alt tags weren't a thing on Etsy. When we started in 2021, they weren't prevalent at all. So we did not make them. Just as we did not make size chart thumbnails for our items or fulfillment information graphics. A BIG mistake we had no clue we were making. Let us tell you that when you have 300 items and realize you need to update them all with critical things like size chart graphics, it is hours of work . Then Etsy comes along and hits you with alt tags. Then you realize you aren't making sales, potentially because of these issues. Then the panic sets in when you realize, on average, each of your items has at least 10 photos, which means potentially 3000 alt tags. Say what now? So hopefully we can paint the picture now! After all of our initial hype of getting things onto Etsy, we knew our shop was always going to struggle without some serious time being put into the background. SEO-effective product titles and descriptions were not something we did before uploading the item from Printify. They were just generic. We had to design a whole bunch of things, like our size charts and product flat lays. Then upload those and figure out how the hell to write a good alt tag, let alone 3000 of them. Weeks and months passed before we were finally able to get things done. Let us tell you, those weeks and months are measured in actual time spent , or at least it certainly feels like it looking back. ADVERTISEMENT The Importance of Branding So things were starting to move, and after the rough months at the beginning, we were starting to learn a lot and were making some serious progress on getting our listings up to scratch. We could see the difference it was making, too, picking up some sales here or there, and getting excited about the prospects. Our product wall was looking better by the day, and our products themselves were looking professional and organized. One of the key elements to this was our branding, something we took great care to curate right from the start. Again, we were very inexperienced with this kind of thing and quickly found out why people pay big bucks for logo designers and high-performance graphics. Just so you know, Canva is great and all, but it is very limiting when it comes to logos. We never did end up paying big bucks, but then again, with the offset against changing our logo several times and having issues with pixelation and poor quality, perhaps we should have done so in hindsight. The crux of the branding comes in with all of the 'peripheral' stuff that the big drop-shippers do not tell you about. Those fulfillment charts and delivery info charts are very important. A brand is more than just a flashy logo; it is in the details, the way you market your products, the follow-up emails, and the terms and conditions. These things can make or break a business and are often sidelined in the short-term pursuit of mega bucks. Fortunately, with our business experience, we did particularly well in this area, but again, that dreaded time count was adding up. Yet more hours, days, and weeks to get it spot on! The Etsy Ads Disaster So, at the point in our journey where we finally felt like our store was how we wanted it, in terms of all of the above, we were still struggling to hit consistent sales. We had gotten over the 20 mark, which had felt like quite a lot of work for not really that much. With all of the effort we had put into getting the descriptions, titles, and alt tags right, we were hoping for far more return than that. With our reach pretty low and our confidence in our products pretty high, we concluded that we should invest some cash into the store. Now, sure, time is money, so the months of work it had taken to get to this point should always be considered as an investment, but we are talking cold, hard bucks in the system. We were averaging about ten visitors a day to our store, and simple logic told us that this was never going to be enough to take off. Besides, Etsy is obsessed with pushing its advertising-to-sales potential at you, so we decided to bite. And wait for the sales to roll in. This is where our frustration with the platform started to kick in. Now, you might think that paying some money for a bigger slice of the pie might automatically boost your profits. But with Etsy, this is a big no-no. ⪢ Etsy Ads Offers Two Ways to Promote Your Products to a Wider Audience on Etsy and Beyond: ● Onsite Ads: These work on a cost-per-click (CPC) basis. You set a daily budget, and Etsy will display your ads in various locations throughout the Etsy platform, like search results or product pages. You only pay when someone clicks on your ad, not when they just see it. ● Offsite Ads: This is a commission-based advertising program. Etsy automatically enrolls all sellers and displays your product listings on other platforms like Google, Pinterest, or Instagram. You only pay a commission (12-15% of the sale price) if someone clicks on your ad and then makes a purchase within 30 days. Funnily enough, it seemed like every ad-based sale we were making was coming from 'off-site ads.' So we were losing 12-15% every time. Not to mention the taxes on top (which we will get into later). Now, the average margin on your items, especially if you want to remain competitive and soak up the delivery charge, might only be 20%. Take away Etsy ad fees, taxes, and Etsy listing fees, and yes, folks, you are losing money. Sadly for us, at least 80% of our sales were barely breaking even. Before we even factored in the time spent on creating the damn things. Etsy's cut was easily approaching 25-30% with offsite ads factored in, and without them, the chances of selling through onsite ads were zero. We quickly realized that Etsy was starting to demonstrate itself as a little bit of a scam. With the platform raking in billions, where on earth was the support for the sellers that made it? 25%? Mad. ⪢ Was There Even a Good Reach? In all fairness, the reach on Etsy ads did seem okay. We saw an uptick of around 100 visitors a day to our store at one point, although that cost us a cool $130 in a month before we cut it off. It just was not worth it with the offset against sales barely breaking even. A shortage of actual buyers on the platform? Or were our products just not good enough? An argument for the latter, although we had sold at least one across 30% of our range. Deep down, we just knew the exposure was not good enough. Etsy's Direction... Too Concerned with Updates and Apps With the amount of money Etsy was charging us for listings and ads, we were wondering if there was going to be some sort of major investment in the system to boost reach or something. Yes, we know that is wishful thinking, but at this point, we have put way too much work into it to simply give up. We turned the ads on and then off, then on again, desperately hoping they would spur the organic reach we craved. A few sales trickled in, we lost money, and we eventually decided to keep them off. In 2022, it felt like the money was going into constant updates and tweaks. A whole new app to replace one that was not broken, a slew of changes to product features and parameters (which meant yet another 300 changes), and then one of the most frustrating of all, an enforced delivery lead-time update, which led to another 300 changes. There were plenty of others besides, and we seemed to be spending far more time catering to the platform than sending out 'thank you for your custom' emails. Sales were few and far between, but the time demanded was off the charts. In the past two years (roughly April 2022 - April 2024), Etsy has implemented several changes to improve the platform for both sellers and buyers. There have been adjustments to fee structures, though, as ever with Etsy, the specifics are ridiculously complex. After major seller backlash campaigns in the past few years, Etsy has made efforts to improve search algorithms and introduce new features to help buyers discover unique products. This involved better filtering options or promoting (apparently) high-quality listings. There have also been updates to the off-site ads program, such as offering sellers more control over their ad placements and budgets. Honestly, it is all company bluster to keep us going and paying our fees. Sadly, hardly any of it has worked. Crazy Etsy Charges The crazy Etsy charges. The crazy Etsy statements. It is one of the worst parts of the platform. Even to this day, we still cannot make sense of the chaos. Etsy provides a monthly statement, and on it is a barrage of costs that no amount of terms and conditions can explain! For example, we sold a pair of green sneakers and a pair of brown sneakers. 2 items, that's it, that's all. On Etsy's statement—TWENTY separate charges. Yes, 20! Let's give you more of an idea: The sale of the two pairs of sneakers came to $74.08 (CAD) . Charges applied by Etsy (we have added both charges together, but they are all separately placed on your statement, for each item, just to confuse you): ● Bill for Click-Throughs: $2.65 ● VAT on Etsy Ads: $0.53 ● Listing Fee: $0.27 ● VAT Auto-Renew Sold: $0.10 ● Processing Fee: $3.21 ● VAT on Processing Fee: $1.28 ● Sales Tax Paid by Buyer: $9.70 ● Transaction Fee: $9.24 ● Regulatory Operating Fee: $0.36 ● VAT on Transaction: $1.84 TOTAL: $29.18 So, given that our profit margin on both pairs of sneakers is $36, that leaves us with $6. Raising prices is not an option, as we are trying to stay competitive with others in the market... given all of the work involved in launching the product, $6 is not a lot. And the more money thrown at advertising for no returns equals a loss, sadly. ⪢ Oh, and the Listing Fees... We were aware of the listing fees before joining; however, it is another expense that can seem to sneak up on you without you realizing it. Every item comes with an initial listing fee, which renews every 4 months and is also charged on each sale. While 27 cents might not seem like a lot, when you factor in 300 products, it starts to add up and eat into the margins. Time vs. Effort—Is It Worth It? Now, none of this is to say all is completely at a loss. From what we understand, for drop-shippers, Etsy is all about volume. If you can sell a thousand sneakers, that becomes a $6000 profit. But the offshoot is that you simply cannot reach volume without Etsy ads, and Etsy ads are unsustainable and unprofitable. It is all geared towards raking in money for the platform, leaving the sellers with nothing but years of hard work with little to show for it. It is not worth it in our opinion. Maybe a few years ago, in the early days of Etsy, it was, but in this day and age, it is a false economy. It all feels a little like working for a public company where you bust a gut for minimum wage while the fat cats at the top flood their paychecks with millions of dollars. And you can bet they aren't working nearly as hard. Etsy works on the same principle, and we decided we were no longer going to fall for it! Competition—How Tough Is It? The competition on Etsy can be quite tough, as we have already mentioned, but it also depends on several factors: ⪢ Saturation Certain niches on Etsy (like printed tees) are highly saturated, meaning many sellers are offering similar products. This can make it challenging for new shops to stand out, especially for popular items like clothing or travel accessories (like ours). ⪢ Search Ranking Etsy's search algorithm plays a big role in determining which shops appear first in search results. Understanding SEO principles and optimizing your listings with relevant keywords is crucial for getting your products seen, according to Etsy, but by no means guaranteed. In our experience, the big accounts gobble up about 90%, leaving the remaining 10% feeding off the scraps. Ok, we cannot back up those numbers, but it certainly felt like that in the 2 years we went at it. ⪢ Product Differentiation What makes your products unique? Do you offer a special design element, use high-quality materials, or cater to a specific niche within a broader category? Standing out from the crowd is essential for attracting customers. That is what the Etsy 'experts' tell you anyway. Thumbnails are crucial, as are titles, but that takes time and money (Canva Pro or flat-lay app subscriptions, for example). All while eating into the little-to-no profit margins you have. ⪢ Marketing & Branding Successful Etsy shops often invest in marketing their products beyond just the Etsy platform. This could involve social media promotion, influencer partnerships, or running targeted ads. Building a strong brand identity also helps you resonate with potential customers. Again, this all costs a lot of time and money and can be very draining. It is a hard slog, with absolutely no guarantees. Especially when you are fighting against millions of others. The Infamous Etsy 'Reserve' Debacle The Etsy "reserve" debacle refers to a policy change implemented in 2021 that caused significant frustration among many sellers. Here's a breakdown of what happened: ⪢ The Policy Etsy introduced a system where they could withhold a portion (usually 75%, yes 75%! ) of sellers' funds in a reserve account. This meant sellers wouldn't have immediate access to the full amount from their sales. ⪢ Reasons for the Reserve The purpose, according to Etsy, was to protect the platform and buyers from potential fraud. They would hold the reserve until specific criteria were met, such as the order being shipped with tracking or a certain timeframe passing (typically 45 days). ⪢ Sellers' Frustration Several aspects of the policy caused major problems for sellers, with the lack of transparency quite shocking. Many sellers felt Etsy wasn't clear about why their funds were being placed in reserve, making it difficult to address the issue. ⪢ Cash Flow Impact Holding a significant portion of funds could strain a seller's cash flow, especially for those who rely on Etsy income to purchase materials or cover other business expenses. ⪢ Impact on New Shops New shops (like us at the time), which are more susceptible to being flagged for reserve due to limited sales history, could find it challenging to gain momentum if their earnings are restricted. ⪢ Aftermath The policy received significant pushback from the seller community, with many voicing their concerns online and through petitions and boycotts. While Etsy has made adjustments to the policy since its initial implementation, the "reserve" debacle remains a point of contention for many sellers. This shambolic policy was not quite the final straw when it was first implemented, but coupled with the insane charges, constant changes to the platform, the awful ad program, and terrible reach, we were getting there. Poor Store Customization Another major source of frustration for us came with the lack of customization for our storefront, which, honestly, is pretty poor given the number of changes Etsy loves to implement practically anywhere else. For example, items sold always go to the number 1 spot in the feed, which means if you have a layout aesthetic, you are constantly reorganizing it. And the reorganization process sucks and is very time-consuming. The store banner is a nightmare, has poor rendering, and is a pain to size correctly. You can get additional layout options, but of course, you must pay monthly for the privilege. The product layouts cannot be customized, and it is very difficult to showcase your brand beyond the small profile picture. These are just a few frustrations; there are plenty more plastered all over the internet. Very disappointing for Etsy, given how much money it is extracting from its sellers. The Turning Point: We QUIT ETSY and Move to Closer Lives So what was the straw that broke the camel's back? Well, in all honesty, it was our website, THIS website, that did it. Up until mid-2023, our website had taken a bit of a backseat to Etsy, our travels, teaching English online, and YouTube. We had started it as a creator academy, abandoned that, and then started to blog a little. But with limited time and uncertainty as to how to monetize, it just was not a priority. After experiencing a dramatic rise and surpassing monetization on YouTube while in Jakarta in 2023, we knew that our website was an opportunity we could no longer avoid. We had blogged a little up until that point, but the design and usability were poor, and it was not bringing in any cash. We were nervous about throwing time at it, as we were concerned that it would be another Etsy situation. A whole lot of work for no payout. Well, we were very happy to be proved wrong on that front! After some serious research, again, that good old time , and some big blogs, we completely overhauled Closer Lives. It has been 6 months of major reconstruction, and we are now seeing tangible results: increased ad revenues, over ten thousand visitors a month, and even store sales. Our brand, our OWN money, and a GENUINE COMMUNITY that we could never replicate on Etsy. The decision was made. Time to go it alone! The Benefits of Building Your Site Building your website and online store offers several advantages compared to selling on platforms like Etsy; here are just a few reasons and things to consider: ⪢ Greater Control & Branding You have complete control over the design, layout, and branding of your online store. This allows you to create a unique shopping experience that reflects your brand identity and resonates with your target audience. On Etsy, your shop operates within a larger platform with a predetermined layout and branding elements. ⪢ Lower Fees While website building and hosting come with costs, you typically avoid the transaction fees and listing fees associated with marketplaces like Etsy. In the long run, this can lead to significant savings, especially for businesses with high sales volume. ⪢ Customer Data Ownership When you run your store, you collect customer data directly, allowing you to build targeted email marketing campaigns and gain valuable insights into your customer base. On Etsy, customer data belongs to the platform, limiting your marketing options. ⪢ Flexibility & Customization With your website, you have the freedom to customize the functionality of your online store. This could involve adding features like loyalty programs, subscription boxes, or personalized product recommendations, which might not be readily available on marketplaces. ⪢ Scalability As your business grows, your website can easily scale to accommodate increased traffic and product offerings. Scaling on marketplaces might involve additional fees or limitations depending on the platform's structure. ⪢ Here's a Caveat, Though Building and maintaining your website requires more effort and technical expertise compared to using a pre-built platform like Etsy. You'll need to consider factors like web hosting, domain name registration, website design, security measures, and ongoing maintenance. However, the long-term benefits of control, cost-efficiency, and brand ownership can be significant for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence! The Future of Closer Lives Emporium: What Have We Learned, and Where Do We Go From Here? This whole experience has been a massive learning curve for us, and as ever, hindsight will always demonstrate what could have been, what should not have been, and what could have been. If we could go back and do it all over again, would we? To be honest, as tempting as that might be, we wouldn't. We learned far too much through our own mistakes, and we appreciate those as much as we do our successes. We did sell on Etsy, we did make a little bit of cash, and we did come out of it with almost 300 products that are still very much alive and well right here on our site. The learning curve has been steep and challenging, but it has not deterred us from making a success of Closer Lives Emporium. That being said, it has also pushed us to develop our site as a whole, which in turn led to us pursuing one of our biggest passions—writing and blogging! Would that have still been a reality if we were pushing our Etsy store? I guess we will never know, but one thing is for sure: we are having the time of our lives developing this blog, and happiness genuinely is the key to success. The energy this blog continues to give us is the cornerstone of Closer Lives. That all being said, our store is very much operational here, and you are welcome to take a look! We hope this post has helped you in some way, and if you have any questions and want to pick our brains at all, feel free to get in touch! Please drop a comment or pop us an email; we are always on hand, and our advice is free. Helping and making a difference: that, to us, is a far better use of our time! Lifestyle Resources

'Your account has been disabled for violating our terms.'   No doubt that is the reason you are here, and believe me, I can relate to how you are feeling right now. I have been where you are, and I am writing this post to share my experience and hopefully help you recover your Instagram account. I also share tips, tricks, dos, and don'ts so you can avoid this happening again in the future. In This Post... ● My Account Was Deactivated ● Why is My Account disabled? ● The First Message & What's Next ● Contacting Instagram ● Instagram Appeal Forms See More... ● Appeal Sent - the Next Steps ● What NOT to Do While You Wait ● 7 Days Later - What's Next ● Facebook Live Support ● My Ad Account Issue ● What Instagram Wanted to Know ● Account Recovery Complete! ● The Final Word Additional Resources ● Protecting Your Account ● FAQ ● Any Other Questions? ● Social Media Resources My Instagram Account Was Deactivated I have been an avid user of Instagram for over 3 years, and for those of you who know our journey  here at Closer Lives, you will see that it was on Instagram that Jenn and I met for the very first time. Instagram: @myplayonlife Instagram has had a huge impact on our lives, and indeed, our entire story, alongside our travel adventures, has been shared there. Our Instagram accounts are months, years, and even decades of copious amounts of time and energy put into content, follower growth, design, and promotion. Not to mention the amazing people and friends that, no doubt, like me, you have connected with. The moment I was 'disabled' was like a rug being pulled from under my feet, and it was a hard moment to take. Just like that, everything I had built was under threat. I had no reason, no understanding, and just a deep sense of fear that the journey may well be over. I thought it simply must have been a mistake. Tap the appeal, fill out the very basic information request, and wait 24 hours. It will be alright; I have not done anything wrong. "I will get it back," I told myself. I tried to stay positive and maintain as much patience as I could muster. In the early days of my block, I managed it, but by day 3, my emotions were starting to get the better of me. I realized that simply waiting was not going to be enough. I started to research relentlessly to find out more information, reading countless articles and watching a plethora of videos about it on YouTube. After several hours of this, I knew that I had no choice but to fight for my account or risk losing it for good. This is my story, and some of the things I discovered may just help you get your account back. Read on  to find out how to appeal, what NOT to do, how to contact Meta, and ultimately how I recovered my account. ⪢ First things first... While this may not be the easiest thing to read right now, expect to hear this from friends, family, and even Meta themselves. Don't panic!   It is indeed sound advice; even if you have violated the community guidelines, your chances of recovering your account are fairly good if this is the first time you have been blocked. You will have to wait; do not be surprised if it takes up to a month  to get things sorted. However, you may just get it back a lot sooner. The truth is, it is highly unpredictable. Why Has My Instagram Account Been Disabled? There are many reasons why your account will have been disabled. Instagram's guidelines are very clear, but have you read them? Perhaps not, and honestly, neither had I. Most of my knowledge in terms of what and what not to do had come from word of mouth and posts from other users who had fallen foul of the rules. To be clear, this post will NOT help you if your account has been suspended (as in you can still log in but cannot like, comment, follow, etc.). This post is only for no longer being able to access/log in to their account . Here are a few common reasons why your account may have been disabled: ● Connecting an unauthorized application to your account, such as insight apps, automated like apps, follow/unfollow apps, etc. Tap here for more about this . ● Buying followers (these are usually bots) ● Joining follow loops/follow trains ● Participating in engagement groups ● Sending spam messages to followers and non-followers See More... ● Following & unfollowing in large numbers ● Using Instagram shopping in unlicensed countries ● Providing your login credentials to a 3rd party application or service that is automating actions or scraping information ● Using an app or service to interact with Facebook or Instagram in unauthorized ways ● Your account was shared or compromised/hacked, and someone is taking actions on your behalf or without your knowledge ● Changing your location regularly I would highly advise reading the Terms & Conditions of Use in Instagram's Help Centre to try and fully understand why the block has happened. Be honest with yourself, and do not be afraid to admit any breach of the rules. As you progress with the appeal, and as you will see from my experience, honesty is the best policy here. Hopefully, by now, you may have identified why your account has been disabled. If not, do not worry; from my experience, you may never even know the actual reason. In any case, something somewhere was triggered by the system, and we are where we are. Whatever your reasons for wanting your account back, just know that there is a chance you will be able to do just that. I have seen stories of timelines ranging from 48 hours to 30 days. The key to it all is to be patient but, by all means, persistent! Have you seen The Shawshank Redemption? Well, I highly recommend it if you haven't! A fantastic movie. Aside from that, and more to the point, prisoner Andy Dufresne writes a letter a week to the state requesting funding for the prison library. This is where your fight begins. Once a week, then eventually twice, for six years. Yes, SIX! There is so much more to the story that I shall not divulge in case you haven't seen it. But I mention it only through one lens: the power of consistency. The power of persistence. You need to go all out Shawshank on this! ADVERTISEMENT First Instagram Account Disabled Message: What To Do Next I must admit that in the past, I have had a couple of suspensions for too much activity; however, I have always been able to log in, even if I could not perform any actions for a day or two. This was the first time my account had ever been disabled. My heart was in my mouth the moment I saw these screens. It was in that instance that I realized just how important this account is to me; in the same token, the thought of losing it crept into my thought process for the first time, and it was frightening. Note that in most cases, any actions against your account are enacted by Instagram's system AI and algorithm. It is highly unlikely that it has been done by an actual human! When the initial block happens, even your immediate appeal is not overseen by a human. 'We will review' most likely means 'our bots will review.' When asked to provide your information, you will be asked for an email address. You may read or hear that it is important that you leave the email associated with your account, although I would say that it does not matter. As long as you stick with the same email throughout the process. This is important to demonstrate that you are not a bot and are a genuine human. Over two billion people use Instagram once a month, making it the fourth most popular social app worldwide Bots and fake accounts are a thorn in the side of Instagram, and unfortunately, no matter how big (or small) your account following may be, your appeal will be dropped in amongst hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of others. It is hard to imagine just how they tackle this, although sadly, the sheer lack of any type of customer support is equally hard to fathom. Contacting Instagram It is easy to understand why Instagram would be overwhelmed should it operate a helpline or email channel. Instagram has never announced any type of customer support since it first hit the app stores in 2010. Nevertheless, here are the details you might find online: ● Instagram Headquarters: +1 650 543 4800 or +1 415 857 3369 ● Instagram for business: +1 660 745 3051 ● [email protected] You are welcome to try these avenues, but it is highly unlikely you will receive any kind of response. Ultimately, the only place to look for any type of issue or guidance is Instagram's help centre . It is here that you will be able to complete various forms to begin your appeal process. You will also find a link to one of the forms in the message informing you of your account block on the login screen. ADVERTISEMENT Instagram Appeal Forms Here are the IDs for all of the appeal forms I used, all within the first 7 days of my account being disabled/deactivated: ● instagram.com/contact/60696731 ● instagram.com/contact/39616978 ● instagram.com/contact/43790879 ● instagram.com/contact/16525678 ● instagram.com/contact/16104597 2025 Update: It appears that Meta/Instagram has removed the functionality of these forms. This may be temporary, or it could be a permanent change. At this point, your best bet is to jump straight to Facebook Live Support or try instagram.com/hacked My advice is to complete each of these forms once only and on separate days . You will most likely read and see many people advising you to complete these multiple times a day until you get a response. I did this myself. In total, I completed each one 3 times! However, I eventually found out that this was to my detriment. After speaking directly with Meta, they clearly stated that with every submission, your case goes to the bottom of the pile! It seems strange, but it kind of makes sense. Think about it, you and I will not be the only ones to assume that the more we fill out the forms, the better chances we will have. Having received millions of contact forms over the years, Instagram is saying, 'We have your request; please be patient. It will be seen. ⪢ How to Complete the Appeal Forms The forms are pretty basic and easy to complete. If you have a business account, you will be asked to provide some form of verification. The key is the 'please let us know why you're appealing the decision' section. This is your opportunity to plead your case, and I highly advise that you place plenty of time and thought into it. This is my advice for what you should include: ● Why do you believe your account was deactivated? (Be honest; if you know the reason, state it. If you do not know, however, that is okay. ● Acknowledge the community guidelines and your willingness to adhere to them. ● Explain what you use the account for. ● State any other people who may have access to the account. ● Briefly detail how you will be using the account going forward, should it be re-enabled. There is no real need to apologize, although if you know why your account was disabled, then perhaps it is not a bad idea. I feel it is best not to until you have more information. You Have Sent Your Appeal to Instagram—the Next Steps Now this is the interesting part. In most cases, when contacting a multi-billion-dollar mega company with an issue, you would come to expect a response that makes you feel like you are being heard, that you are important, and that they will try to resolve your issue as soon as possible. From the 15 forms I submitted, I received an email response to just 3 of them. Yes, just three. It looked like this: No logo and a pretty sketchy email address make this almost look like a spam email. Indeed, that is where I found it—in my spam folder . Needless to say, I was checking that folder every few hours in my desperate hopes of a response. So this is what you will receive, and the instructions are pretty simple. Grab a pen and paper and do this: I also added my reasons for appealing again, including our website and other information that could verify my identity. What happens after this is a complete mystery, though. There was no acknowledgement or receipt of my reply, and indeed, to this day, I have never received any further communication from Instagram itself with regard to this. I persevered with this process for around 2 weeks, filling out forms and just waiting. Waiting, waiting, and waiting. The silence was deafening, and I knew there had to be something else I could do. What NOT to Do While You Wait Every day, I found myself searching Google , Quora , Reddit , YouTube , and even Facebook Groups . With my feeling of desperation ever increasing, I found myself turning to the very murky and dark waters of the IG 'hackers,' who are ultimately just scammers. Sadly, people will prey on your 'desperation,' and, as tempting and as 'genuine' as it may seem, it will NOT work. All of those apps, comment bots, and even YouTubers that recommend taking these steps may have been lucky enough to find some form of success, but the chances are overwhelmingly unlikely and will only lead to more problems. Whatever you do, do not engage in the following: ● Instagram Plus Plus (Instagram++) ● Instagram Account Recovery Tool Websites ● IG Account Recovery Apps ● Anyone who posts in a group claiming to be a hacker ● Anyone who posts in a group claiming they have been scammed and is genuine ● Anyone who asks for money to recover your account As mentioned earlier, 'data scraping' is absolutely against Instagram's terms, and all of the options above do just that. Even if they can recover your account, the footprint they leave will remain, and eventually a bot will pick that up. Then back to square one you go. NEVER give out your log in information, NEVER pay money and STICK with the Instagram / Meta process. It really is the ONLY WAY! You Have Waited 7-10 Business Days and Have Had No Response from Instagram. Here is What to Do Next When you request to delete content or your account, the deletion process will automatically begin no more than 30 days after your request. It may take up to 90 days to delete content after the deletion process begins. "While the deletion process for such content is being undertaken, the content is no longer visible to other users, but remains subject to these Terms of Use and our Data Policy. After the content is deleted, it may take us up to another 90 days to remove it from backups and disaster recovery systems." - Content Removal and Disabling or Terminating Your Account (Instagram Terms of Use) Naturally, after reading this, I panicked. From what I could understand, I had 30 days in total to save my account from oblivion. It had already been 14 days by this point, so I knew that if I did not find another way soon, it would be over. Once the deletion process is started, there is no way to restore or recover your data. So, after filtering through copious amounts of YouTube videos, I kept hearing about Facebook Live Support . I knew if I had any chance of saving the day, then talking to an actual human would be the best way to do it! It eventually did just that; read on for the steps you can take to access this little-known but very helpful feature. Facebook Live Support Most of my sources have suggested this feature is only accessible if you have a Facebook/Instagram business account. Fortunately for me, I already had one. If you do not, it is possible to create one on Facebook. You will also need an ad account for reasons I shall explain shortly. ⪢ Option One - Contact via Email The Meta Business Help Centre is very useful for all sorts of reasons, and I would recommend checking out this article: 🔗 facebook.com/business/help If you are unfortunate enough to be in a country where live chat is not supported, then you can follow these steps for email communication with Meta: At the bottom of the aforementioned article, you will find a small question box asking you if the article was 'helpful.' Click 'no,' then follow the steps to explain why. It will then take you to a form asking for your contact information. This report will go directly to the Facebook Marketplace/Pro Team , who, unlike Instagram, will respond immediately with a professional and formal email that will look something like this: This was a real 'blue sky' moment for me, as it was the very first time throughout this whole process that I felt I was in with a chance of getting somewhere. I found that the Meta Pro Team was extremely helpful, and on both occasions I dealt with them, it felt like they genuinely wanted to help. Even just the basic use of a reference number is far more in keeping with the expectations of a company of this size. All email communications were prompt and informative, and over a couple of days, I was able to obtain a resolution to one of my issues. My ad account was also disabled, and fortunately, this was a quicker fix. I was impressed with the efficiency and genuine care they showed, and I trust this will be the same for you, too, should you need it! 🔗 Read more about my Ad account issue here If this option still does not result in your account being re-enabled, then read on for option two below. ⪢ Option Two - Contact via Live Messenger Support Please note that this option will only be made available to you if you have an active Facebook Ad account AND you place an actual ad. After resolving my ad account issue, I successfully placed an ad for £5. After doing so, I accessed this feature by requesting help on the Commerce Manager page by clicking the help button in the bottom left-hand corner . As I understand it, access is restricted to certain countries , and the location of this 'chat' option varies from user to user. This is what worked for me, and I am currently in the UK. Once you click this, look over to the right, and this window will appear: Click 'Contact Facebook Support,' and from the following screen, select 'reporting a technical issue' from the drop-down menu: Then the holy grail! A few more sections to fill out, and then the magical moment will arrive where you can talk directly to the Facebook Team. An option will appear asking you how you would like to be contacted, via email or live chat. Tap "live," and it will automatically route you to Facebook Messenger, where you will have the opportunity to speak to the Meta Pro Team. It is important to take the opportunity to plead your case in the message section. Give as much information as you can, but bear in mind you only have 1500 characters. Find out more about what Instagram wanted to know . I have read various accounts of success through this chat option. Some people have had immediate success, some have waited a few hours, and some a day. For me, I had to wait a couple of days for a decision, which initially came back with me being told to wait for the Instagram appeal process. I did just that, yet after a further 7 days of not hearing anything, I tried my hand again. Another ad later, and I was in touch with a very helpful operator, Ezequiel, through Facebook Messenger. He handed my case over to Ana, and from there, things developed very rapidly! She filed an 'internal ticket' with the Instagram Team and communicated with me via email every step of the way. Two days had passed, during which we had exchanged several emails, and I answered a very important questionnaire. Then the moment came; Ana even called me personally to inform me that my account had been reactivated! I am not sure if I was just lucky, but Ezequiel and Ana were brilliant. Why I was not able to get the same level of resolution the first time round, I do not know, but as they always say, it is the result that counts the most, not necessarily how you get there! My Ad Account Issue Before I was able to access live support, I needed to run an ad, as I have mentioned, and most unfortunately, there was a problem with this, too! Luckily for me, this was a slightly easier fix, but this snag did further complicate things with regard to my Instagram account. My ad account was suspended as I accessed Instagram Shopping while we were traveling in Albania. IG Shopping is not authorized there, and it caused a system block. All I did was tweak a few products and settings in my shop, and it was game over. This coincided with my IG block, so the two could well have been related. The block was classed as 'suspected fraud,' which freaked me out at first, but after explaining that I am a full-time traveler and move around often, it was lifted fairly easily after running its pre-programmed course of 2 weeks. Tip: In Facebook Commerce Manager, you will find a section on the left-hand side called 'Account Health.' I am not sure how often this is updated, but it is a good indicator of any issues, and I used this screenshot to further help my appeal. Hindsight is 20/20, right? At least now I know what not to do. Here is a list of the countries that support Instagram shopping, with my advice NOT to tinker with it if you are anywhere that is not mentioned: Find out more about Instagram's Commerce Eligibility Requirements . What Instagram wanted to know After finally having my case seen by an actual member of the Instagram Team, I was asked the following questions, of which I took plenty of time and great care in answering. I had sent many lengthy statements about what I thought had happened and why I wanted my account back on all of the appeal forms. However, I suspect that the information from these questions is the most important for IG; they may help you gain a quicker resolution should you still be formulating your message for the initial appeal process. 1. Which 3rd party apps, tools, or services have you connected with your IG account? 2. Has your account been compromised/hacked in the past few months? 3. What is the primary use of the account? 4. How many people have access to the account? How many actively use it day-to-day? 5. What are the most commonly used features of Instagram that you/your team use on this account (search, messaging, commenting, etc.)? I think this questionnaire was significant, and I would not be surprised if the algorithms are searching for breaches of these types of elements. If you are reading this just for information, then it is worth noting to avoid any infractions of your own. Account Recovery Complete! How many times do you check your email only to be rapidly tapping the delete button as most of it is junk? Well, not for this one! Print it, frame it, and don't make the same mistakes again! This was one heck of a moment. Victory was assured, and with it came a huge mix of relief and elation. Gratitude is most certainly the attitude, and it was exuding out of me after this! Protecting Your Account There are a couple of things you can do to help keep your account secure and in good order. All of these options can be found in the settings area of your Instagram account. ⪢ Connected Apps & Websites It is recommended that you check this to ensure there are no unauthorized connections to your account or connections you do not recognize. ⪢ Two-Factor Authentication & Data Download I would strongly advise turning on two-factor authentication on Instagram. Even if you do not 'log in' that often, adding this layer of security will make it harder for hackers to gain access to your account. The Data Download feature on Instagram is not well-known, but it is an excellent option for keeping your data secure. Once requested, you will have 4 days to accept the download from your email. It comes as raw data, so do not expect it to look like your posts do on the app. All of your photos, videos, comments, likes, etc., will come to you in separate folders, which are a bit tricky to navigate and piece together. However, this is a fantastic option that helps you protect your content and potentially reuse it should you ever need or want to start a new account. ⪢ We Use & Recommend We use NordVPN  to stay secure on public Wi-Fi and NordPass  to keep our passwords safe while traveling. Both are tools we genuinely rely on, on the road and at home. The Final Word So, how about this for some irony? 21 days after my account was restored by the excellent Meta team, I finally received an email from Instagram, the only one I had received throughout this ordeal (aside from the three identity ones I mentioned earlier). At least this one had a bit more of an official look about it with the Instagram logo... Yes, thank you for that, Instagram! I am fully aware that my engagement is a disaster, given that for 25 days of August, I did not even exist on your platform! So there you have it; that was the tale of my Instagram oblivion and restoration. It was most certainly a lesson learned, and if you want to keep your account in good order, respect the guidelines and ensure full and strict adherence to them on your account and across all of your associated accounts, too. This has been a humbling experience and one that has only strengthened the importance of Instagram to me. Instagram has been the only social platform I use actively to date, and I am passionate about developing and sharing fantastic content. This is integral to me harnessing and growing my skills as a creator and blogger, along with developing our website here at Closer Lives! I have the most sincere gratitude that I can share this post from the position of recovery. I know many of you reading this may not yet be there, but keep believing and stay positive! Stay strong and manifest your desire, but do not shy away from working for it. Your energy will be rewarded, and if not, then no doubt the universe will have bigger and better plans for you. Best of luck, and feel free to ask away in the comments if you have any questions! Frequently Asked Questions: Recovering Your Disabled Instagram Account Why was my Instagram account disabled? Accounts can be disabled for violating Instagram’s Community Guidelines or Terms of Use—this includes spam, copyright issues, impersonation, or even accidental flags. Sometimes, it happens in error due to algorithmic detection. How do I know if my account is disabled or hacked? A disabled account usually shows a message like “Your account has been disabled” when you try to log in. A hacked account, on the other hand, may have changed credentials or activity you didn’t perform. You’ll need to approach each differently. Can I recover a disabled Instagram account? Yes—many people do. Instagram provides appeal forms and, in some cases, live chat with Meta support if your account is linked to Facebook. The process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. However, the functionality of these forms may have been removed by Meta/Instagram as of June 2024. Is there a way to talk to a real person at Meta? If your Instagram is linked to a Facebook Business account, you may be able to access Meta’s live chat support . This is currently the fastest and most effective route for many creators and influencers. What if I don’t hear back from Instagram after submitting the form? Persistence is key. Re-submit your appeal after 48–72 hours if you don’t receive a reply. Be consistent, but don’t spam the system—this can delay your case. Can using third-party apps get me banned or disabled again? Yes—using unauthorized tools for growth, automation, or analytics can put your account at risk. Avoid giving login access to any app not verified by Instagram or Meta. How can I prevent this from happening again? ● Enable two-factor authentication ● Avoid posting content that violates guidelines ● Don’t use banned hashtags ● Regularly check your account for suspicious logins ● Link your Instagram to a Facebook page for added recovery options Does Instagram ever disable accounts by mistake? Yes—it’s rare but does happen, especially during mass purges or algorithm changes. If you believe this was the case, use the “I think this was a mistake” option in the appeal form. Is it worth creating a backup account? Many creators now maintain a backup or secondary account, especially if their main account is crucial for business or brand identity. It’s also wise to regularly download your data  via Instagram settings. What should I do if my account has been hacked? Try the recovery process outlined in the blog post. Being Meta Verified will help in proving your identity. Additionally, visit instagram.com/hacked . Any Other Questions? Hopefully, this post has given you all of the tools you need to clean your follower list safely. If you do have any other additional queries on points not covered here, however, you are more than welcome to get in touch . You can also check out our FAQ page  for more Instagram-related questions. Social Media Resources

Hair is never just hair. We change it because it feels flat. Because it feels boring . Because something feels missing. We change it to fit in . To stand out. To feel edgier. To feel different. To feel more like ourselves—or sometimes less like who we’re afraid we’re becoming. For many of us, it started early. Maybe it was spraying lemon juice or Sun-In into our hair in the summer and sitting in the sun, hoping for that lighter, brighter version of ourselves. Maybe it was being told our natural color was “mousy” or dull. Maybe it was experimenting with hot pink or electric blue —wanting to feel bold, seen, or different. Or maybe it was the first time you noticed a gray hair and felt that quiet jolt of  oh… here we go . Whatever the reason, hair changes rarely start as vanity. They start as a response. In This Post... ● Hair as Identity & Belonging ● The Comfort of What We Know ● Why Force Doesn’t Work ● Sitting With the Urge ● Applying Kaizen to Hair Changes See More... ● Ikigai: What Are You Seeking? ● Hair as a Mirror, Not a Fix ● Lifestyle Resources Hair as Identity and Belonging Hair is one of the fastest ways we try to control how we’re perceived—by others and by ourselves. It’s socially acceptable reinvention. A visible way to signal change without having to explain anything. New job? New hair. New phase? New hair. Feeling invisible? New hair. Feeling unsure? New hair. And when it works—even once—the brain remembers. Hair becomes a shortcut to relief. A way to regulate how we feel inside when something feels off. That’s how a choice quietly becomes a habit . The Comfort of What We Know Just like any other habit, the urge to change our hair intensifies during transitions. When life feels unstable. When identity feels uncertain. When we want to return to something familiar. That craving isn’t shallow. It ’s the nervous system asking for safety. And this is where many people get stuck—because instead of recognizing the  need , they judge the behavior. Why Force Doesn’t Work With Hair Habits Telling yourself “I’m never touching my hair again” often creates the same internal panic as any all-or-nothing rule. The body doesn’t hear  growth . It hears  loss . Loss of familiarity. Loss of control. Loss of the thing that used to make you feel okay. So the urge gets louder. This is where the Japanese approach to habits offers something gentler—and far more effective. ADVERTISEMENT Sitting With the Urge Instead of Obeying It In Japanese philosophy, urges aren’t emergencies. They’re temporary experiences. Just like cravings for sugar or cigarettes, the urge to change your hair has a peak. If you don’t rush to fix it, it passes. But most of us don’t sit with it. We act quickly. We book the appointment. We reach for the dye. We “just fix it.” What would happen if you paused instead? Not forever. Just long enough to notice. Applying Kaizen to Hair Changes Kaizen means slow, steady improvement—without triggering panic. Instead of dramatic declarations, it invites gentle shifts. Stretch the time between appointments. Soften the transition. Resist “panic fixing” every awkward phase. Let the urge rise and fall without acting on it immediately. You’re not denying yourself. You’re retraining your nervous system. Ikigai: What Are You Actually Seeking? Ikigai asks the question we often avoid: What am I truly looking for through this change? Is it belonging? Novelty? Confidence? Control? A sense of identity? Hair is rarely the answer—but it often points toward the question. When you meet the underlying need directly, the habit loses its grip. The urgency fades. And hair becomes a choice again, not a reflex. Hair as a Mirror, Not a Fix Changing your hair isn’t wrong. But when it becomes the only way you know how to feel different, seen, or okay—that’s worth paying attention to. You don’t need to shame the habit. You don’t need to force it away. You just need to understand it. Because when you stop using hair to regulate your emotions, something interesting happens: You start trusting yourself more. And from that place, every choice—hair included—becomes lighter, calmer, and more intentional. Grey Hair Blog Follow Jennifer David’s empowering journey of going grey and choosing authenticity over approval. A celebration of aging boldly, living unfiltered, and embracing the silver within. Jennifer David Meet Jennifer David—writer, traveler, coach, and voice behind “A Broad Perspective.” Explore her journey through grey hair, self-expression, and radical authenticity. Lifestyle Resources

It came from nowhere. Soft, sweet, and strangely familiar , a scent like cherry blossoms mixed with the smell of those fizzy cola bottle gummies is the best way I can think to describe the scent. One moment I was asleep, and then I was floating in that hazy place between sleep and waking. The next, I was bathed in a smell so aromatic and inviting it pulled me fully into consciousness. There was no candle burning. No diffuser. No open window. Nothing that could explain it. Just the unmistakable presence of something joyful, luminous, and kind. In this post , I explore the experience of a mysterious scent with no source, the ancient connection between fragrance and intuition, olfactory visitations across spiritual traditions, the science behind hypnagogic scents, the lesser-known intuitive sense of clairalience, and the symbolic role of roses as messengers of the unseen. In This Post... ● Introduction ● The Power of Scent ● The Sentients ● Between Science and Spirit ● Scent as a Spiritual Gift See More... ● When Science Joins the Story ● The Rose as a Messenger ● The Invitation ● Toward the Next Discovery ● Travel Resources Introduction I felt so good and alive, and I somehow could attribute that to the smell ? I tried to 'follow it' to inhale deeper , to capture it… But with every sniff, it faded like a song played backwards into silence. Then it was gone. No trace. Also no confusion. No rush of memories. Only wonder and awe. AND an incessant desire to get up and do a deep dive. I am all too familiar with that important " pay attention to this pull " that I've attuned to over the years...and so, here I am, here we are. The experience didn’t feel frightening or strange; it felt intentional . Like someone or something had gently placed flowers beneath my nose with the intention for me to notice. The Power of Scent: The Most Ancient Messenger Of all the senses,  scent   is the one that slips past the gatekeeper of logic. It travels directly to the limbic system , the seat of memory, emotion, and instinct . That’s why one whiff of cinnamon can pull you back to your grandmother’s kitchen, or a familiar perfume can open a doorway to a love long past. It's why we practice aromatherapy because it is proven and effective. But what happens when the scent  has no source? No candle, no soap, no logical reason, only the unmistakable fragrance of something... sacred ? Throughout history, mystics and seekers have called these experiences  olfactory visitations , scents sent as messengers, often carrying the presence or reassurance of the divine. In Christianity, it’s called the  “odor of sanctity,” a heavenly fragrance that accompanies moments of grace or the presence of saints. In Eastern traditions, sweet aromas often signal benevolent energies or ascended beings. In Sufi mysticism, fragrance is the perfume of the soul in ecstasy. And in countless personal stories across cultures,  roses   appear as the signature scent of angels, guides, and moments of awakening. Perhaps scent is chosen because it’s  intimate ; you cannot observe it from afar. You must breathe it in. It becomes part of you, even if only for a moment. The Sentients: Our Five Portals of Awareness We walk through life with five sacred portals:  sight , sound , touch , taste , and scent , each a doorway into deeper knowing. But scent… scent is the quiet poet. The invisible thread between worlds. It can ground us to the earth or lift us toward heaven. If you’ve ever been pulled awake by a fragrance that feels like love itself, consider: What if this is one of your sentients awakening? A reminder that reality is layered, and sometimes, the soul gets a whiff of what lies beyond. Between Science and Spirit Science might call it a  hypnagogic phenomenon , a sensory experience in the liminal state between sleep and waking, when the brain’s dream imagery can still spill into waking awareness. But what if that liminal space is also a  spiritual threshold? A place where veils thin, and messages slip through not as words, but as  sensation , the language of the soul? Perhaps scent is not memory at all… but  presence . ADVERTISEMENT Scent as a Spiritual Gift In the realm of spiritual sensitivity,  scent   is more than memory; it’s a messenger. Some mystics call this gift  clairalience, or “clear smelling,” which is the ability to sense fragrances that have no physical source. These scents often carry meaning : a rose to signal love or divine presence, a familiar perfume to suggest an ancestor nearby, or a gentle sweetness to announce peace or protection. Like the other  'CLAIRS' (intuitive senses)... clair VOYANCE (clear seeing) clair AUDIENCE (clear hearing) clair SENTIENCE (clear feeling) clair COGNIZANCE (clear knowing) Keep an eye out for a future post diving more into these and how they can impact your day-to-day experiences. Please subscribe to stay updated. CLAIRALIENCE   is a way the soul perceives subtle realms. It speaks in aroma, bypassing thought and going straight to the heart. You don’t have to chase it or train for it. Often, it arrives as a  gift , spontaneous and unmistakable, to remind you that your spirit is awake, and the unseen is closer than you think. Maybe that's what it was? When Science Joins the Story Modern medicine acknowledges a range of  olfactory phenomena , from scents linked to strong memories to brief sensory experiences during transitions of consciousness. Neurologists sometimes call these  phantosmia  or  olfactory hallucinations , which can arise from sinus issues, migraines, stress, or even shifts in brain chemistry during sleep states. In the  hypnagogic   and  hypnopompic   states, those delicate moments as we fall asleep or wake, the brain is highly creative, blending dream imagery with sensory impressions. During these liminal phases, a scent might emerge as a symbolic messenger from your subconscious or, as some believe, as a sign from the unseen. Doctors recommend paying attention if such experiences become frequent, unpleasant , or  accompanied by confusion, as persistent phantom smells can sometimes signal neurological or sinus conditions worth checking. But if, like me, this was a  one-time ,  pleasant , and  peaceful   occurrence, a fragrance that stirred calm, joy, and curiosity, it may simply be a  moment of experience and mystery , inviting in an awareness of the many complex layers of being human. The Rose as a Messenger (and a lead-in to our next topic) Across centuries,  roses   have carried profound symbolism, love, rebirth, and divine grace. Kings built gardens of them. Mystics wrote poems about them. They adorned altars, crowned brides , and yes, even circled the head of Christ, whose crown of thorns was said to have once borne roses. The rose speaks a universal language of devotion , beauty , and transcendence . And many believe its fragrance carries a higher vibration, harmonizing the heart and reminding us of our own divinity . So perhaps when a scent appears unexpectedly, especially one as soft and fragrant as rose or cherry blossom, it isn’t random . It ’s a whiff from the unseen. The Invitation If this ever happens to you, don’t dismiss it simply as imagination. Instead , ask , "What was I dreaming of?" What emotion rose in me when I smelled it? What message could it carry for this season of my life? You may not get an answer right away. Or a clear one at all... But like cologne lingering on a pillow , true meaning reveals itself over time ... And sometimes, mystery simply is the message. A Trail Toward the Next Discovery What if scent isn’t just symbolic… but energetic ? What if every fragrance carries a frequency, and roses, with their long history of sacred symbolism, hum at a higher vibration that can shift how we feel, think, and heal? What if I tell you it's true! We'll explore it more in the upcoming blog: Vibrations—Disturb the Equilibrium . We will dive into how frequency, energy, and resonance really do tune the vast symphony of our being. Sometimes the unseen doesn’t speak; it simply lingers, like a great blog post OR a fragrance you can’t forget. Travel Resources

I’m a Scorpio, and for years I defaulted to black: protective, powerful, and simple. But over time I made a promise to let more color into my world: my wardrobe, my plate, my home, and my life. After my divorce, the kitchen in my first home was yellow. I was never too fond of yellow. However, during that season, I realized that I needed a bright and light atmosphere. I needed a room that felt like early morning sunrise rays seeping into my bones. ( Broaden Your Perspective Toolkit : Tool #2) Deep Dive : Is there a color you “hate” or always avoid? Why? What story does it hold for you? This week, we’ll begin gently embracing that color, on your terms. Your world is a literal canvas; every shade you wear, cook with, or placehold in your space paints a story about your energy, emotions, and evolution. Color isn’t just decoration; it’s language, vibration, and, oftentimes, medicine. “The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.” — Marcus Aurelius In this post, we explore the hidden language of color—how it shapes emotion, energy, and self-expression. You’ll learn to decode the messages behind your favorite (and least favorite) shades, balance your sacral energy, and find simple ways to bring more vibrancy and meaning into your life. In This Post... ● The Essence of Colour ● The Science of Seeing ● Colour in Action ● Ways to Color Your Life ● 5-Minute Colour Meditation ● The Deep-Dive Challenge ● Lifestyle Resources The Essence of Colour Use this palette as a starting point, and I want you to notice how you feel in your body surrounding each color: ▪   Red : Vitality, passion, presence. Ignites action; too much can feel agitating ▪  Orange : Creativity, connection, pleasure. Warms the sacral center and invites play. ▪   Yellow   : Clarity, confidence, intellect. A spark for the solar plexus can also signal caution. ▪  Green : Growth, balance, renewal. If muted or sterile, it may feel emotionally distant; choose living greens that feel vital. ▪  Blue : Calm, truth, serenity. Softens the system and steadies the voice. ▪  Purple / Pink : Intuition, imagination, self-compassion, romance. Opens wonder and higher insight. ▪  Black: Boundaries, elegance, protection. Excellent for focus; balance with light to avoid contraction. ▪ White: Purity, spaciousness, reset. Cleans the visual field; too much can feel clinical, so temper it with texture and warmth. “There are no rules for analyzing colour theories… the only way to get better is to observe.” — Kota Teja ADVERTISEMENT The Science of Seeing (so you can create with intention) ▪  Hue: the family of the color (red, blue, or green). ▪  Saturation: the intensity of the color (muted vs. vivid). ▪  Luminance: how light or dark the color appears. Play with all three. You could wear a saturated yellow blouse; it feels different than a pale butter cardigan. A deep forest green wall soothes differently than, let's say, a neon lime throw. Colour in Action: The Sacral Portal (Orange) ▪  Theme:  emotion, sensuality, creativity, relationships ▪  Body:  ovaries/pancreas, blood sugar, lower abdomen (2 inches below the navel) ▪  Formative window:  ages ~8-14 (emerging sense of self) ▪  When balanced:  warmth, generosity, creative flow. ▪  When imbalanced:  fear, overwhelm, emotional swings, numbing, addictive cycles. ⪢ Ways to nourish orange this week ▪  Wear:  A scarf, ring, or hair clip in burnt orange or apricot. ▪  Eat:  Sweet potatoes, mangos, carrots, and citrus; infuse water with clementines or golden raspberries. ▪  Hold:  Carnelian or tiger’s eye over the sacral while you breathe. ▪  Visualize:  A small orange sun at the sacral, spinning steadily. ▪  Affirm:  “I am creative. I am free to feel and express.” Practical Ways to Color Your Life Rotate your focus color weekly or biweekly and notice the shifts. ▪  Wardrobe: Choose your day’s color with intention: a blouse, scarf, lipstick, nail polish, or socks. Black-and-bold can be a bridge if you’re easing in. ▪  Home: Swap throw pillows, blankets, flowers, candles, or art prints by color theme. A monthly color altar on a shelf or side table can anchor your intention. ▪  Food: Build plates by color families to feed the corresponding energy centers. Photograph your “color plates” to track mood shifts. ▪  Ritual: Light a candle of your focus color during journaling or meditation. Sit in that light for five minutes before bed. ▪  Creativity: Make a color playlist; sketch with three markers of the week’s hue; write a short poem titled with the color. 5-Minute Morning Colour Meditation Close your eyes. Ask, “Body, what color do you need today?” Breathe that color in through the nose, three slow breaths. See it expand around you like a soft aura. Place a hand on the related chakra and whisper, “I align with this energy.” Spot the color “in the wild” throughout your day, let life mirror your intention, and see what you come across. The Deep-Dive Challenge: Befriending the Colour You Resist Name the color you avoid. Write one sentence about why you avoid or dislike this color. Choose a micro-step: a teacup, a phone wallpaper, or a single-stem flower on your table in that hue. Notice: what shifts when you invite it in gently? Color permeates both the conscious and the spiritual. It moves mood, steadies breath, and, over time, can help heal. You don’t have to chase enlightenment; sometimes, you just need to wear it, taste it, and live with it long enough to let it soften you. Coming next:  Mudras: The Power Is in Your Hands. This is one of the tools in the  Broaden Your Perspective Toolkit , a series to awaken your awareness and help you build a life in alignment. Join the community to unlock all the tools and receive guided practices. Read Broaden Your Perspective Toolkit: Tool 1 Chakras 101—Understanding Your Inner Energy Map Discover how your body’s energy centers influence your emotions, health, and intuition. This soulful guide to the seven chakras includes a 7-minute daily alignment practice to help you feel grounded, open, and free. Our Lifestyle Blog In our lifestyle blogs, we share our full-time location-independent journey with you: the ups, downs, tips, tricks, and recommendations that can help you enhance your lifestyle. Jennifer David Meet Jennifer David—writer, traveler, coach, and voice behind “A Broad Perspective.” Explore her journey through grey hair, self-expression, full-time travel, and radical authenticity. Lifestyle Resources

( Broaden Your Perspective Toolkit : Tool #1) Over the years, I’ve gathered a collection of practices, principles, and perspectives  that helped me understand who I am and how I move through this world. Some I treated like sacred devotion; others I explored for a time and then set aside. And sometimes, life brought me full circle, back to an old practice with new eyes. What I’ve learned is this: we are each a living experiment , constantly evolving, remembering, and refining. These tools aren’t rules; they’re invitations . They’re pathways to help you to gain deeper awareness, to energy alignment, and to a broader perspective on life and self. This new series, The Broaden Your Perspective Tool Kit , is my way of sharing the practical spiritual and practical tools that shaped me, portals or doorways if you will. Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t. And trust that even the lessons you set down now may also find their way back to you when you need them most. At the very least you'll now have the knowledge and experience as part of your neural network and synapses base. Your body is more than bones and breath; it’s a symphony of energy and light. In This Post... ● What are Chakras? ● ROOT CHAKRA - Muladhara ● SACRAL CHAKRA - Svadhisthana ● SOLAR PLEXUS - Manipura ● HEART CHAKRA - Anahata See More... ● THROAT CHAKRA - Vishuddha ● THIRD EYE - Ajna ● CROWN CHAKRA - Sahasrara ● The 8th Chakra - The KA ● Daily Chakra Practice ● Lifestyle Resources What are Chakras? Within you flows a current of light—seven major energy centers known as  chakras , each one spinning with its own vibration, intelligence, and purpose. When these energy wheels are open and flowing, you feel aligned, alive, and connected; physically strong, emotionally stable, and spiritually attuned. When they’re blocked or stagnant , your energy dims. You may feel disconnected, fatigued, anxious, or stuck. Over time, unhealed energetic blockages can manifest as emotional imbalance or even physical illness, because where energy stops, life stops. Each chakra is like a  mini mind —holding patterns, beliefs, and memories tied to that region of your body. As you bring awareness and healing to each one, your body begins to remember how to flow again—to rise in frequency, to glow in truth. ROOT CHAKRA - Muladhara ● Location:  Base of the spine ● Color:  Red ● Governs:  Reproductive organs, bowels, legs, bones, adrenal glands ● Themes:  Safety, security, survival, belonging When balanced, you feel grounded, safe in your body, and connected to the earth. When blocked, fear and instability creep in—you may feel unanchored, anxious, or financially insecure. “When you root into the earth, you rise with unshakable peace.” SACRAL CHAKRA - Svadhisthana ● Location:  Below the navel ● Color:  Orange ● Governs:  Ovaries, pancreas, reproductive system, blood sugar balance ● Themes:  Pleasure, creativity, sensuality, relationships When open, you feel free to create, connect, and enjoy. When blocked, emotions stagnate—guilt, shame, or lack of joy may surface. “Pleasure is not a luxury; it’s the pulse of your creative life force.” SOLAR PLEXUS - Manipura ● Location:  Upper abdomen, behind the stomach ● Color:  Yellow ● Governs:  Gut, liver, metabolism, adrenaline ● Themes:  Confidence, willpower, self-worth When aligned, you trust yourself and act with courage. When dim, you doubt your worth and shrink from your own power. “When your inner fire burns bright, no shadow can stay.” HEART CHAKRA - Anahata ● Location:  Center of chest, behind the breastbone ● Color:  Green ● Governs:  Heart, lungs, thymus gland, immune system ● Themes:  Love, compassion, gratitude, trust When open, you give and receive love freely. When closed, grief or resentment builds walls around your soul. “The heart is not just where you love — it’s where you remember you are love.” ADVERTISEMENT THROAT CHAKRA - Vishuddha ● Location:  Throat ● Color:  Blue ● Governs:  Thyroid, vocal cords, neck, jaw ● Themes:  Truth, communication, expression When balanced, you speak your truth with clarity and kindness. When blocked, your voice feels silenced, or your words come out harsh. “Your voice is a spell — speak what you wish to see.” THIRD EYE - Ajna ● Location:  Between the eyebrows ● Color:  Indigo ● Governs:  Pineal gland, melatonin, serotonin, sleep-wake cycles ● Themes:  Intuition, insight, clarity, imagination When open, you trust your inner knowing. When clouded, you doubt your intuition or get lost in illusion. “Close your eyes to see more clearly.” CROWN CHAKRA - Sahasrara ● Location:  Top of head ● Color:  Violet or White ● Governs:  Master glands, higher consciousness ● Themes:  Unity, divinity, purpose, spiritual connection When open, you feel one with all—guided by divine intelligence. When blocked, you may feel spiritually lost or disconnected. “You are not reaching for heaven — you are remembering you’re part of it.” The 8th Chakra—The KA (Soul Star Chakra) ● Location:  About 16 inches above the crown ● Color:  Iridescent gold or ultraviolet ● Themes:  Universal consciousness, quantum connection, your higher self The ancient Egyptians called it  the KA —your light body, your eternal self. Through this portal, you access visions, dreams, and infinite wisdom. “Through this gate, you remember the stars you came from.” When Energy Flows, Life Grows Each chakra is a portal between your inner and outer world—blending biology and belief, science and spirit. When you bring awareness, intention, and love to these centers, you begin to heal not just your body but also your story . Daily Chakra Practice—7-Minute Energy Alignment This simple visualization can become your daily ritual for clarity and calm. This is the  first step  in reclaiming your energy:  understanding your inner map . In the next lessons, we’ll explore practical tools to clear and align these centers—from movement and sound to breathwork, crystals, and color rituals. “Energy flows where attention goes. Where you place your awareness, you create your reality.” This is the first of the tools in the  Broaden Your Perspective Toolkit ,  a series to awaken your awareness and help you build a life in alignment. Join the community  to unlock all the tools and receive guided practices. Read Broaden Your Perspective Toolkit: Tool 2 Colour Your Life: The Energy and Psychology of Colour Color your life with intention. In this guide, we explore how color shapes emotion, energy, and creativity. Learn how to bring healing hues into your wardrobe, home, food, and rituals to create balance and joy in your daily life. Our Lifestyle Blog In our lifestyle blogs, we share our full-time location-independent journey with you: the ups, downs, tips, tricks, and recommendations that can help you enhance your lifestyle and travel plans. Jennifer David Meet Jennifer David—writer, traveler, coach, and voice behind “A Broad Perspective.” Explore her journey through grey hair, self-expression, full-time travel, and radical authenticity. Lifestyle Resources

There’s a moment on every grey hair journey when the question shifts from "Should I?”  to  “Why not me? ” That quiet whisper inside you starts getting louder—nudging you towards curiosity about what you might actually look like with your natural hair. If you’ve been feeling that pull lately, here are six signs it might be time to trust it—and finally ditch the dye and stop coloring your hair. In this post , I share six powerful signs that you may be ready to stop coloring your hair and embrace your natural silver. From breaking free of exhausting salon cycles to reclaiming your time, money, and energy, these reflections will inspire you to live more authentically and confidently. In This Post... ● Tired of the Cycle ● Crave Authenticity ● Done with Beauty Standards ● Inspired by Others ● Reclaim Time, Money & Energy ● Feel a Quiet Yes ● Lifestyle Resources 1. You’re Tired of the Cycle The endless root touch-ups, the salon appointments, the worry every time you spot a silver strand—it’s exhausting. Stressing out and cutting the top of your head out of selfies is starting to feel heavy. What used to feel like self-care now feels like maintenance. If coloring your hair has started to drain your energy, time, or joy… It’s your intuition gently saying, “There’s an easier way.” ✨ You deserve simplicity. You deserve to live unmasked. 2. You Crave Authenticity You’ve grown, evolved, and changed—and now you want your reflection to help show it. You’re ready for your outer self to finally match your inner truth. You want to be in better alignment. Grey hair is like a fingerprint of your becoming—proof that you’ve  lived as you were authentically designed to be, even if only in this way. 3. You’re Done with Beauty Standards You’re tired of a culture and society that equates youth with value. You're over the unrealistic and crave the more natural look. You want bold, unique authenticity. You know beauty isn’t something to chase—it’s something to embody . And you’re ready to define beauty on your own terms . You wonder why grey hair was ever frowned upon because it's so beautiful! ADVERTISEMENT 4. You’re Inspired by Others You find yourself saving posts of women embracing their silver, pausing longer on their reels, and wondering what it would feel like to walk through life with that freedom. That spark you feel when you see them? That’s your soul whispering.  “You’re next.” You don’t need permission—only the courage to begin. 5. You Want to Reclaim Your Time, Money, and Energy Let’s be honest—coloring hair isn’t just about hair. It’s an investment of time, money, and mental space. And if you’re starting to think about what else you could do with those precious resources— travel , self-care , creative pursuits —you’re already shifting into alignment with what’s next. This journey is about more than hair. It’s about where you want your energy to flow . 6. You Feel a Quiet Yes Even if you’re nervous, even if you’re unsure, there’s a calm inside that says, “It’s time.” I don't care what others think; this is what I want for me. You don’t have to be 100% ready —just willing. Because freedom doesn’t wait for perfection. It begins with one brave decision . Ditching the dye isn’t about giving up—it’s about  showing up . It ’s choosing presence over perfection, peace over pressure. If any of these signs resonate, maybe this is your moment. Your silver story is waiting—and it’s beautiful. 📸 Share This Journey If this post spoke to you, save it, share it, or tag me on Instagram: @embracingthesilverlining You never know who needs the permission you’re about to give yourself. Grey Hair Blog Follow Jennifer David’s empowering journey of going grey and choosing authenticity over approval. A celebration of aging boldly, living unfiltered, and embracing the silver within. Jennifer David Meet Jennifer David—writer, traveler, coach, and voice behind “A Broad Perspective.” Explore her journey through grey hair, self-expression, and radical authenticity. Lifestyle Resources

The humble to-do list—it’s supposed to be our compass, but too often it becomes a chain. Some days, it anchors our focus. Other days, it stares back like a silent critic, whispering,  You didn’t do enough. But the truth is, productivity isn’t about filling every hour. It’s about aligning your actions with your intention. It’s about creating momentum with meaning. We’re not here just to get things done. We’re here to build lives that feel aligned—and that includes how we organize our days. Let’s rewrite the way we plan our time. In this post , we’ll explore how to transform the way you plan your days. You’ll discover the Musts, Maybes, and Mindset method; different ways to find your creative flow; soulful pen-and-paper techniques; digital tools that support intention; and a simple anchor to keep you grounded. PLUS, you’ll get access to our free printable daily flow template to bring it all together. In This Post... ● The Power Trio ● Flow for Every Mind ● The Soulful List ● Digital Tools with Soul ● The One-Thing Anchor ● Daily Flow Download (Printable) ● Lifestyle Resources 1. The Power Trio: Musts, Maybes, and Mindset Forget mile-long lists. What you need is a simple rhythm that honors both your drive and your energy. Each morning, divide your day into three sections: ⪢ Must-Do (no more than 3) These are your non-negotiables—the tasks that truly move the needle. Examples: Write your blog post draft Film a short Reel or TikTok Send your weekly newsletter Reach out to three brand partners When you finish these, your day is already a success. ⪢ Maybe-Do These are your optional extras—nice to accomplish, but not essential today. Update Pinterest boards Edit a podcast clip Brainstorm captions or new offers Organize files or photos These can shift easily to tomorrow without guilt. ⪢ Mindset Practice One action that nourishes you. A walk. A journal session. A quiet cup of tea before you open your laptop. Clarity doesn’t come from chaos; it comes from stillness. 2. Flow for Every Mind: Thematic Days and Creative Shifts Some people thrive when they dedicate full days to specific themes. Others find energy in variety, shifting every 20 minutes or so to stay fresh and inspired. Both are valid. The secret is knowing  your  rhythm. ⪢ Thematic Focus Example Here’s what a creative entrepreneur’s week might look like: Monday:  Content Creation—write blog drafts, plan social posts, brainstorm newsletter ideas Tuesday:  Production—record videos, film Reels, photograph content Wednesday:  Marketing & Outreach—send pitches, respond to emails, plan collaborations Thursday:  Admin & Systems—organize files, schedule posts, track expenses Friday:  Strategy & Vision—reflect, journal, plan next week’s goals, dream big This structure keeps you in one lane each day, reducing decision fatigue. ⪢ The 20-Minute Rhythm But maybe you’re a creative who needs movement and change. You do best when you pivot every 20–30 minutes—write a paragraph, stretch, make tea, switch tasks, breathe. Try a  Creative Cycle Method : Choose 3–4 small tasks that each take about 20 minutes. Set a timer or use a playlist as your clock. Rotate through them like stations—write captions, then plan stories, then check emails, then journal. Take a five-minute movement break between cycles. This keeps your mind sharp and prevents the burnout that comes from forcing stillness. You’re not scattered—you’re  cyclical . You move like art does: through phases and flows. ADVERTISEMENT 3. The Soulful List: Symbols, Colors, and Sticky Notes If you’re like me, pen and paper still win. There’s something sacred about ink on a page—the physical act of committing your energy. Build your list with simple symbols: • Task ✶ Priority ⟳ Reschedule ✕ Cancel Then, bring it to life with  color: Blue for creative work Green for money and business Pink or gold for personal and spiritual growth Yellow for quick tasks or reminders Use highlighters to track your flow—not to judge, but to  see  your progress. It’s visual motivation. And don’t underestimate the power of  sticky notes: Write one or two key reminders each morning—the things you tend to forget or resist. Place them where you’ll see them: on your kettle, laptop, mirror, or journal. These little notes become accountability whispers throughout your day. Whiteboards work beautifully too—especially for brain dumps, content maps, or visual goal tracking. 4. Digital Tools with Soul If you prefer something sleek, digital tools can hold your structure while you keep the heart. Notion : For big-picture planning, content calendars, and project boards Todoist : For quick daily lists and recurring tasks ClickUp : For full creative workflows and team coordination Use them as containers, not cages. They should support your creative cycles—not replace your intuition. 5. The One-Thing Anchor When the day feels full, ask yourself, “What’s the one thing that would make everything else easier or unnecessary if I did it today?” Do that first . Let it anchor your energy. Closer Lives Collective Daily Flow (Printable) To make this easier, I’ve created a  p rintable PDF  you can use each day—part journal, part planner, and part mirror. It includes: Space for your   Musts , Maybes , and Mindset A  Creative Cycle Tracker  for your 20-minute rotations Sections for color-coding, sticky notes, and reflections A grounding affirmation for each day Think of it as your personal map—a daily ritual that blends structure with soul. You can download it here: You don’t need a longer list. You need a list that works for you . One that reflects who you are and how you move through the world. You are not meant to run your life like (or by...) a machine. You're meant to  craft it like a masterpiece —one intentional task at a time. Because the goal isn’t just to do more. It ’s to live deeper, freer, and truer to your calling. Our Lifestyle Blog Since deciding to sell our houses, let go of 90% of our possessions, pack up our remaining things, and head for the airport, we have learned a lot. In our lifestyle blogs, we want to share our journey with you: the ups, downs, tips, tricks, and recommendations that can help you enhance your lifestyle. Jennifer David Meet Jennifer David—writer, traveler, coach, teacher, author, and voice behind A Broad Perspective and Embracing the Silver Lining. Through lifestyle blogs, she shares her gray hair journey, full-time travel, and radical authenticity, offering tips and inspiration for self-expression. Lifestyle Resources

There’s a sentence I heard for years—sometimes whispered, sometimes shouted: “But grey hair will age you.”   As if that’s the worst thing  that could happen to a woman.   But let’s be real: I used to believe it, too. Before I decided to ditch the dye , that fear ran deep. I was always told I looked “so young for my age,” but was it just with dyed hair? Compliments like that can feel like currency for us women, especially in a culture that’s becoming more and more obsessed with youth.   But when I met Leon, who is 12 years younger than I, the fear got a little louder. Not that I’m new to the age difference thing; my ex-husband was 10 years younger than me as well. But as I have gotten older, I’ve been more concerned about those years becoming more noticeable . 18 months into my natural grey hair grow-out journey with Leon in Hua Hin, Thailand, September 2024 I worried about how I would look beside him. Would I seem “too old” to be with him? Would people judge me? Would HE stop seeing me the same way if I let my grey hair shine through? Would he still be attracted to me?   Spoiler alert: he didn’t flinch. In fact, his support helped me find the courage to do what my soul was already calling me to do. Embrace my authenticity. Leon and I on the Princess Regal during a transatlantic cruise in April 2025, celebrating 6 years together, 4 years travelling full time (44 countries together!), and 2 years into my natural grey hair grow-out journey, all during this month! Facing the Fear: Grey Hair and the “Invisible Woman” Myth Let’s talk about what’s really going on.   The fear of gray hair isn’t just about color . It’s about our visibility. Our value, position, and perceived identity in society.   So much of our conditioning tells us that as we age, especially as women, we fade. That we lose desirability. That our beauty has an expiration date , and it’s somewhere around the first sign of silver hair, which is silly in itself because many women first notice a grey hair far under the age of 30 ; we just don’t realize it because so many women choose to hide their greys from first sight! But here’s what I’ve learned: Youthful energy isn’t something that you color in—it’s something you own. It’s in your fire , your freedom , and your presence . NOT your pigment. 1 year into my natural silver hair grow-out journey, March 2024, in England I’m now two years into my grow-out journey , and yes—people do comment less often that I “ look so young for my age .” And yes, I AM actually two years older now than when I first started this journey—there are shifts that naturally start to happen, especially around 48 to 50. But the biggest shift isn’t my appearance—it’s the societal association that grey = old; therefore, I no longer look ‘young for my age,’ and old = less. We can never truly look older or younger than our age because our age is what it is. It cannot be changed. Therefore, this is what I look like at 50 . Not older. Not younger, but MY 50. This is 50 ON ME. ADVERTISEMENT This is the narrative I’m passionate about dismantling. And friend, there’s so much work to be done .   The Liberation of Living Unfiltered! Since ditching the dye, something incredible has happened .   I feel more radiant . More confident. More authentic. More me. Not because grey hair magically fixed anything, because there was nothing to be ‘fixed,’ but because choosing authenticity over approval set something free in me. I stopped trying to fit into the outdated mold of what a woman “should” look like, especially the ‘for her age’ narrative, and started showing up in my full , authentic design . And here’s the beautiful twist: When you live authentically and unfiltered , your real energy starts shining. 2 years into my natural gray hair grow-out transition, and I couldn't feel more confident! Not despite your age, but BECAUSE of your lived experience, your presence, your power, and walking and owning that fully. If You’re Wondering, “Will Grey Hair Make Me Less…?” To the woman asking, “Will gray hair make me less beautiful?” “Will it make me less dateable?” “Will I lose something if I let go of dye?” 6 months into my grow-out, about to make my YouTube debut with THIS hair for the first time. I was still feeling very insecure about what OTHER PEOPLE might think about my grey hair.  I see you. I was you.   And my answer is this: Grey hair will not make you less . It will simply make you more. More magnetic. More rooted in self (see what I did there, ha!) More free.   This isn’t about going gray to prove a point, but it sure can be! The more women who embrace their natural grey hair, the faster and more normalized it will become for future women in society, and that’s a brilliant reason to say bye to hair dye! It’s about choosing your truth over fear.   So, if you’re standing in front of the mirror, wondering if it’s time— The wonder is your sign. Curiosity is your sign. This is your sign. Your beauty and evolving self don’t need permission, but sometimes it's nice to receive it. So here you go. Permission to let go of societal pressures and let it GROW! And you know, your bright, sparkly silver light most certainly DOES NOT need a filter (aka hair dye).   Let THEM see YOU . Let YOU see YOU . Grey Hair Blog Follow Jennifer David’s empowering journey of going grey and choosing authenticity over approval. A celebration of aging boldly, living unfiltered, and embracing the silver within. Jennifer David Meet Jennifer David—writer, traveler, coach, and voice behind “A Broad Perspective.” Explore her journey through grey hair, self-expression, and radical authenticity. Lifestyle Resources