From Security Chaos to Realigned Focus

Discovering social media and email accounts have been hacked = Frustration.

Panic of “what else?”.  General “ick” feeling.

Believe it or not, there can also be some silver linings.

The last few weeks been spent untangling a web of breached accounts, most of which were old and dormant. Unfortunately, that lead to current ones being {thankfully temporarily} disabled.
Lesson learned: delete the unused account, don’t just abandon.
While there are still a few things being resolved, it is nice feeling like I’m on the other side of the chaos. One of the most unexpected outcomes has been an appreciation for forced digital downtime {once the panic subsided}.
Instead of stressing over the things beyond our control, take the chance to embrace some wins:

🗑️ Digital decluttering.
Delete old, unused, and unnecessary accounts. Tightened up security. Sign up for the two-step verifications. The time spent doing those things is nothing compared to the time and headache of being hacked.
🎨 Reclaim creative energy.
Instead of worrying about not being able to post or doom scroll on social accounts, shift your energy to your longer-lasting projects. After the initial frustration, it was nice not even giving a thought to posting and instead revamping my website, blogging, and brainstorming podcast ideas.
🤝 Appreciate having a genuine network.
Authentic relationships build a community that is never tied to a single platform. Sure, it would have been inconvenient to start over with digital connections, but genuine connections don’t just disappear.
💖 Save memories.
The only “loss” that scared me? Pictures, conversations, emails, and posts connecting me to people and moments that matter. More than any, the ones from those no longer with us. Savor the moments. Cherish your memories. Make sure to save the digital ones in multiple places.

As crummy as the experience has been, it's been a great reminder to secure what matters.
Every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
And with that, I think I've grown. Let's check this challenge/growth off the list of things I never want to deal with again.

Have you delt with this before? Were you able to find a win?