I often let those around me know, I am living under a rock. So, I wanted to find the origin of the idiom as it is known. To my surprise, I could not find the exact origin, although I need to dig deeper, another day. For this essay, it is about living under a rock reflection.
A couple of months ago, I was walking to the gym. I noticed a building which had housed a few prominent local businesses had their signs taken down, and the building itself had a sale sign. The news of at least one of them, would have been on any of the social platforms as I know of them well. So, I asked one of the AI chats on my walk, what it could find on one of the two prominent businesses. I got my answer. It had been at least a year when a change happened, and clearly, this resulted in this business moving out of its current location.
Reflections continued as I continued my walk to the gym:
This news not reaching me timely was not important to my life.
Living under the rock has led to a quieter mind for me.
This is like my recall of March 2025. I got a text from a friend “are you ready for the cyclone” to which my response was “what cyclone”.
I then got sent the link: Cyclone Alfred was coming. Since then, I have subscribed to the BOM alerts as this is what living in Queensland / Brisbane would need more than the city I came from in the South. News received just in time, created an efficient time to act without panic. Once I informed my life partner, he proceeded to spend six hours looking for the supplies that we might need, should we be home bound for a few days. He did great, and the nonperishable supplies remain intact in our garage for a future emergency, especially the power supply back up.
Continuing to reflect on this walk to the gym, I wrote the below thoughts:
Not scrolling socials,
Not consuming news,
You could say, living under a rock
I get shared links,
To read a thing, see a thing, share a thing,
I sparingly click, I sparingly read,
When needed, I act and exit quickly.
I rarely stay, to see the next thing on my feed,
Discipline with this device.
Ironically, my career started with this device,
The migration of 007 to 018 software,
This discipline, is a trained muscle,
Now in year 3.
The hard reset, taught me to be,
Disciplined to be free.
News I need to know,
Comes to me timely,
Research if I want to dig deeper,
Consume what is necessary only.
Living under a rock,
Is fine with me.
One of those unofficial life guides,
I have mentioned and thanked on this site,
We have had this conversation,
They enjoy the socials, unaffected like me.
This way of living, is best for my energy,
I have learned to listen, and act what is right for me.
Living under a rock – suits me and my energy. The “community” of mine continue to remain in touch and whilst I miss out on timely posts on socials, I do get updated on significant moments, for which I am forever grateful. This community are a community for life, regardless of me living under a rock.
Started: 30-August-2026
Finished: 20-Oct-2026
Published: First time here (edited before publishing)
Linda G Thorpe
P.S
Given I referenced Cyclone Alfred, I wanted to include the poem I had written at the time:
Cyclone Alfred is coming
This morning I wake up,
I turn the kettle on.
I brew my coffee,
It is delicious.
My heart fills with gratitude,
For this simple morning pleasure,
That I enjoy today,
For tomorrow may not be so.
I sit here in my daily reflection time,
I hear complete silence,
No birds chirping,
No bats flying off the palm trees outside,
No frogs in the hood that used to sound near,
The calm before the storm.
If this is calm, I am enjoying it today,
For tomorrow may not be so.
I don't watch the news,
I have kind friends who alert me,
Reminder of early 2020,
I hadn't been prepared.
My husband jumped into action,
He took charge.
My dog has been sleeping,
Most of my days working.
They say animals can sense weather,
Perhaps he's sensing his change with us together.
No walks in the cyclone,
No balcony to see people,
His life will be indoors and safe,
Wishing the same for all his dog friends.
Today I am grateful,
For all that I enjoy,
Power is on,
Warm coffee and calm.
We could not be more prepared,
For what is about to come,
We may still learn,
Something after it is all done.
Today I am grateful,
Tomorrow we will see,
What Cyclone Alfred has in store,
For everyone in QLD,
Not just our family.
Written: 05-March-2025
Published: First time here (minor edits before publishing)
