I’ve been using the beta version of Skipper, and warned the developer in advance that I might bounce off. Specifically, I have plenty of list apps and gratitude journals encouraging a daily streak that I enthusiastically adopt and then abandon. I’ll indulge in self care as an every two weeks thing and forget all about it as stress intensifies around me. This means that I’m only saying nice things to myself when it’s easiest - when things are good and I have a little space. It means something different when a compliment from a friend hits at a low point, or a reminder to yourself to not be so hard on yourself comes when you’re about to be hard on yourself. Receiving these words at random times has given me a few eerie moments of synchronicity- the right words at the right time. I can tell myself what I need to hear, but the app helps.

Skipper weeds out the noise of my phone and my brain by reminding me exactly what I want, need, hope to have at the forefront of my mind. I send quotes, memories, affirmations, and dreams into Skipper when they occur, and they always bounce back exactly when I need to see them again. It’s like a welcome DM from a trusted friend. A way to view pieces of consciousness from a new perspective. It’s been such a welcome addition to my life, having nothing to do with productivity, work, or hustle. When most apps these days only serve to steal your attention and time, Skipper gives it back. This app serves me and my mind of the present and future, and me and my mind only.