Part 4/8:
My Google Pixel phone became an unexpected hurdle on this journey. To combat the overwhelming presence of Google in my daily life, I installed GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused custom operating system. Graphene gave me unprecedented control over app permissions and usage, turning my phone into a tool that genuinely served me instead of distracting me.
Step 5: Mastering Password Management
Realizing that strong password practices are essential, I initially hesitated to invest in a password manager. Instead, I hosted my own with the open-source option Vaultwarden, which became a fun yet educational DIY project. The sense of empowerment from hosting my own service was liberating.