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Welcome to the Human Prototype blog, a space where the past and present converge to showcase the evolution of a life in progress. Inspired by my TEDx talk, "I am a Prototype," this blog is part of a broader journey of transformation through journaling, capturing the essence of living as a perpetual prototype. Each week, during 2024, I reviewed my archives from 2016, contrasting journal scans filled with drawings against the backdrop of my current experiences.
Slowing Down to Speed Up
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Then: Apr 25-May 1st, 2016 - A Burst of Life
Another week filled with vitality—5 fitness classes, 2 improv shows, and a couple of social gatherings. And amidst it all, hours devoted to creating this vibrant spread in my journal. Reflecting on that, I can't help but wonder, where did all that energy go?
Could the weather be a factor? It’s been so cold and grey here since…I can’t even remember the last sunny day.
Just yesterday, I had to muster all my strength to leave the house for a meetup. Once there, it was so cold I had to keep my jacket on and couldn’t relax and enjoy myself.
But seriously, revisiting these memories makes me feel like a complete zombie right now. It's frustrating. It seems as though I've narrowed my scope of possibilities, stripping away any chance for fun.
Ah, I'm in a low mood today. Interestingly, I find myself oscillating between this low mood and fleeting glimpses of high hope and energy. Part of me craves the comfort of misery, while another part yearns to break free from it.
As for Week 18 of 2016, it leaves me with a sense of nostalgia and...perhaps some motivation to switch off zombie mode.
Now: Apr 22-28, 2024 - A Pause from the Grind
This was a week off from work with no specific plans—a week dedicated to energetic recovery. I'm proud of myself for not thinking too much about work. Instead, I caught up on personal errands, including calling my health insurance to authorize some treatment sessions. Such tasks usually feel daunting, almost insurmountable. My biggest fear? Long waiting time, getting disconnected, misunderstandings due to accents or jargon, or being judged about the necessity of my treatment.
However, when I finally called, it was all smooth and quick—a lovely woman handled my request in minutes, a stark contrast to the dread that had loomed over me. Why did I carry the weight of calling for so long?
This experience served as a lesson. Or at least I hope it did.
That actually made me realize that things seem to manifest much quicker and smoother these days. And when I say manifest, I don’t mean that they appear out of nowhere, as it requires my input, but there is a feeling of pace and easiness to it. It’s hard to describe, sorry!
Another example from this week was scheduling an appointment at my favorite hair salon in London—a place I’ve cherished for the past six years. Despite my procrastination, motivated by feelings of undeservingness due to my hair loss, I finally sent an email requesting an appointment. To my utter disbelief, they called back within minutes about a last-minute slot the next day.
Now, with bright pink hair, I’ve cleared my to-do list, creating space for new experiences.
Yet, with no tasks left, I faced a new challenge: the anxiety of an empty schedule. I decided to lean into the discomfort, opting not to add anything new and see what would emerge. I wish I could say that this led to major breakthroughs. Sadly not. While I did end up doom-scrolling on Instagram and binge-watching YouTube videos, I also enjoyed reading in the sun and refining my note-sketching skills—thanks to some helpful YouTube tutorials.
So, not all was lost to passive consumption; I managed to blend leisure with creativity, as shown in the sketch below.
New week starting tomorrow… time to shed the zombie mode… where to start?
Hear the journey: There's a unique intimacy in spoken words—a warmth and immediacy that text alone may not convey. In my weekly audio commentary, I share reflections both deep and light-hearted, offering a companion piece to the visual and written narrative.
Companion Links: Extend Your Journey
- More about the New Super Moon in Taurus in the Youtube video that goes with my sketch
- BONUS link: learn about sketchnoting with this Sketchnote Mini Workshop Video (30min)
Spread the Word
Found something that moved you or made you think? Share it with your circle!
Together, let's embrace the beauty of becoming, the intrigue of what was, and the promise of what is yet to come.
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