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.
Back to Work
Then: January 2- 8, 2017
A new journal for the new year as you can see!
Another week of daily meditation. It looks like I was off work until Sunday when i came back to 350 emails!
I spent some time working on my book (see snapshot below), as well as on myself with a day at the salon on Wednesday. I’m not used to getting my hair and nails done, It’s something I picked up when I lived in Dubai and left it there lol. I still get a regular facial though.
I had a few crossfit sessions, well done me! And I spent some time with my friend Errol.
My cousin came to visit for a few days.
I miss making these little drawings and selecting the appropriate stickers. I have so many stickers that I don’t use…
Anyway, it looks like it was a great start to 2017, with self care galore!
Now: January 6-12, 2025
(note: this summary was partly generated by AI based on my voice-over)
The second week of the year marked a return to work, gentle routines, and connections with new and old friends. Here are the highlights:
- Easing Back to Work:
- After two weeks off, returning to work felt challenging, but I prioritized a gentle approach. I avoided overloading my schedule and set boundaries around my capacity—a conscious effort to maintain balance and avoid burnout.
- Lit a candle at my desk throughout the workday, creating a relaxing and grounding atmosphere. This small ritual brought a sense of calm to the work environment.
- Personal Connections:
- Reconnected with colleagues and met new ones, including a teammate who recently relocated from Singapore. These in-person interactions reminded me of the energy and inspiration that come from human connection, even amidst the corporate structure.
- Had coffee with a new friend, another French expat working in HR, and felt comfortable sharing about my work without holding back—a rare and refreshing experience.
- Attended a brunch for Coptic Christmas, mingling with about 50 people, both familiar faces and new acquaintances. It was a heartwarming way to build community.
- Healing and Rituals:
- Continued my dental treatment, a step forward despite the discomfort.
- Gifted an oracle card deck to my beautician, empowering her to explore card readings.
- Evening with Lee Harris:
- Attended Lee Harris’s live event, where he channeled messages about nurturing our inner fire. His words resonated as I reflected on my own diminished fire and the need to gently nurture my inner flame.
- New Habits:
- Introduced new routines to support my well-being:
- Avoided screens for the first 30 minutes of the day and after 9:30 p.m.
- Replaced YouTube with reading a fiction book before bed, a slower, more mindful way to wind down.
I’m sharing a bit more in my voice over:
Companion Links: Extend Your Journey
- Music for the heart and the soul:
- Ganavya:
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.
