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.
Creativity: Activated
Then: August 1-7, 2016
Here’s my commentary on 2016 (a lot of “euhhh” and “emmm”, I hope you don’t mind. I’ll do better next time, I hope.)
A few pictures from that week:
Now: July 29- August 4, 2024
New App Development: "Inner Pathways"
I started developing a new app called "Inner Pathways" to help people craft inspiring intentions when stepping into a shamanic ceremony. Sometimes I’ve felt a bit stuck in this area, and I’m sure I’m not the only one! I began working on it with ChatGPT, which helped me brainstorm a name, user journey, and even an ad campaign. I ended up simplifying the design to create a minimum viable product. Still working on it, but hopefully, I’ll finish this week and share it next time. My favorite part of app development is creating the visual elements, but making something functional is always a wonderful feeling.
Shamanic Journeying: Chill and Start a Podcast!
Following my shamanic practice training from last week, I started practicing! Every morning, before breakfast, I spend 15 minutes journeying with an intention. This practice has given me valuable insights about work, including the reminder to chill and not stress so much! I also felt encouraged to register the Human Prototype podcast on Apple and Spotify, which I did right away. I have audio recordings from this blog that I could publish. It might be interesting to listen to these short snippets of my life back to back at some point. In 2023, I recorded my thoughts before and after work for two months after returning from my burnout leave. I’m curious to hear what I had to say back then!
New Job, New Energy
I’ve realized that my new job is giving me the mental space to actually make and attend appointments, even after work. Wow! I hadn’t understood how bad the situation was before. Even without evening meetings, I wouldn’t make personal arrangements or have the energy to take care of myself. “Chiropractor” had been on my to-do list for months until I changed jobs. Wow! Please don’t wait as long as I did.
Luckily, I managed to get two sessions with my chiropractor before he announced he’s taking a break, but he thinks I’ll be okay. I’ve booked a massage with Dmitri, who has good reviews on Treatwell, for next Sunday. Let’s hope the back pain goes away.
Hair Situation
I finally addressed my hair situation—a balayage gone wrong and a correction that wasn’t fully corrected. Why did it take me so long? I’ve felt miserable about my hair since May, mainly because I didn’t confront the issue with my hair salon. Now, I’ve booked an appointment somewhere else, hoping this will be my new go-to salon! Cross your fingers and toes for me. This was a huge, uncomfortable lesson. Is the lesson learned? I’m not sure, but I had a big aha moment that I could get my hair fixed and feel better without depending on my usual salon. It’s funny how sometimes we forget we have free will! (Do I feel a little stupid sharing that? Absolutely.)
Messages with Meaning
I received a message from an old friend who always reaches out with, “You ok? You don’t seem like yourself,” or “Hope you’re in a better place.” This got me thinking that perhaps our relationship has been tainted by difficult circumstances and poor mental health, making it hard to reprogram the idea that life can be good. When unexpected messages come my way, I try to view them with curiosity and see if there’s something to unpack. For me, it’s the realization that my narrative has indeed changed. Life is good.
Budget Savvy or Costly?
As a member of Picturehouse Cinemas, I can see movies for cheap, especially re-runs of older movies. This weekend, I booked a £1 ticket to see a re-run of "Heathers," a 1989 dark teen comedy. I didn’t know it was that dark, nor did I know I wouldn’t like it. One of the main characters reminded me of a friend, and I wondered if my friend had been inspired by the character and if it shaped his identity. That kept me busy. Next time, I’ll pay a bit more for a ticket to the latest movie on the big screen. Will it be a better use of my time? Who knows, but at least I’ll be able to share notes about the movie with others instead of being traumatized by 80s misogyny.
Admin Progress
Lastly, I made progress on some admin tasks: I processed health insurance claims. Huge win! More to do, though.
Companion Links: Extend Your Journey
- Music for the heart and the soul:
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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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