Dearest human 🤎,
It’s been almost a year since I wrote to you and I’m sorry I haven’t checked up on how you’ve been. Sometimes I tend to blend in the shadows forgetting what it means to connect through words.
I want to start with “What do you wish you would have done better?” during the time I didn’t write to you. Let me know in the comments
During the past year, I’ve been a UX designer, community volunteer, student, part-time couch potato, reader, and secretly a therapist. I’ve been all this and even more. I won’t go into details about my achievements and losses during the past year but instead, I’m thankful for the growth and process. Mostly the people who went through these experiences with me.
In the days to come, I have tons of things to share with you from my experiences and my thoughts. Starting with….
Pause⏸
On earth where we glorify productivity, it is important to remember the connection between ourselves and the larger system. The earth is in a pandemic where it gets overwhelming trying to keep up with lots of trends, be in it technology, fashion, words, political beliefs, or standard of living. There’s always something new in our individual reality to know and it’s up to us to perceive this information now or maybe archive it in our mind.
For this reason, we’ve mastered the art of worshipping the altar of “I’m busy” because time keeps knocking on our backs. I don’t blame you, because I do the same. But living busy like you’re running out of time doesn’t make you see it.
What is it❓
When we step back from the relentless flow of activities and dedicate time to reflect and gain clarity, we engage in a holistic approach that acknowledges the interplay between our thoughts, actions, and the broader systems we are part of. This intentional pause allows us to recharge, cultivate a deeper understanding of the interconnected world around us, and make more informed decisions that have ripple effects throughout the system. You pause the motion to process the moment and reflect on your actions and thoughts. Pausing helps us move forward or change the course of action we want to take next.
I value the art of processing the moment for at least 5 minutes a day. Delve into the solitude. People take vacations as a means of pausing the motion. While this is good, you don’t have to wait for the right time.
Rewind⏪
Life has a way of repeating patterns through events. I have experienced three patterns getting repeated and maybe it’s the world’s way of giving second chances.
Imagine viewing the world through a lens that reveals the interconnectedness of actions and their consequences. Feedback loops provide precisely that lens. By understanding feedback loops, we gain insights into the patterns and behaviours that shape the systems we encounter.
Feedback loops can be reinforcing loops, in which a favourable outcome encourages more of the same, or balancing loops, in which corrective steps are made to preserve balance.
The act of pausing and rewinding allows us to interrupt the automaticity of our actions and ideas. It enables us to investigate the underlying patterns and narratives that have moulded our lives. We may deliberately select which patterns to reinforce, which to modify, and which to let go of via this process, allowing for personal growth and good transformation.
Pay attention to the feedback loops at work the next time you pause and replay. Observe the patterns that develop and use this knowledge to create a more purposeful and rewarding path forward.
Play ▶
After taking a pause to rewind and reflect, the moment has come to press "play" and resume your life's journey. It's a decision that carries significance, offering you the opportunity to evaluate whether to continue with the familiar routine or embrace the excitement of a new direction.
As we press "play" to continue our journey, let us embrace the beauty and unpredictability of life's complexities and uncertainties. By cultivating a mindset that embraces growth, resilience, flexibility, and curiosity, we navigate our path with confidence and grace. Remember, life is not about having all the answers; it is about embracing the unknown and discovering the magic that lies within. So, as you embark on the next chapter, let go of the need for complete certainty and embrace the adventure that awaits. Embrace the complexity, relish the uncertainty, trust your intuition, consider your aspirations and values, and choose the path that aligns with your growth and fulfilment.
Breadcrumbs to share 🍞
DragGAN - There’s a new way of manipulating images that’s making a buzz in the art world. DragGAN is an AI tool that manipulates generated images by dragging and clicking to your specification. Crazy!!
Why we eat popcorn at the movies- As my curiosity could have it, I wanted to understand why I munched on popcorn anytime I want to watch a movie and why it makes the experience better.
What if buildings created energy instead of consuming it? - Learn more about how Ksenia Petrichenko gave a talk on how we can reduce the climate crisis in 2050
The future of interface is not going to be on a screen - AI isn’t going anywhere and it’s here to stay for quite some time. The future of design is going to focus on reducing screens.
P.S.: I began reading this bookworm by John McCrae and I’m loving it. No spoilers but I recommend reading it if you have the time to spare.
Your writer,
Ai.
Lovely reminder to live