I’ve been thinking about what glorious entrance I want to make after my inexcusable exit from my blog, and it’s been two weeks, I have nothing lol.
Action will always beat perfectionism, so I’ve decided to show up… Grandeur-less (this is now a real word).
My break may have been inexcusable, but it was for a good reason. I was getting overwhelmed with classes and decided to put a few things aside. Unfortunately, my beloved blog happened to be one of them.
But if I’m being honest, journaling has become something of a therapeutic remedy for my perpetually chaotic academic and personal life. And public journaling, as I like to think of this, is basically me facing my fears in real time. So here we are.
A few things have happened…
I don’t usually talk much about my personal life on here, so this is new. And perhaps a little surprising. But indulge me.
First, allow me to shamelessly promote my TEDx talk. Yes, the famous TEDx. 😂
There are two reasons I’m bringing it up.
First, I faced a fear and spoke on a stage. Second, and perhaps more impressively, I DID IT WITH NO NOTES. COMPLETELY FROM MEMORY.
Props to having a biology degree. If you know, you know.
But in all seriousness, the experience meant something to me. It was a reminder that sometimes we are more capable of doing difficult things than we give ourselves credit for.
Secondly, I spoke about those two famous letters: A and I. Artificial intelligence, as we all know, is changing our world. My talk explored it through the lens of medicine, underrepresentation, and ethics.
And while I find the possibilities of technology exciting, I’ve also been thinking about something a little closer to home.
In our everyday lives, I think it has become increasingly important for us humans to pick up paper books, read blogs written by actual people, have conversations that aren’t happening through a screen, and, occasionally, touch grass.
This is coming from someone who uses technology a lot. I’m studying biomedical engineering, after all. I would be a little hypocritical if I pretended to be above it all.
But perhaps that is precisely why I’ve felt the need to return to my roots: writing, conversing, and connecting with you all on here.
Don’t get me wrong. I love technology. But I also think we could all benefit from occasionally putting our phones down and doing something that doesn’t require a screen. Pick up a paper book. Write something by hand. Have a conversation without simultaneously checking three notifications. Go outside and look at something other than your phone. Revolutionary, I know.
Not everything has to be typed, posted, liked, or turned into content. Sometimes, it’s nice to do something simply because it feels good to do it.
Technology can do a lot of things. But I still believe there’s something special about the human touch, the handwritten word, and knowing that another person took the time to make something just for you.
Which brings me to my next little experiment.
Snail mails?
I recently discovered the concept of snail mail, and I’ve been thinking about how lovely it would be to bring a little of that old-fashioned charm into our very digital lives.
So, here’s what I’d like to try.
I’ve decided to write a few handwritten letters to my friends. Nothing too elaborate, just little notes with some personal touches, perhaps a few doodles, and whatever else I come up with along the way.
Why letters? Well, I have a growing collection of stationery that deserves to see the light of day, and I’d love an excuse to put it to good use. Think of this as an experiment in human connection, with a side quest in developing my artistic skills.
I’ll be surprising a few friends with these letters, so consider this your warning. 😂 If you’re surprised when one shows up at your door, I’ll know you never read this blog. 👀
I’m curious about what it will feel like to send and receive actual letters in the middle of all this technological bloom. Something tangible that someone sat down to write and doesn’t arrive as a notification on your phone.
For now, this is just a little personal experiment.
Consider it your gentle reminder to touch grass, pick up a paper book, or write something by hand for a change. Until next time,
Let’s keep in touch. Literally.
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