[aux_dropcap style=”classic”]A[/aux_dropcap]s I stepped on the scale, it felt like I was in a different dimension where physics didn’t apply. My weight seemed determined by a cosmic force beyond my control. I stared at the readout in disbelief, wondering if I had gained three pounds of flibbertigibbet overnight. Perhaps the universe was playing a prank on me because the universe has a twisted sense of humor.
Sometimes I feel like I have carried the universe’s weight on my shoulders for years, but the universe probably weighs more than fifty pounds. Despite past attempts to lose weight, I’ve yet to find a lasting solution. But I took a more focused approach last year, trying different diets and exercises. Unfortunately, I still relapsed.
In my endless pursuit of a diet that can match my culinary passions and active lifestyle, I braved a treacherous journey of experimentation and exploration. But I emerged victorious, discovering high-protein vegetarian options. And as a true adventurer, I didn’t stop there. I delved into the mystical art of weight strength training, and it’s left me feeling like a Norse goddess.
My weight loss and fitness initially chugged on track. Then, surgery and COVID-19 swooped in, derailing my progress and leaving me feeling like I was navigating an asteroid field. Cheat days and skipped workouts crept in. Armed with a sense of humor and a dash of stubbornness, I pushed through.
I scoured the internet for resources, hoping to find any knowledge or insights that could aid me. I also turned to online communities for support and sought advice from friends who had faced similar challenges. Through it all, I reminded myself that weight loss is a gradual and grueling process, full of improbability that can derail even the most dedicated.
[aux_quote type=”pullquote-normal” text_align=”left” quote_symbol=”1″ float=””]Trying to resist the temptation of a pizza slice was near impossible. And if I did succumb to temptation, the recovery period from just one day of indulgence was longer than the lifespan of some stars.[/aux_quote]
The never-ending struggle to find time to exercise was more daunting than navigating the cosmos. Despite having a relatively flexible schedule, committing to regular exercise took a level of dedication that would make even the most tenacious intergalactic hitchhiker proud. I knew burning calories through training was essential to achieving a healthy weight, but getting to the necessary intensity was like attempting to catch a speeding comet. Gradually increasing the power of my workouts allowed me to burn more calories in less time. However, it was still a demanding process that required persistence.
Trying to resist the temptation of a pizza slice was near impossible. And if I did succumb to temptation, the recovery period from just one day of indulgence was longer than the lifespan of some stars. As a result, a vicious cycle developed.
Doubt slid in uninvitedly, wearing out its welcome too soon. For all my progress, I felt I should’ve done and achieved more. Was it worth it? Or was I chasing after some unreachable goal? These questions swirled around my mind, making it hard to focus and harder still to keep pushing forward.
While facing doubts and struggles, I couldn’t help but ponder the absurdity of human obsession over physical forms and daily routines. I searched for any sense or purpose in it all. As I delved into the depths of absurdism, I found that this existential questioning was a shared experience. The very nature of our absurd world pushes us to seek meaning in our daily struggles, no matter how grueling.
Existence is a peculiar affair indeed. I can spend my life chasing something, thinking it’s the answer to the ultimate question, only to discover it’s a mere footnote in the grand scheme. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing. In the face of all the absurdity, finding purpose in my actions and creating meaning is the only way to keep moving forward. It may not change the universe, but it changes my small corner. And so, I persevere, not because it will alter the course of history but because it is significant to me in an inexplicable way.
Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy offers an example of absurdism in fiction, highlighting the randomness of the universe and the futility of trying to find meaning in it. A friend introduced me to Adams’ work during my high school years, which sparked my interest in the philosophy of absurdism.
Adams’ characters navigate a world where the unexpected is commonplace, leaving them to confront the elusive concepts of meaning and purpose. Through his clever satire, Adams captures the absurdity of existence and the never-ending pursuit of significance in a universe that defies simple solutions.
In a world where the answer to life, the universe, and everything is 42, it’s hard to take anything too seriously. That’s why Adams’ advice to “Don’t Panic” and “Always carry a towel” has resonated with readers for decades. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do is enjoy the absurdity of it all and adapt, no matter what the universe throws your way.
[aux_quote type=”pullquote-normal” text_align=”left” quote_symbol=”1″ float=””]But what really blew my mind was a dinner conversation with my significant other. We talked about Absurdist philosophy and the fact that the universe is inherently meaningless and that life is a pointless, meandering journey with no real destination. As we sipped our drinks, the irony wasn’t lost on me: here we were, discussing the absurdity of life while trying to define meaning. It was like two dolphins discussing the futility of swimming in the ocean, but with more wine. [/aux_quote]
A few years ago, I entertained adapting and studying psychology to become an expressive arts therapist. I hoped to blend the therapeutic power of creativity with the power of the human mind using music, visual arts, dance, drama, and creative writing. It appeared the perfect combination, like a nice cup of tea and a biscuit on a rainy day. So, I enrolled in an online course to test the waters, and boy, was I hooked!
But what really blew my mind was a dinner conversation with my significant other. We talked about Absurdist philosophy and the fact that the universe is inherently meaningless and that life is a pointless, meandering journey with no real destination. As we sipped our drinks, the irony wasn’t lost on me: here we were, discussing the absurdity of life while trying to define meaning. It was like two dolphins discussing the futility of swimming in the ocean, but with more wine. Nonetheless, the conversation gave me a broader perspective and appreciation for the human experience.
Despite my enthusiasm for expressive arts therapy, the cost of pursuing this degree was enough to make my bank account cry out in terror and be suddenly silenced. I considered moving to a new location, but the prospect of leaving my beloved New York City and favorite pub seemed too high of a cost. So, I abandoned the option. But that dinner conversation – oh, that dinner conversation – it was like a lightning bolt striking me in the forehead, but in a good way.
It’s not that I was entirely dissatisfied with my work, relationships, and hobbies – no, that would be too simple. Instead, I constantly searched for something more that would give it all meaning or purpose. But try as I might, every explanation seemed lacking. It was as if I was lost in the vast, infinite expanse of the universe, searching for some beacon to guide me.
As a youngster, my family and peers towed me to a series of Christian churches. However, as I matured, I began seeking alternative perspectives on spirituality. I delved into a university course on Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, but none quite hit the mark. So, I labeled myself as an atheist or agnostic. Still, absurdism spoke to me on a deeper level, echoing the inescapable absurdity of existence.
The question of existence is a doozy. We’ve been at it for centuries, and let’s not forget the elephant in the room: death. The universe is saying, “haha, gotcha!” No matter how much meaning we find, death lurks in the background, ready to pounce. So why bother at all? Why not just stay in bed and eat chocolate all day?
But here’s the thing: recognizing that life may be meaningless is freeing. It’s like finally taking off a pair of too-tight shoes. Sure, it’s a little scary, but it’s also exciting. We get to make our own meaning, explore the universe and try to make sense of it— like a celestial scavenger hunt!
Initially, absurdism seemed to clash with my fitness ambitions. What was the use of shedding those pounds if everything is essentially pointless? But upon delving further into the philosophy, I recognized that while life may lack objective purpose, I can still derive subjective meaning from it. So, I continued with my diet and exercise regime because feeling good and looking great can hold significance, regardless of its objective importance. Plus, who doesn’t love a good endorphin rush?
As I ponder these questions, I can’t help but notice the baby steps I’ve taken thus far. I’ve been tiptoeing towards a healthier lifestyle, one fruit bite at a time. And let’s remember the increased activity – my Apple Watch hasn’t been this happy since I got it! These small wins may seem insignificant, but they represent a significant shift in perspective. It’s like I’m looking at the world through kaleidoscope glasses. Everything is still there, but it seems different.
In this cognitive realignment, I’ve found purpose amidst the challenges. Like a science fiction character, I’m trying to find my place in the universe. Instead of aliens and intergalactic battles, I’m battling my inner critics – the ones that tell me I can’t do this, that I’m not good enough, and that I’m an imposter.
As a lover of intricate problem-solving, I’ve learned to break down my ambitions into achievable components and focus on the crucial elements when I feel overwhelmed. I concentrate on physical health, career growth, and personal enrichment while pursuing creative endeavors like building my design portfolio and improving my writing to share my personal growth with clarity and precision.
I threw myself into merging this fascination with the human psyche and my love of aesthetics when I enrolled in a UX/UI Product Design Boot Camp. As I delved into the design world, I became acutely aware of how products infiltrate every aspect of our daily lives.
My fitness journey serves as a perfect illustration of this phenomenon. I utilized various tools like my elliptical machine, a fitness app, and a digital scale (the one with a vendetta against me). I even amassed an arsenal of fitness gear ranging from an Apple Watch to roller skates and swimming equipment. Thinking about how our product choices can shape our behavior is remarkable. However, as a designer, it’s my purpose to unravel this enigma and uncover the intricacies of this captivating domain.
But after weathering the loss of my grandmother and the upheaval of a global pandemic, I discovered my biggest challenge was within myself. I had to overcome self-doubt and chaos to shape a professional identity that reflected my unique talents and perspective. Simple, right? Not quite.
I recently visited the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The Never Alone exhibit showcased how the interfaces we use to navigate digital worlds are the “visual and tactile manifestations of code.” Which sounds like a recipe for a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome. But, the exhibit showed how interaction design can transform human behaviors and shape our conception of space, time, and relationships. From the ubiquitous @ symbol to an ad hoc device that enabled a graffiti artist with ALS to tag city walls from their bed, I was impressed by how design can be both inventive and transformative.
I was particularly taken with The Prayer Companion, a scrolling digital signboard that tells enclosed nuns in York, England, what global issues they should be praying for. Talk about staying connected while being disconnected! And let’s not forget about Björk’s Biophilia project, which explored the interdependence of nature, music, and technology. Apparently, Björk was going through a rough patch during the Icelandic financial crisis and thought, “Why not create the world’s first ‘app album’ while I’m at it?” Hey, when life hands you lemons, create an app that explores the intricacy and splendor of the natural world, am I right?
[aux_quote type=”pullquote-normal” text_align=”left” quote_symbol=”1″ float=””]Exploring interaction design is like falling down the Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole and discovering a world beyond our wildest dreams, where we can connect more deeply with the world and each other. Through interaction design, we can transform our relationships with the world around us and live more fully in the present moment, where the impossible is just another design challenge to conquer.[/aux_quote]
But the exhibit that really stole my heart was Tweenbots. These little robots relied on the kindness of strangers to reach their destination, reminding us that people are willing to help even the tiniest of robots. It was like watching Wall-E meets The Truman Show. As I left the exhibit, I couldn’t help but think of Camus’ philosophy on empathy through experience and the transformative potential of design. Pursuing “the most living” requires active engagement with the world, a willingness to seek new experiences, and, apparently, an affinity for small robots.
Exploring interaction design is like falling down the Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole and discovering a world beyond our wildest dreams, where we can connect more deeply with the world and each other. Through interaction design, we can transform our relationships with the world around us and live more fully in the present moment, where the impossible is just another design challenge to conquer.
After much philosophical grappling and “soul-searching,” I finally found the bedrock of my identity as a creative professional. It was like discovering the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything – except it wasn’t 42, it was my passion for communication art. This realization has shaken my creative practice to its core, transforming me into a transmedia artist with a newfound appreciation for the incredible potential of art and design to shape human experiences. I’ve stumbled upon the key to the universe – at least to my creative universe.
Building on this realization, I’ve come to view my personal growth as the difference between a comfortable sofa and an exhilarating spaceship. While a sofa may provide comfort, it is limited in its scope. In contrast, a spaceship offers opportunities for boundless exploration and excitement.
I am committed to expanding my horizons, just as Camus advocated. I challenge myself by writing bi-weekly essays and learning new languages using the Duolingo app as my guide. These activities stretch my mind, helping me to appreciate the human experience and enriching my life. It’s like embarking on a wild, intergalactic adventure here on Earth.
I still rassle with the inexplicable nature of existence, but gone are the days when I was intimidated by the explanations. I have donned my metaphorical fedora and am ready to embark on a daring journey of discovery. Who knows what perils and wonders await on this exhilarating expedition? I’ll bring a towel, though, just in case.
Whatever happens, remember, as Douglas Adams so eloquently advised, “Don’t panic!”
