I love journaling so I truly enjoyed reading this and sketchnoting is actually new to me but I’m going to give it a go. I remember my mentor saying that writing with pen on paper causes one to think but even better when mixed with drawings and symbols as this takes mere writing to a very creative level.
Oh thank you so much for your comment 😁✨. I am a very visual person who also writes a lot so this was an amazing mix for me. Plus the creative adventure it brings me on because there is no undo button in your sketchbook and I don’t use a pencil or an eraser just my creativity on the line every time 😁. Keep an eye on the next article as I plan to make a simple guide anyone who is interested in trying sketchnoting 😁. Creativity is best when it’s a shared experience 🌸
Oh thank you so much @Emilie Kate 🥰🥰✨. It brings me so much joy to hear that you are inspired! I plan to write a whole step by step breakdown of how to start sketchnoting because so many people are enjoying it I want to make it simple to try and enjoy for all. Keep an eye on the next two articles ☺️✨🥰
aaagh! i love the vibes and energy here, Urmila! also, that sketchnoting takes me back to my college days and my creative design notes!! amazing to see you choose sketching and creativity to reconnect with yourself and stay away from the digital noise!! 💛
p.s. i fall somewhere in between the panic meters and don’t care. and maybe well-prepared once in a blue moon (regardless, I panic).
Haha thanks favourite! Dude my SM addiction was getting out of hand. I had no option but to go completely analog and sketchnoting was great for recovery! And the trip came at the right time. Hehe panic pants we are😆.
The is beautiful! I love sketchnoting too! Your work is lovely and inspiring and I love the perspective on self sabotage. I think what really hit home though, was the idea of our greatest weakness turning into our greatest strength. I love the reframe her. 💙
Love the read. It reminds me of my good old one-year living in Koh Samui as well as resonating with my months-long decision of disengaging with IG and LinkedIn activities…
The only thing I could complain about my time in Koh Samui was staying there for one year meant I needed to go to the immigration office every 2 months to extend my stay… each time I went to the Phuket or Koh Samui immigration offices, all foreigners and tourists felt it’s a complete mess and time-wasting process… other than that, staying away from the metropolitan life tentatively is always good for ourselves (and wellbeing). Hope that’s mind-refreshing for you to visit Koh Samui…
That was during the lockdown period (roughly 2021-22). Back then, I was a PhD student and my home university informed all PhD students could stay away from campus and do our own research remotely... So I managed to take a one-year break... Back then internal flights in Thailand were available, so I moved to Koh Samui from Chiang Mai...
I heard from many Southeast Asia-based digital nomads saying Vietnam is a hidden gem (in case you are looking for a next vacation destination around the region). Many digital nomads, which I agree for the most part, say the continual influx of international tourists to Bali and Thailand have made these two popular destinations overrated nowadays... And comparatively, Vietnam is a far cheaper, less crowded destination with similar availability of natural beauty for Zen & calm moments...
I have to try sketch noting, Urmila. I love drawing, painting and mid-mapping to relax away from the screen.
I don't look at much social media. I write on LinkedIn and Substack and Medium, but even just keeping up with people on those can take up a lot of time. I want to do it consciously and with feeling. But sometimes I have to grab a pencil and walk away!
Absolutely Lisa! Highly recommend it. So refreshing , I am trying to reduce my screen time thus going back to analog. I used to digitally sketch a lot because of the convenience and vibrancy it offers but I was missing the tactile creative play and the happy accidents that cannot be undone which leads to me exercising my creative muscle.💪🏽
First, I love how you incorporate your sketches into this article.
Masterful Urmila.
I also appreciate how you turned what might feel like frustration (avoiding friction) into a chance to unplug and get creative. Deleting the app for good was a genius move! Honestly, sketchnoting sounds like the perfect antidote to the constant pull of social media.
You found out mine. Mini getaways, and honestly, I don't do social on the weekends.
We live very close to the beach and I love long walks and whisky weekends.
Thank you so much Neela, the article has a diluted representation of how much IG was affecting my focus n my mental state and I did feel like an addict because I couldn’t break off from it even if i wanted to which made me question myself on many levels. I feel very stuck if I don’t find that joy in creative flow because it’s an asset I treasure as an artist n writer so had to hack my ways around. So glad u enjoyed the sketches and it makes so much sense that you have strong boundaries. Perhaps having a beach around helps? I live in the city of hustle Hong Kong which makes u feel like you are left behind if u catch a break. I am mending my ways when it comes to the personal definition of productivity and it’s definitely a tough one given my South Indian conditioning 💀😆.
Always enjoy reading your comments Neela! Sending hugs☺️
I lived in NYC before this for 15 years, so I understand the city hustle.
Moving to California was a darn good change.
Boundaries save lives lol
It’s funny because I never really used social media until 2022 ..
I had/have an IG account, but I use it mostly to communicate with family and friends back in Trinidad. I don't know. I really enjoy being present. You are self-aware so you are already ahead, Urmila - BIG HUGS to you as well 🤗
Boundaries save lives hahaha , again another Neela quote to put on a t-shirt! . Oh wow! You have had the best of both worlds! It shows in your perspective of things.
Love your approach to bringing something tactile to your journey (and journalling) as a way to step away from our intangible digital lives and manifesting it as something real.
I love journaling and sketching noting BUT my artistry is so bad I just journal now with the odd paste of something I picked up - drawing is a skill that continues to elude me!
Oooo I love that , u mean like sticking the bills/ tissues on a spread as u note things? Honestly, it’s self expression so in my opinion- no good or bad. Just fun☺️🌸. Share them!! So I can feast my eyes too!
Beautiful write-up! Informative!
Thank you Pajay! So glad you found it useful ❤️
I love journaling so I truly enjoyed reading this and sketchnoting is actually new to me but I’m going to give it a go. I remember my mentor saying that writing with pen on paper causes one to think but even better when mixed with drawings and symbols as this takes mere writing to a very creative level.
Oh thank you so much for your comment 😁✨. I am a very visual person who also writes a lot so this was an amazing mix for me. Plus the creative adventure it brings me on because there is no undo button in your sketchbook and I don’t use a pencil or an eraser just my creativity on the line every time 😁. Keep an eye on the next article as I plan to make a simple guide anyone who is interested in trying sketchnoting 😁. Creativity is best when it’s a shared experience 🌸
Will certainly do! 😊
I love this!! The sketches are gorgeous. Inspires me to try something a little bit new with my journalling :)
Oh thank you so much @Emilie Kate 🥰🥰✨. It brings me so much joy to hear that you are inspired! I plan to write a whole step by step breakdown of how to start sketchnoting because so many people are enjoying it I want to make it simple to try and enjoy for all. Keep an eye on the next two articles ☺️✨🥰
aaagh! i love the vibes and energy here, Urmila! also, that sketchnoting takes me back to my college days and my creative design notes!! amazing to see you choose sketching and creativity to reconnect with yourself and stay away from the digital noise!! 💛
p.s. i fall somewhere in between the panic meters and don’t care. and maybe well-prepared once in a blue moon (regardless, I panic).
Haha thanks favourite! Dude my SM addiction was getting out of hand. I had no option but to go completely analog and sketchnoting was great for recovery! And the trip came at the right time. Hehe panic pants we are😆.
The is beautiful! I love sketchnoting too! Your work is lovely and inspiring and I love the perspective on self sabotage. I think what really hit home though, was the idea of our greatest weakness turning into our greatest strength. I love the reframe her. 💙
Aww thank you so much for your comment and I totally agree, I got sick of the negative self talk and this was a refreshing way to break that cycle🤗.
Thank you for the refreshing article Urmilla. I really enjoy you sharing your journey in this lovely creative way 🙏🏽
Love the read. It reminds me of my good old one-year living in Koh Samui as well as resonating with my months-long decision of disengaging with IG and LinkedIn activities…
Oh wow!! What a common connection! One year! Lucky you. I love the place already. Thank you so much for engaging ☺️✨
The only thing I could complain about my time in Koh Samui was staying there for one year meant I needed to go to the immigration office every 2 months to extend my stay… each time I went to the Phuket or Koh Samui immigration offices, all foreigners and tourists felt it’s a complete mess and time-wasting process… other than that, staying away from the metropolitan life tentatively is always good for ourselves (and wellbeing). Hope that’s mind-refreshing for you to visit Koh Samui…
Oh thanks for sharing the other side! How did u manage the year long stay here? Remote work? Asking for a friend :)
That was during the lockdown period (roughly 2021-22). Back then, I was a PhD student and my home university informed all PhD students could stay away from campus and do our own research remotely... So I managed to take a one-year break... Back then internal flights in Thailand were available, so I moved to Koh Samui from Chiang Mai...
Oh what a perfect timing!! Best thing to happen I guess during such times!
I heard from many Southeast Asia-based digital nomads saying Vietnam is a hidden gem (in case you are looking for a next vacation destination around the region). Many digital nomads, which I agree for the most part, say the continual influx of international tourists to Bali and Thailand have made these two popular destinations overrated nowadays... And comparatively, Vietnam is a far cheaper, less crowded destination with similar availability of natural beauty for Zen & calm moments...
Well prepared traveler! 😍
Thanks so much for this opportunity! It was a wonderful read and I learned a lot from it! 🙏
Aaah!! Good for you! Oh thank you so much for engaging 🥰🥰
I have to try sketch noting, Urmila. I love drawing, painting and mid-mapping to relax away from the screen.
I don't look at much social media. I write on LinkedIn and Substack and Medium, but even just keeping up with people on those can take up a lot of time. I want to do it consciously and with feeling. But sometimes I have to grab a pencil and walk away!
Absolutely Lisa! Highly recommend it. So refreshing , I am trying to reduce my screen time thus going back to analog. I used to digitally sketch a lot because of the convenience and vibrancy it offers but I was missing the tactile creative play and the happy accidents that cannot be undone which leads to me exercising my creative muscle.💪🏽
First, I love how you incorporate your sketches into this article.
Masterful Urmila.
I also appreciate how you turned what might feel like frustration (avoiding friction) into a chance to unplug and get creative. Deleting the app for good was a genius move! Honestly, sketchnoting sounds like the perfect antidote to the constant pull of social media.
You found out mine. Mini getaways, and honestly, I don't do social on the weekends.
We live very close to the beach and I love long walks and whisky weekends.
Have the best week ahead Urmila :)
Thank you so much Neela, the article has a diluted representation of how much IG was affecting my focus n my mental state and I did feel like an addict because I couldn’t break off from it even if i wanted to which made me question myself on many levels. I feel very stuck if I don’t find that joy in creative flow because it’s an asset I treasure as an artist n writer so had to hack my ways around. So glad u enjoyed the sketches and it makes so much sense that you have strong boundaries. Perhaps having a beach around helps? I live in the city of hustle Hong Kong which makes u feel like you are left behind if u catch a break. I am mending my ways when it comes to the personal definition of productivity and it’s definitely a tough one given my South Indian conditioning 💀😆.
Always enjoy reading your comments Neela! Sending hugs☺️
I lived in NYC before this for 15 years, so I understand the city hustle.
Moving to California was a darn good change.
Boundaries save lives lol
It’s funny because I never really used social media until 2022 ..
I had/have an IG account, but I use it mostly to communicate with family and friends back in Trinidad. I don't know. I really enjoy being present. You are self-aware so you are already ahead, Urmila - BIG HUGS to you as well 🤗
Boundaries save lives hahaha , again another Neela quote to put on a t-shirt! . Oh wow! You have had the best of both worlds! It shows in your perspective of things.
T-shirt side business hustle with Urmila - coming soon
Hahahah! All in!
Love your approach to bringing something tactile to your journey (and journalling) as a way to step away from our intangible digital lives and manifesting it as something real.
Thank you Scott! It’s been absolutely refreshing. I am so glad you enjoyed it!
I love journaling and sketching noting BUT my artistry is so bad I just journal now with the odd paste of something I picked up - drawing is a skill that continues to elude me!
Oooo I love that , u mean like sticking the bills/ tissues on a spread as u note things? Honestly, it’s self expression so in my opinion- no good or bad. Just fun☺️🌸. Share them!! So I can feast my eyes too!
Yes! I do college cos my lack of drawing skills frustrate me ! 😁😁
I LOVE collaging! But on a travel I find it cumbersome to have my supplies , but it’s another level of catharsis! SHARE IT! Or send some to me:)
Thank you so much for the restack ☺️✨