Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Don't turn your back on the year that opened up your creativity

2020 introduced all of us to a new way of living. Coronavirus shook the world and dumped everything we knew upside down. Civil rights protests, radical political movements, and city shutdowns led to levels of uncertainty not seen in decades. But not all was lost in this sea of doubt. 

Don't turn your back on the year that opened up your creativity. I feel for those figuring out how to live during a pandemic. Is it safe to go out? Where can I go? Do masks work? Is the vaccine safe? There were a lot of unanswered questions. Logging into social media only seemed to lead to more confusion. I knew this was a big opportunity to redirect my energy and focus on something more productive. 

That is when I was able to shift gears and bring a writing project to life. I turned surviving into thriving. I was getting up every morning optimistic about opportunities. I wasn't going to work for someone else each morning, I was truly working for me. Money wasn't the goal or focus of my decision-making. Writing and art saved my life. It showed me what I want to do for my life's work. I was a writer. And it was fucking incredible. 

There are always reasons present to not do something. It was the way of life for so many. There was judgment cast if you stayed in or if you ventured out. Criticism rained over those who wore masks and on those who didn't. Everything sparked resistance from somewhere. It brought some closer while pushing others away. It was difficult to just be. 

This doesn't negate the tragedy that existed for so many people. Deaths, sickness, and loss changed families forever. 

This pandemic has taught me a lot about life and I know I'm lucky to be able to share positive experiences during this time. Gravitate towards the light while in the darkness. That is how I'm going to move in all facets of life moving forward. We are unable to control a lot of what comes our way. Create because it is what lies within us. Produce meaningful work to satisfy yourself. The rest will fall into place.

Thanks and much love!
M.G.