New Day, New World
March 19, 2020
We are just a few weeks into a “new normal” in this country, and the world. Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is in the news. Despite the horrific things we’re hearing, there may be some bright spots, especially for those with a creative soul.
It’s suggested that we all stay home as much as possible, practice “social distancing” and all the other countless recommendations that have flooded our media. For me, someone who has worked at home for over 16 years, there really isn’t much change. I prefer to interact with the business world from my computer, and have made a living as a virtual assistant. I now think about all those working from home and how different this must be for them, especially if they are juggling children. It can’t be easy. I’m guessing some find it lonely; others, a welcome break. My colleague and I are trying to think of ways to help the world adjust and provide needed services to our clients. As the wheels turn, they seem to organically go not only in the direction of productivity, but also creativity.
Creativity is one of the things that fuels my life, along with nature, animals, and finding peace as I grow older. Today, there was a walk with the dogs under the Carolina blue sky. The farmers are plowing the nearby fields. The grass has sprouts and sprigs of all types. Spring is about to be sprung. The sun shines brightly, sending its rays of hope down to an anxious world, almost to assure us it will see us through to more sunny days.
What I love about Stampin’ Up! and all crafting in general is the endless possibilities with each new thing we learn. What I love about staying home is being fortunate enough to have the sanctuary to be comfortable and let that imagination soar. Many don’t have that luxury.
What I have considered the best news of this debacle is that Mother Earth is starting to heal—it’s repairing itself ever so slowly from the damage all of the humans have created. The news reports the canals of Venice, Italy, are clearing up, and dolphins have even ventured in. China has less smog and better air quality, and carbon emissions are down. There truly is balance, even in a chaotic and very worried world.
It is the ultimate time to refocus, center, and ground ourselves; yes, it is forced, but if you subscribe to everything having a reason, we can make lemonade out of these very bitter lemons. Our minds have to heal from the pace of our daily lives. Our body has to rest. Contrary to popular belief, we do not have to be on the go the majority of our waking hours. Taking walks, reading a book, listening to music, and reflecting on everything from career to family to our hobbies is important work that we often don’t recognize, simply because we don’t have time.
The challenge of having time has been alleviated, at least for now. I hope everyone is trying to embrace a bit of rest and keeping their composure. As someone who’s fought those anxiety demons (who amongst us hasn’t?) I know it takes real practice to resist pushing that panic button.
So today, let’s create—create a card, create a garden, create a calming corner to relax in without the guilt of slowing down. Today, we can paint our imagination and the world with the colors of hope, tenacity, and calmness. What will you create today?
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