perspective.
Challenging Times
Shelter at home.
Stay at home.
Safe at home.
Stuck at home.
Call it whatever you’d like.
We are all at home.
I don’t know about you but I’m beginning to get on my own nerves.
Trapped. Stretched thin. Impatient. Spoiled.
Is this who I am now?
A person unable to cope with endless time. Bored by mindless tasks. Preoccupied with the news.
While gardening yesterday my neighbor walked past with her dog. She summed it up this way, “I realize now that the things I didn’t have time to do before…well, those are still the things I don’t have time to do. I’m thinking it’s a character flaw.”
I can so relate.
I need a change of perspective.
I realize this is a challenging time. Filled with unknowns. Laden with uncertainties.
Despite the many inconveniences, I do believe we are the lucky ones. We have the space to social distance. The resources to isolate. The supplies to clean.
I think about the overcrowded parts of the world that I have witnessed firsthand. The lack of clean water for drinking let alone handwashing.
My heart aches. My perspective shifts.
I’m not saying this as a guilt trip.
I do not want to minimize the hardship we are all experiencing. The rampantly spreading virus. And the devastating loss of life.
For me, it’s more about perspective.
How can I look at this differently? How can I find the courage to cope with the discomfort? How can I find the motivation to do hard things?
It’s painful to sit back and watch the world unravel.
I turn off the news.
Restless. Unsettled. Distracted.
My mind wanders.
Who do I want to be in the midst of this crisis?
How can I help?
I have no medical background. No sewing skills. No extra toilet paper.
I do have a camera. A craft room. And a creative spirit.
Maybe I can offer inspiration. A diversion. A new perspective.
Immediately I feel embarrassed by the audacity of my ideas. Fear of failure envelops me. My inner critic works overtime.
What do I have to offer? Why try? How stupid is that?
I push back. When the resistance is this harsh it generally means it’s time to get to work.
Not essential work. Nor vital work. But possibly encouraging work.
It’s all I have to offer. My small way of reaching out. Maybe my version of doing hard work.
I hope you’ll join me Friday, April 3rd as I launch a free video series called, “30 Days of Creativity”. (Click here for a sneak peak. )
Be open to a new experience.
Find joy in the unexpected.
Relieve stress in new ways.
And maybe through the process…change your perspective.
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P.S To follow the “30 Days of Creativity” click the red SUBSCRIBE button under the video so you don’t miss out on any new episodes. One video will release each day. Thanks for joining in.
“Never underestimate the power of gaining a new perspective by simply changing your immediate environment. Going for a walk, reading a book or talking to a friend can provide you with life-changing insights that you not otherwise attain while remaining stagnant. ”