A State of Isolation

I’ve started this post multiple times, set it aside, and came back to it, unsure of how to articulate my thoughts and what I really wanted to say. That’s the thing though we’re living in a time of uncertainty. The impact has been unfathomable, and for the most part, I’ve been silently processing it all and adjusting to this new sense of normal. Like many others, I was laid off from my job, but oddly enough, I handled it better than expected. I knew I couldn’t just roll over and let this situation get the best of me…I needed to figure something out. As life goes, sometimes help finds you, and for me, it came in the shape of a friend and mentor.

Beyond the initial shock of it all, my thoughts have shifted on how to handle my mindset. The news is saturated with more than we can really process—from statistics, updates, and much more. Not to mention that we’ve been handed the commandments of “thou shall social distance” and “remember to wash thy hands.” However, some people have just decided that coronavirus is over now that things are starting to open up again. Apart from what is being televised or strewn across social media, I have seen people feeling the need to express themselves—as a means to work through their thoughts and feelings during this time. Let me tell you, it’s been pretty great—the songs, memes, photographs, positive conversation…all of them.

While I started this stay at home order in high spirits, I’ve noticed it waver the longer it continues. I find myself feeling more anxious and going through bouts of depression. It’s during this time that I have to remind myself constantly it’s okay, I’m okay, and I’m not the only one.

When I reflect, this quarantine has been good for me. I’ve had a goal to ignite my love again with photography, and I’ve done just that! Although I haven’t written much, I had the opportunity to write something photography-related for PRO EDU. It’s a great feeling to see my name among so many other creatives who excel in their respected genres when I didn’t even believe I deserved a place on there. To take the place of not writing, I’ve been reading more and finding inspiration, escape, and adventure in other’s words. Additionally, I’ve been keeping up with my health and fitness and furthering my education in photography, post-production, and even writing. On the days where I find myself more emotionally vulnerable, uninspired, and not quite all there, I allow myself the solace of peace, because coronavirus or not, my body and mind need it...your body and mind need it. Even though it may seem silly, I see ads, posts, etc…to be kind to each other, but we need to remember to be kind to ourselves.

I read a quote recently that said “It’s okay if progress looks different in this season," and I could not agree more. Stay safe, stay happy, and stay healthy, whatever that looks like for you.

Until next time,

XO Hope