So the past 10 days have redefined me as a person. Two weeks ago, I was beyond overwhelmed. I took on a volunteer position at my boy’s school, creating a whole host of anxiety. I had a long list of commissions that needed to be filled, 25 new pieces that needed to be created for a show at the end of April, workshops to be planned, and, quite honestly the list is too overwhelming to rehash. I even woke up one morning a week and half ago, sick to my stomach and crawled back in the bed and slept until 4pm. My husband said it had to be stress…but seriously, how can an artist be stressed? This was the very reason I decided to do what I do: create art for people, make others happy, and not stress about the demands that teaching brought me.
So… when the world came to a screeching halt 10 days ago, I was doing a happy dance. Quite honestly, I needed the hamster wheel to stop so I could take a step back. We all needed the wheel to slow down. So in this midst of this COVID-19 scare, I have learned that slowing down is good. Really good. I mean, so good that I finally have time to cook, listen to my children talk, watch my dogs sleep, clean the baseboards I have neglected for the last 7 years, read the book I kept falling asleep to every night. I am just so grateful for this pause.
Here are the top 10 things I have learned this week:
My 14-year-old is really funny and has a ton of compassion. He shows up every hour to come nuzzle with the dogs and just say hi to us.
My 16-year-old loves being at home and this is a great excuse for him to hang out on the Xbox all day and eat my pantry clean.
My husband is super helpful. He may not want to clean the toilet bowl, but that man will solve any tech problem and make a marinade when I have had enough of the kitchen.
My business may not look the way it did a few weeks ago, but that is ok. We have one another and a beautiful space to spend our time, and I can fill my walls with beautiful art if I have to.
Toilet paper is truly a coveted item!
Exercise is really important for the soul. I love my daily walks.
I have the sweetest puppies in the world who love me unconditionally and make me laugh all day long. They are like the little kids I don’t have in the house.
I appreciate every small business owner and fear for the people who own these businesses. I want to do anything I can do to support them.
I have a renewed love for technology. I'm super grateful that we can use it to stay in touch, reach others and connect
My faith hasn’t faltered and won’t. God is in control and has this whole thing under control.
Bonus #11: I'm loving dinnertime as a family! We are having the best time!
So... I think all of this is to say that the last 10 days have taught me that I actually have time. Time to listen, create, think, respond… these are things that I feel were suffering in my life. So, as I pause, regroup, rethink, reprioritize, and regain my love for the life I live, I encourage you to find the good. Find the good in this very strange situation. Try not to get wrapped up in thinking this is a conspiracy. Cling to the ones close to you, tackle the projects you have neglected for years, and find the good in all of it. This, this is what is going to ground me this week.
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