I feel like anytime I open up my email, it is one company or another sending deals for Covid 19. One company that sells robotics had a sale on a giant tub of hand sanitizer for some reason. Another was all “Update Your Area Rugs And Decor!!!” Unfortunately, Klee and I don’t have any “deals” for you that we could capitalize on. But we did want to send you guys some love and appreciation.
We are currently inside and making the most of being in the studio. I am recording an audio-book for The Rogue Artist Series, working on art, trying to figure out kindle formatting for my book, and making sure that we stay in high spirits. I just released my book and as soon as I get the kindle format done or figured out, it will be live on Amazon… which is exciting…
It’s interesting, as artists we are used to being solitary creatures who only venture out of our studio when we need to. However, when something is a bit off with the world, it can be slightly daunting. Creative people spend a lot of time in their imaginations, and I would be a fool if I didn’t understand how much the surrounding environment and overall state of things has an effect on that.
Social distancing measures are in place, schools and businesses are closing, and companies are declaring work from home necessary, everyone is forced to face a new reality.
Staying calm, reaching out to check on the well-being of others, and self-care will help you through these challenging times. Remind yourself that while COVID-19 is a reality we’re all facing, we’re facing it together, and that life will return to normal in time… even if it is a new normal.
“We are social beings. We like to connect and touch and be close to people, and we’ve had to change our behavior, which can create a feeling of isolation,”
Patricia Thornton, PhD
Sometimes it feels like life has stopped, but there are ways to keep things in perspective and carry on.
Anxiety can be contagious. Someone close to you may be freaking out and saying, ‘The world is coming to an end,’ and you may begin to worry because you don’t want to feel like the person who is not worried, but you have to remember who you are in those moments.
Tweet
Klee and I try not to think of it as doomsday. More like a new normal. We ask ourselves often, ‘How do I want to live my life right now with these constraints?’ We would prefer to make the most of it and stay grounded.
One of the best ways is to ground yourself in science. Stay connected to your local or state health department for information. Avoid watching or reading the news or social media, where facts can become blurred or even exaggerated. Remind yourself that infectious disease outbreaks have been part of our history, and this too shall pass.
Most important, we find ways to connect and stay busy. Klee and I are working on art, jewelry, recording the book, writing, updating our online store, writing music, recording podcasts, and YouTube videos… but most importantly, we are remembering to smile… especially when one of us wakes up feeling all “doom and gloom”.
By the way, I’m not saying not to feel doom and gloom, things kinda suck right now… just don’t stay there.
Here is a video we posted this week where we talk a little more about how we are handling these times.
We are thinking about you guys and sending you a smile!
We have a resources page we are updating for self-employed artists of all genres and anyone who is self-employed. We keep updating it as we get more information. GO TO RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS AND SELF-EMPLOYED.
Stay Safe!!!!
You are very awesome. Thanks.