Coping With A New World

It has now been over a month since the first declaration of the state of emergency in Ontario. Some words we all must be sick of hearing? "Unprecedented... Wash your hands... Self-isolate... Stay home... COVID19..."  Who knew that in 2020 these words and the global crisis would be the "new normal." I am sure we are all trying to navigate this new world because every day is changing. I'm doing my best not to get stir crazy. Thankfully some perks of being introverted, especially during this period of isolation, is that being at home has always been a place of comfort for me.

I wish I could say that I've made the most of my time at home and that all my days have been productive. But the truth is, about 90% of my brain is always thinking about what I should eat next and the other 10% is having an existential crisis and wondering what I'm doing, if I'm not considered "essential"? I'm guessing I'm not alone in having these feelings. What are you doing to cope through these crazy times? What self-care practices do you have to gain some semblance of a routine and normalcy?

Photo by Shantell Cheddie at @masterkeyhomestaging.

The main place of mental comfort for me is delving into my creativity, and continuing to be playful with my art. Creating and sharing my art has always been a place of solace. I especially love seeing my art become part of other peoples homes. Check out my Toronto skyline in this home office - a bold, but minimalist statement piece in this picture-perfect, light and bright space. It makes me so happy to be able to bring a piece of cities that we love into peoples homes, especially during a time when travel is so restricted.

Of course, my art is no substitute for the real experience. I cannot wait for the travel bans to be lifted so I can start planning my next travel adventure! I especially look forward to planning a trip home to see my family in Australia perhaps in time for Christmas? However, word out there is that travel restrictions could remain for up to 12 to 18 months. I guess this is needed, as I wonder how safe is it really to travel without a vaccination? Who knows what the world of travel will look like even after a vaccine is made? What kinds of restrictions will be put in place once we can fly again? So much uncertainty! Yet it is still fun to ponder where I might travel to first when this is all over... Europe..? Asia..? Maybe somewhere in the Caribbean?  ...I absolutely cannot wait!   



I am trying my best to remain hopeful, and be at peace with how things currently are, no matter how uncertain. Some words of wisdom that I find comforting in these tough times are from Carloine Myss, an author and spirituality leader who says, “Every life has a purpose. We need to let go of the past. Live in the present. Do not waste today worrying about what will happen tomorrow. Embrace your true spirit, embrace and listen to grace and you will be transformed in the moment. Do not fixate on what you want, but give thanks for what you have.”

Enjoy the small things. Take this time to connect with your family and community. Trust that the universe is unfolding the way it should. I plan to cozy up in my hoodie, get comfortable working from home and continue to create my art. After all, this is the way I have, and always will cope with the uncertainties of the world - with or out without a global crisis.

Until next time... stay safe, stay healthy! 

Sincerely,

Ave