I think it's safe to say that many of us may have experienced the chaotic energy of 2023. A lot of us may be struggling with the ability to differentiate between the present and the past. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were all forced into lockdown. That time we spent at home locked inside has led us into a black hole. Many of us have lost loved ones, battled illness, and mental health issues, and struggled with work. What sense does it make to try to perform well at work when the world is collapsing.
We have marched in the streets, reminded people that black lives matter, dealt with inflation, and witnessed the gruesome terrors of war right on our cell phones. We are currently living in a dystopian time. We are watching celebrities slip and mercilessly fall off of their pedestals. We are having honest conversations about consent. We are being challenged to consider how far people will go to be perceived as successful. The veil is thinning.
When I consider the fact that I was 28 when the pandemic began, and now I am 32 it trips me out. I am proud of myself for managing my anxiety, but I grieve for all of my lost time. Seniors lost their prom and graduation ceremonies. Parents had to make even more sacrifices to support their children. We are all feeling the depth of the darkness of our society.
Oppression and servitude are two things that come to my mind when I consider the current state of the world. I am painstakingly aware of my surroundings and what is happening constantly. I can feel the desperation in the air. I can feel the sadness. It's hard to live when we can't think of a reason to persevere.
I am no therapist, but I am an artist well-versed in healing. Many wellness enthusiasts will tell you all about different foods to eat, herbs to take, and supplements to try to help you feel better. I even share some of those things from time to time. Sometimes, it's better to keep things simple.
I am allowing myself to be a human and living my life as if the world isn't falling down around me. Here are a few things I like to do:
Get Dressed - Applying your makeup, brushing your hair, and putting on your best outfit can improve your mood.
Reach out to a friend for coffee - Try doing this at least once a month.
Move your body - Try low-impact workouts like yoga and pilates to reduce inflammation and increase your happiness.
Try New Restaurants - Go to that new place you were thinking of trying, and don't be afraid to go alone! Take a book with you for the company if you are nervous.
Pray - Your prayer can be an actual prayer, or even an affirmation that inspires you. Come back to this space whenever you feel anxious.
Photo: Mischira Davis
Kommentarer