What strange times we live in. It seems everything is in suspended animation. No forward movement. Everything feels a bit surreal.

I was furloughed yesterday from my job at the pediatric office due to significantly decreased workload. I have never in my life had to apply for unemployment. It is an unsettling experience. I find myself pushed even more off-kilter than I was already. I’m sure I’m not alone in this feeling.

So, how am I going to counter this imbalance? I will continue to make art and craft. I will continue to garden and help to guide others in need of garden plan assistance. Making art, gardening…these are activities that require patience and faith. I say this because the fruit of our labors in both these instances is often not immediate. We make art and craft, we plant and design, in the faith that our vision and our efforts are realized at some future date and time.

It’s difficult sometimes. Hard to remain focused. Hard to keep the faith and not allow self doubt, or anxiety over the current situation to weigh us down and make us immobile. When I feel this way, I sit at my work table in my art room and look out the window at the birds on the feeders. I watch the buds slowly swelling on the trees, and the snowdrops defiantly in bloom despite the 8+ inches of new snow. I listen to soothing ambient music with nature sounds. I look out into the living room at Tom, my fiancé, working online while sitting on the sofa, and I feel so grateful. I’m convinced that maintaining a sense of gratitude is the key to improving and maintaining our mental health.

And so, I will continue to attempt to create and surround myself with beauty; whether it is art, craft, gardens, home décor, written and spoken words, music, laughter…in hopes that this worldwide pandemic will ease and we will all begin to feel more hopeful as we are once again able to look and move forward.

Hoping everyone is safe and well, and sending love and positive energy to each and every one of you.

Brightest Blessings,

Jennifer