Yuh gettin' tru, gyal?

It's been a while. Like, a reaaally long time since my last blog post.

It's been tough, being in a worldwide pandemic and what not. When people ask how I'm doing, some days, like everyone else, I'm not feeling the best I can.

I know I'm not the only one feeling this way. Some of us are bored, some are frustrated, some are angry, and some are tired. It's understandable. We've been living in a series of lockdowns and re-openings for over 12 months now. We get frustrated seeing people at parties or travelling when we've been desperately trying to do our part.

I, for one, have gotten tired. Some days, it seems like there is no end in sight. An endless cycle of worrying when the next lockdown will happen. It's easy to lose motivation. What has been the most challenging for me is continuing to do my hobbies, even when I feel like I don't want to anymore. Take this blog for example, I curate, research, and create for each post. Sometimes, I just can't do it, and I have to remind myself that that is okay.

So. How do we do it? How do we find the strength to continue with our everyday routine, despite the stress from the outside world?

I found a couple of things have helped me this past year. I hope that these things can bring some peace to those who read them. So, here are the three ways I've kept myself sane during these wildly changing times.

1. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

This is probably a big one. Many people have probably already heard of trying this during the pandemic, but I swear (with practice) it works. Before I start my day, I take my vitamins and have a tea. If the weather is nice, I'll go in my backyard, close my eyes, and take deep breaths. I ground myself by focusing on my breathing. After a couple of deep breaths, I try to think of five things I am grateful for. When you connect with the world, you realize there are unlimited things to be grateful for. Be grateful for the sun, the warmth you feel when you're outside, the sun enveloping your skin. Be grateful for the birds you hear chirping, be grateful for the breeze. If there is one thing to be grateful for, it's the Earth. Despite anything that goes on in the world, the Earth is one thing that is consistent. There will be sun after it rains, there will be birds chirping, the grass will continue to grow, the trees will grow leaves, and the sun will shine. These things continue no matter what foolishness we're up to. If the weather is unsuitable to do that, open a window, have some tea, and think of what you're grateful for. Rearrange your room, buy yourself some plants, and give yourself a place to feel comfortable.

2. Try new things

To keep yourself creative, try different things that require minimal effort. That way, you are still stimulating yourself without having to over-exert yourself. I started making friendship bracelets. They sell the thread for them nearly anywhere and there are endless videos on how to make them online. Find different colour combinations, patterns, etc. Where am I going to wear all these bracelets? God knows. But have they kept me busy? Hell yes. Take up embroidery. Try knitting. Even if you absolutely believe you have no idea how to draw or paint, TRY IT. You might end up having a lot more fun than you realize.

3. If all else fails... ACCEPTANCE.

You've tried to keep yourself busy, you've tried to meditate, but you still find yourself stuck where you began. That's ok. Understand that this is all temporary. Temporary for some situations, may last a minute, an hour, a day, weeks, months, even years. But at the end of it all, the fact still remains: It is temporary. The sun will still rise, the moon will make it's appearance at night. The birds will sing and the grass will grow. It's ok to be sad/angry/frustrated. Let yourself feel these things, but when you're feeling them, be gentle with yourself and know that it won't be like this forever. Take comfort in the nature around you, it will always be there.