Boy oh boy did 2020 pull the rug out from under us. It was a year full of trials and tribulations. Hardship and awakenings.....nothing quite prepared us for all that came wrapped in a nice little package called 2020. In reality, the timing of it was perfect. You know that saying, hindsight is 2020, isn't 2020 the perfect year to have gone through all that we have? Looking back, learning, moving forward....after all, isn't that what hindsight is 2020 means?
In my late thirties, I found my artist voice. A voice that allowed me to express my thoughts and feelings in a way that felt safe and therapeutic in a way. I thought that I had finally figured out my life....my passion...my purpose.
Along comes COVID, and my world as an artist changed. My art shows were canceled. My exhibits were canceled. I was left out...alone and not sure what to do. With all of the uncertainty around me, I lacked motivation and drive to create and that scared me to the core. What am I if I am not an artist, what am I then? A good friend reminded me, that I am an artist because I create art. Just because I am not inspired or creating at this very moment, doesn't negate the fact that I am an artist. Making art gets me out of bed in the morning...I am lost in the world of creating losing all sense of time. It energizes me. It excites me. But, without it, what am I?
What I have realized during this time of solitude and reflection is that I am not one dimensional. I can still be an artist, but I can also pursue my other passions. I have always loved fitness. Despite not being overly coordinated or a natural athlete, I have always been active. Running, aerobics (yes...I absolutely loved step aerobics and completed the fitness instructor course when I was in university). I strength trained consistently. I always experimented with new ways of eating.....I don't necessarily call them diets, but ways of eating.......I was a vegetarian for over a year, I tried weight watchers, low carb, paleo, etc. I have always strived to be the best version of me, often to the point of self-criticism.
I decided to try to pursue this second passion and see what I could make of it in a way that I would not lose the artist in me. I began sharing my fitness journey, and created a group focused on healthy lifestyle options. I started to feel that familiar ping that I feel when I am creating art. I felt energized and motivated and I looked forward to sharing my experiences with like-minded people. I began developing a new voice.....one that boldly could write, and speak about my life and what motivates me. Running, exercise, healthy mindful eating, intermittent fasting.......and don't forget fashion....oh how I love fashion. So, thank you 2020, for pulling the rug out from under me and teaching me that I am multidimensional and that is such a gift.
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