So What Did We Learn?

BY JAMES JOHNSON
HIP THERMOMETER WIELDER

Before I rehash the main points on how to continue to stay healthy, I’d like to touch on what we may have learned about ourselves during the pandemic.

We have learned to simplify our lives. We don’t need to be running around in a panic constantly. We don’t need to push, push, push. We don’t need constant stimulation. We can sit and read a book. Or sip coffee while watching the sunrise. Or read a book in the middle of the day while sitting outside. Watch that movie that we always wanted to see but never took the time to go see it. We can take the time to connect with ourselves. We can make time to do things for people in greater need than we are. We can help neighbors. We have found that helping people can make you feel good.

We have discovered a new sense of self. We are our best friend. We are the main person who we can depend on in times of trouble. We are the only ones who can ground ourselves. We are the only ones who can make ourselves complete. And when we ground ourselves and feel whole within our existence, then our relation-ships with others can be truly strong. Because we as a person are stronger. We are not depending in outside influences to give us worth. We have self-worth.

As an artist, I am constantly trying new directions. And in the search for a new direction, I’m not really taking care of myself and doing what is best for me. More what is best for art. During the pandemic, I basically stopped creating entirely for a month or two. The drive was not there. I felt repetitive and stagnant. My desire was in flux.

But, I found some old spray paint and started to play around with it. I am now waiting for new canvasses and have a new working medium: spray paint. And once again, like the phoenix that all artists become, new is created out of the ashes of the old. Just like everyone in this pandemic.

The new “us” has emerged stronger from the ashes of the old “us”.

So remember:

• Wash hands with soap and water. If you can’t, use hand sanitizer.
• Refrain from hugging, kissing, and shaking hands.
• Refrain from touching your face as much as possible.
• Wear masks in public. They reduce the amount of saliva/mucus getting on your face or hands which is how this virus is spread. Use gloves when you can to reduce skin-to-skin contact.
• If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go out in public.
• Social distancing does help quite a bit. Remember to do it whenever possible.
• Enjoy life and appreciate loved ones.

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