ps update during COVID-19
hello my ps darlings! i’m sure we’re all stressing during the current situation. not only is this time stressful, but it could also be completely confusing. how long will this last? another month? the rest of the year? will they find a vaccine for this virus? is this the new depression?
with the concern that this global pandemic brings, i would like to reiterate the importance of distancing yourself from others and to stay home. i understand that it may be difficult to not see family or friends. i miss human interaction too. rather than “social distancing”, just think of other ways to stay in contact with your people. look into apps for your phone, such as houseparty or hosting a zoom …also nothing wrong with a good ol’ facetime!
in regards to postskript - i’ve had to cancel my upcoming lettering soiree scheduled for sunday, april 26th. even though the workshop is cancelled i will be selling a downloadable packet of the ps alphabet. this packet is more focused on beginners and great for a new quarantine hobby :) please keep your eyes peeled for when it’s available! <3
i will not be booking future events until the quarantine is lifted. i can’t wait to see everyone when this is over!
there is one more topic i’d like to touch
mental health
we are all going through an emotional rollercoaster with COVID-19. this is such a surreal moment in our lives. we are living through something that will be talked about in history classes. it’s taking a toll on us. i personally have had moments when i thought to myself, “what the fuck am i going to do? i can’t afford anything.” literally scared i was not able to buy groceries or rent. high stress moments that caused me to have difficulty breathing and made me start to overthink that i was infected…it ended up being anxiety induced.
i was in puerto rico when shit hit the fan in the u.s.
about 30 minutes after landing, a travel ban in the u.s. was announced and shortly after the island was put on curfew and all places, restaurants, shops, closed except for grocers. my 10 day vacation turned into an island quarantine…i’m not going to complain that i was “stuck” at the beach. i was able to enjoy my view every morning, take time to relax and listen to the crashing waves, smell salt water and feel the sun on my skin. everyday would start amazing…and then i would read the news about what was going on everywhere else in the world and the panic attacks would start. i would drink to help me loosen up and hope to forget everything. i would have moments literally unable to breathe. i could feel my blood pressure rise, my chest tighten.
i returned home to find that i was “temporarily let go” from my job without notice (a job i depend on daily income), about $200 to my name with rent overdue, an email from my building stating a resident was infected, and hearing about 10 ambulances drive by my house daily. there is literally one driving by my apartment right now. my mind stays racing, my body is taking a physical toll from constant panic attacks - small and large. i’ve taken comfort in my bed, but then i waste the entire day in it and end up feeling completely useless. oh, another day of 14 hours of netflix? really?
the other day i stumbled upon this quote:
“your mental health is more important than your productivity.”
it’s ignited something in me i wish i was focusing on sooner. sure, i need to take a moment and find my center. i need to not focus on the bad, but the good and be grateful for what i do have. i have my best friend, danielle. she has been nothing but gracious to me during this time. she understands when i need a moment to myself, and when i need her most, for her to be there for me. she went all out on my birthday and even made me a tiger cake (thanks tiger king lol). she is the most comforting thing in this time, i am so absolutely grateful to have her in my life. i hope everyone has a danielle.
i have also started applying to jobs, creating makeup looks, practicing my lettering skills. finding activities to keep me occupied in a time like this. though i may not be the most productive at the time, i am focusing on my mental state and finding ways to release serotonin…even if it is laying in bed watching murder documentaries on netflix.
i hope everyone is finding ways to take care of themselves during this critical time of need. please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need to talk or need a laugh - i probably have a meme for that.
lastly, for my fellow calligrapher friends, please view this amazing (and free!) communication guide by Syl of Via Calligraphy and Jodi of Someday Art Co - go download the COVID-19 Communications for Calligraphers resource now! :)
wishing you all nothing but positive vibes, please stay safe
xx c