GAB Studio

It’s been a minute hasn’t it. What a summer it has been. The country and the world have changed so much, mostly for worse. I am not going to sugar coat anything, it is incredibly hard to be mentally strong during a global pandemic when everything is changing and living under a government that you don’t feel is in your best power. Here are a few things I did to try to keep sane these past few months:

1. I did a lot of crafting! Between polymer clay earrings, painting, sewing, and embroidery, I kept myself busy with a myriad of different artistic activities. I also am learning the ins and outs of how to use Procreate and make digital illustrations (which I post a lot of on my Instagram!) which has been a lot of fun and will help me in my future careers in marketing for sure.
2. Once I moved back to school, I have been trying new foods and trying to eat much healthier, promoting a happier and healthier day to day life.
3. I have been very open to myself and others about my anxiety and OCD. Not only do the germs associated with a global pandemic stir my OCD ticks up an extra notch, but the social state of the US has really taken a tool on my anxiety levels, shooting them trough the roof at almost all times of the day. I am someone who doesn’t like to see people being negative, both to themselves and others. There has been more than a fair share of that in the past few months. I have outwardly spoken about my troubles with people I normally wouldn’t have and have been told that it has been incredibly reassuring to many, as it is always good to know you aren’t the only one struggling quietly.
4. Finally, since my summer jobs and fall study abroad were both cancelled, I had the opportunity to take enough classes that would put me graduating on time in May rather than going a semester over into the fall. I ended up taking 5 classes this summer, which undoubtedly aided me. This was helpful as I was never short of something that needed to be done and it kept me away from the scariness of a global pandemic on the outside. Not only did I feel incredibly accomplished for receiving good grades at the end of the term, but it gave me a sense of accomplishment everyday that I woke up and achieved a task, instead of letting myself become overrun by the outside world that I had no control over. By the way, I in no way whatsoever recommend taking 5 classes over the summer… unless a global pandemic is keeping you inside all summer

All of this to say, it is okay to be not okay during crazy times like these. Find something that sparks joy for you, whatever that may be. Go outside a little bit. Find joy in something, or even someone.

Wear a damn mask.