How’s everyone’s pandemic going? I decided that the middle of the lockdown in Ireland was a great time to move in with my partner. It was, but more on this another time. What that decision led to was me clearing out my apartment and so back in April I stumbled on a barely used notebook. It had lots and lots of blank pages, so I thought why not put them to good use?
I had also just purchased some colouring pens and since I’m not much of a visual artist, but I love writing and colours, I decided to try to “paint” one word for each day. Either as a mantra for the day or as a reflection of the day I’d had. And so for the past 5 months I have been writing/drawing a word into this journal for each day, so now there are only FOUR empty pages left in the book.
The words and drawings range from creative to bland. My artistic capabilities were put thoroughly to the test. One thing I didn’t do was judge the pictures, because I wasn’t trying to win any awards with this, I was just trying to have a creative output and end up with some fun memories.
I am very happy that I tried this new medium for my creative outlets. It’s been great having one thing that I did out of habit each day, which made me reflect on my day and evaluate which word best described the day I’d had. And now I have a little picture/word book to look back on which will forever remind me of that time I made it through the first months of a global pandemic, including a lockdown! It even comes with some good reminders to be playful and every now and then slow things down:
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ME?
Now that I’ve reached the end of the notebook I have dug out 2 other journals I have neglected in the past. One is halfway full and has blank pages, the other one is lined. My plan now is to fill the one with blank pages first but to pivot slightly and start writing/drawing a word each day of something I am grateful for that day. Once that notebook is full I’ll move on to the lined one and make it a proper gratitude journal. I’ll still use my coloured pens though and maybe I’ll even draw a picture every now and then.
How are you staying creative during the pandemic?
I’d love to hear from you. What are your tips on keeping the creative parts of your brain active during the current strange times? Leave some comments below!