How are you holding up, my friend? Are you finding ways to keep yourself challenged and motivated during these uncertain times? I’m learning that surviving a pandemic requires a LOT of patience and mental fortitude. Both patience and mental fortitude are uniquely individual traits, and, like the projected waves of the virus, they seem to repeatedly wax and wane. Predicting the “ebbs” in patience and mental fortitude requires a good deal of self-awareness. In my case, I’ve realized that my mood dips rather severely just before bedtime. That’s the time when things seem bleakest to me. And, maybe surprisingly, that’s also the time when I’m most tempted to check back into the news to see if there’s anything new to be learned…which is, invariably, a BAD idea! Along the way, I’ve discovered (rediscovered?) that the power of art and imagination is my best medicine.

The Power of Art and Imagination

Takes me from feeling like this…

The Power of Art and Imagination - Funny cartoon illustration of a man being suspended from a hook while another looks on in bemusement.

To a Better Place

(Even if I have to hitch a ride to get there!)

And by “hitch a ride”, yes, sometimes I cheat and use feel-good news stories or bed-time stories, like the one below, to get there:

Remember…

“Creativity takes courage.”

Henri Matisse

Comments

    • Joana says:

      Hi Helen,

      I loved reading your email this morning and will reply via email soon. I’m glad you enjoyed the bedtime story video! A little fantasy and fairy tales right about now is probably what the doctor would order. (Not that I’ll know since I don’t plan to go near a hospital or doctor’s office if I can avoid it.)
      Can you wake me up when this is all over?
      xox – Joana

  2. Mm says:

    So glad you also liked the sweet video. I love your little hitchhiker with the loooong tail!! Xoxo mm

    • Joana says:

      Hi Meh-meh, I loved that bed-time story video! Thank you for sending it to me so that I could share it. I lurve you and Mr. P, too!
      xoxo – J

  3. Jen Greenlee says:

    Hi Joana—I can’t read the news either, and I also feel the benefits of staying creative. Hang in there!!

    • Joana says:

      Hi Jennifer,

      I just started doing an online drawing course with a Swedish artist I admire. It’s so wonderful to see how many others from around the world are also doing the course and the creativity that is emerging. I’ll do a post about the course soon. 🙂 The great thing is that I find the whole thing totally absorbing and the day passes by without my even thinking about the news or the C virus.

      Sending you a big hug and lots of love. Stay safe!
      Joana

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