Hello! Howdy! Hola! I live! I hope everyone is doing well. Last time I checked; we were in March. I am pretty sure it is safe to say that March has been the longest three months EVER.
I took a small break from writing after the Ultimate Blog Challenge to mentally, emotionally, and physically recharge. While I enjoyed the challenge IMMENSELY, it was extremely draining on my reservoir of creativity and I found myself lacking motivation to write. Guidethisway is not meant to feel like a chore and when I stopped enjoying getting my words out to people, I realized I needed a break.
So, while the world has been in chaos, I have been doing what Nat does best. I made my transfer to CSU Dominguez Hills official! I will be graduating with my Associates degree and moving on to FINALLY study what I want to be studying. I’m excited for the next chapter of my education journey to begin. Apart from that, I’ve been joining in on the American Council of the Blind’s community calls, participating and facilitating calls to the community that range from socializing to topic driven discourse. It’s been extremely nice being able to help during these calls, and even just getting to participate. Structure makes my overanxious brain extremely happy. If you haven’t heard of these ACB community calls, I highly recommend you go to their site and see what they are offering. With over five calls daily, there’s bound to be something for someone!
At the writing of this post, episode 5 of A Teaspoon of Good, the podcast that I host with my close friend Meka is due to be released soon! I am so grateful that Meka has decided to embark on this journey of fun, laughter, and wholesome good news that reminds us to stay positive… even if we’re in the third month of March. A Teaspoon of Good comes out every Thursday and it’s crazy to think that this is our fifth week running! I am so proud of the content we’ve created and the joy our ramblings bring not just me, but to others who may need a little pick me up.
Finally, and certainly also extremely important during this time, I’ve given myself space to feel out my emotions. I’ve gone from anxious, to angry, to frustrated, to overwhelmed with the lack of structure and routine that quarantine has created for me. I still wake up feeling extremely anxious or overwhelmed at the prospect of having to have normal conversation with people outside the ACB community calls. I believe giving yourself permission to feel your emotions during this time is extremely important. Validation, affirmations… acknowledgement that you are struggling, and it is okay to struggle… that’s important and it matters. I’ve been all over the place; from watching movies and reading books, to looking at properties in Montana, and getting a BLUE Keurig that sits snugly on my dresser for emergency coffee needs. These things, while in an everyday scheme seem silly, are necessary and remind me of the good things happening.
I am not one to scream total optimism, but social media likes to remind us that introverts must be living the life of luxury during quarantine. I can promise you that at least for THIS introvert, I’m not. I miss my routine, but with the patience of waiting out this pandemic, new prospects are on the horizon. I, as well as Dodson, are ready to embark on new adventures, new relationships, friendships, accomplishments. While doing so, I hope to continue working with ACB, creating fun content for A Teaspoon of Good, and being my creative, chaotic self. Remember to give yourselves room to appreciate small things like coffeemakers in your favorite colors, or drawers that organize your K-cups like the nerd you are. Hell, feel good that you woke up because that can be hard sometimes.
As always, my readers are more than welcome to reach out to me if you want to chat. My Twitter, blog, and Facebook page are open. We’re struggling alongside one another, at least make it enjoyable.