Any one who knows me, know that I seldom get “down in the mouth” or depressed. I have always considered my ever-optimistic mood as a gift that I was given. As I reminisce, there were so many times in my life when things seemed really bleak. I would talk my self into knowing that tomorrow would be better. One of my favorite pep talks to me was “every cloud has a silver lining”
Since I retired and moved up here to Centerville, back in 2016, I have been so happy with the state of my life. I have a wonderful loving wife and spend much of my time in the studio doing the one thing that brings me joy- painting.
I feel that over the last year my work has achieved a new plateau. I look for a spark that speaks to me, then I work very hard at making sure that I follow my guidelines when interpreting that spark. Two to three years ago, I would work quickly, averaging 1-2 paintings a week. Some of them were great, others–not so much.
About 3 weeks ago, I realized that I was depressed, I had lost my mojo. This was a new one for me. I never have had a prolonged period of being down. In the studio I couldn’t force myself to start a new painting. Thank goodness I had several paintings and projects that needed finishing, but starting a new painting was just out of my reach.
I finally acknowledged that just like everyone else, everything had come down on my head: the economy–so many out of work, Covid 19—all those who have died , with no real end in sight, our current state of politics, the death of so many black men, even I am tired of communities saying enough is enough and yet it continues.
So how do I find my silver lining? my mojo? . I need to be a voice of the positive, the light for things to improve. I am sure I am not the only person to be overwhelmed by our current state of affairs. How are you coping with all this? I do sense that this WILL pass, things will improve and I am going to be a part of the solutions not add not get swept up by all the negativity.
I really would like to hear you thoughts on this. I keep hearing the phrase, “we are all in this together” So how do we get out of this together? tymo2215@gmail.com
Susan
