Hey folks, Ida asked an interesting question to everyone on the Write-Along and I wanted to ask folks here.
How is everyone finding getting back to normal? Lockdowns are starting to lift and things are slowly creeping back to normal, and I wondered how people are finding it, having to adapt back to regular life. I am even more socially awkward than I was before and on Tuesday I went to the cinema for the first time in 2 years, and I noticed I’ve changed! Having watched so much on my laptop and always having my phone by my side, it was so hard to concentrate on just the movie and I kept wanting to get up and do different things! 😱 and this is coming from a film buff who LOVES the movies!
Anyone else noticed funny things like this about themselves as we transition back to how things were?
I am getting on neutrally.
I learn a lot about myself throughout last year.
Figure why I was doing everything was to go back to acting.
Thankfully ,I came up with a plan, given consistency and frequency, plan might be a success.
Found out my poetry might be extremely generic... nuff said.
Have a job, to support crazy dream.
Notice weird need for carbonated drinks.
Figure I MUST start dopamine fast SOON ,since my poor brain might be getting damage from all music and nonsense I'm putting in my ears. Might focus on reading more, since my hypothesis telling me part of the reason why my poetry,(maybe art) is generic is there isn't enough exploration I allow in my life.
Which explains why I've been looking at conservatory (Performing art schools), poetry programs, along with reading poetry books and watching movies, would take my craft to a whole new level.
Also realize my need to go back on stage, since I alluded this before, acting made me the happiest human I ever been. I am planning to come back on stage in some capacity (spoken word or even a freaking extra in play, I really don't care, just want to be on stage dang nabbit lol.)
I also learn I'm either loving myself as human or hate myself as an artist. Perhaps its because I closely attach myself as an artist for so long, that whenever I'm not the artist, I'm a lot kinder to myself. When its time for me to be the artist, I create from dark place. Only problem is there really hasn't been any darkness, so to speak, which seems to make my creations meaningless. Moreover, my hatred towards myself is what helps me create, which could be why art has not been created, so to speak.
I also realize depending on the walks one takes, its more than just one thing. For instance, this year, I've taken more of a role of editor, since in previous years, I been writing poetry. However, editing my own work is something I did not expect, at all. Thankfully, I don't have to make the art cover, just rough sketch of it. Point is, within one walk, there are many untraveled roads towards final destination.
I do prefer to be silent, however, unless I'm given a reason, to, I will speak. And Poetry Cove has given me a reason too.
I also hate customer service, period, however, I am extremely limited to what I can do. Thankfully, plan doesn't involve college, just involves me to be my own boss and think things strategically. Very long answer, figure I give answer time to marinate before dinner was finish.
@Adam Gary I'm suffering from the same plight, my friend. I have noticed I use my phone a lot when streaming a film at home. Sadly, I haven't been able to go to the cinemas though. So I've thought about turning my phone off or adopting the phone basket principle to help combat this behavior. Interestingly, when I was still studying psychology, an article in a medical journal cited how the human brain receives an increase in dopamine (the pleasure hormone), which causes an addiction-like effect. Unfortunately, I can't find the original article I mentioned, but here is a link to a Harvard journal entry that I found that explains it further. If you are interested, that is.
Everything where I live is starting to transition back into not having to wear masks in public again. However, some places still require their employees to wear masks. Also, public individuals have to if they haven't been fully vaccinated. The latter of which is considerable controversy in itself. Politics aside, I've been keeping to the routines I knew before the outbreak. Trying to normalize everything as much as I can.
Thankfully, my routines and mannerisms align with being a homebody, to begin with. Working from home as a tutor online instead of in the community has added more relevance to this. I've always been an introverted-extrovert. Much like a Hobbit, I enjoy the comforts of home, but I don't mind an invitation to social parties. Sometimes a bit of adventure too. In fact, I'm usually quite the social butterfly when interacting with friends and family. I've always had that type of demeanor.
I used to work in the mental health field for four years and was working on becoming a licensed counselor. Although, I recently changed career paths. Not due to the crisis, but because I had an epiphany one morning after months of self-reflection. The point is that my new career path involves me predominately work from home anyhow.
My day typically consists of writing a lot, restudying learned knowledge, and providing educational support to students. I'm a bookworm when I can fit it in a bit of reading in between the hustle and bustle (I get wrapped up in work quite easily) and playing with my three-year-old son. I also live with my mum while going to university, making accessible room for less stress for sure. Other than that, rinse and repeat.
If I could provide any clarity or advice, I would say give yourself permission to be okay with the times and hold tightly to your individuality. It is pretty standard for the human mind to adapt to harsh situations purely out of defense mechanisms. However, staying present and mindful always has helped me through even the darkest of days. Keep doing the hobbies that you love, even if it is one activity. Besides, if you genuinely love something, it will never become dull or broken. Being out in nature has helped me tremendously as well! There is a local city forest that is well maintained where I currently reside. I have to say I've spent several days during this crisis staring out into the trees and reeds along the river. Taking in deep breathes and telling myself to let all the stressors go. I've learned that there are consequences in life that aren't under my control, and it makes no logical sense to ruminate over them. Acceptance is essential here, my friends. Listening to upbeat music or calm sounds is super too!
Anyways, I know this was a lengthy response, but I hope I've provided some thoughtful insights to you all. I'm also more than willing to chat with anyone who wants to talk for peace of mind. I've been told I'm an excellent listener when my mind isn't chasing butterflies. 😅
I have been working from home since March 2020. I am not looking forward to going back in August and having to say good morning to people. LOL. I'm fine doing this after 10 a.m. when I am jolted on caffeine.
I am very much an extroverted introvert, but I am not looking forward to having people humming around my office. I will not be able to listen to my AirPods or go on Instagram lives. I will have to sit at my desk like a drone for 8 hours.
I have completely lost my attention span. I can't focus on any particular task for long periods of time and I'm constantly checking my phone for Instagram messages, YouTube alerts, or watching TikTok videos. Even when I watch a movie, I have music playing or I'm writing in my journal.
I don't think I will cope well going back to "normal," because being at home is a dream come true for me. I have only seen one friend in the past year, but it has been fine. Video calls and texting is actually better. I think I will become even more of a hermit when normal happens.
I've have noticed some changes in my-self as well! Past 3 years have been hard getting out and being social. Especially being alone and traveling.
I wish I looked forward to more traveling as I did when I was 16, but I get worn out so easy!😂 Maybe it could be something I work on or ease into this year. It would help my arts in a way. A bed and laptop is the expansion of my circle as of now. I would absolutely love to go to a live venue soon! Also, I agree with you. The more I'm getting out now I can't sit still or focus on one subject!
So, last week was my first week back at the office and honestly, it wasn't that bad. I'm not sure if I was getting bored and frustrated at home or if it's because my mental health is a million times better than six months ago but I didn't feel anxious about it to be honest. I knew WFH wasn't going to be forever. I will admit that I was aching to listen to my own music and podcasts again but that's not really a thing from lockdown. I've always wanted to listen to podcasts while working.
No other part of my life has changed that much actually. My fortnightly Thursday poetry workshop is currently discussing places we could start meeting in person again but even that's with the caveat that we'll continue zoom meetings to include people who may not feel comfortable meeting face to face just yet.
I say I'm not anxious and I'm not anxious with the office. I mean, a girl's got to work. But other places do make me a bit anxious. I saw pictures of the beach and York over the weekend and the crowds made me nervous. It'll be a while before I feel 100% comfortable in a crowded place, I think.
I will say this: last Monday I went to Currys to pick up a computer monitor and they have this 'drive thru' service where you pull into a space, click the link to let them know you've arrived and they bring your product out to you. I hope they keep that service and I hope other stores bring it in, too, because I thought it was amazing. Regardless of the pandemic, I hate crowded stores.