Coping With Loneliness During The Pandemic With Art

Since Josh and I broke up in February, and restrictions became tougher for those of us who are immunocompromised, I found myself quite lonely. We made our final break in July but hadn't been seeing each other since February. When Karley was at her father's I found myself talking to the dog and cats a little more than I should be.

Finding a new way to fill my time

But, on the other hand, I've never lived alone. So this time has been good for me. In the first few weeks, I just lay in bed watching the ID channel. I was depressed. But after realizing the freedom of not having to do anything for anyone, I began doing things for myself.

One of those things is art. I love my high school art teacher who still sees all of my work. From abstract to realism, I can do both.

Rediscovering my creative side

I engrossed myself so much in it that I forgot to watch tv and wasn't depressingly watching the news. I was creating again got the first time since high school. It has been amazing. I haven't given it up yet. My house became so full of paintings that I had to open an Etsy shop, and I also do custom jobs.

It was a great source of income until recently. Since the economy has basically tanked, people don't have the extra money to spend on anything but the bare necessities. Gas prices plummeted but groceries skyrocketed. So, when it comes to the decision of having a painting or putting food on the table, most normal people will opt for the food.

Art is therapy

So, I wasn't writing as much because I've spent so much time painting. Art is therapy regardless of what anyone says. When you get in that creative world, that's all your own, your problems tend to disappear. I focus so much on what I'm doing, my days fly by.

At first, I felt as though I were wasting my life away. But I'm not. Creating something unique and beautiful for others to admire is more fun than I could possibly explain. Have I become a hermit? That's a big "maybe".

Art has changed my perspective on self-care

In the past, if I had a choice of going out to the bar or with others, hands down, that would've been me. But now, my passion has reignited and I can't get enough of it. It's like an addiction or a drug.

And to cope alone, it doesn't have to be painting. You can draw, sew, make scarfs, whatever. As long as it keeps you happy and fulfilled. I've met so many other people with the same passion as well. We share ideas and assist each other in any way possible.

Self-expression and stress relief

It's also kept my blood pressure from going up being on our community Facebook page where it seems everyone thinks the pandemic isn't real and is nasty about it. Once I start at it with someone, it's virtually impossible to stop. I feel like there isn't much consideration for the elderly, healthcare workers, and sick in this area. I guess they will have to learn first hand.

A lesson from Bob Ross

And if learning first hand is the case, I'm perfectly content becoming Bob Ross, or as close as possible. I'm actually going to start watching his shows again as well. I used to always watch him as a kid. He was my idol.

Now that I'm not a kid, I wonder how I would do? But first, I must master a flower. It's been an ongoing battle that I am determined to win. So far, it's killing me though.