A new year, a new semester, and a new covid variant. 

Well, newish: Omicron was first designated as a variant of concern by the CDC in November, and this semester of course started in January. And though my calendar tells me November was in fact three months ago, it feels like weeks, or maybe years ago. If I didn’t have two planners and a digital calendar on me at all times, I wouldn’t be able to tell you what day it is or how many weeks we’ve been in class. Why has time suddenly stopped moving at a steady pace? It feels like the last 2 years have both happened all at once, and stretched on infinitely. 

If you’ve been feeling this stretch and pull of time during the pandemic, you aren’t alone. 

When I began the semester, I struggled with my project concept for a while: as the pandemic continues, it becomes even harder to find the positive things amid the news, the daily anxiety, and the impacts covid has had on our everyday lives. At times it felt hopeless. 

But I am grateful that going through this experience caused me to search for the silver linings in my life in the first place. I find myself focused on my mental health more often these days. As a direct result of the pandemic, I question more often why I’m feeling tired or anxious: Have I had time to myself today? Am I scrolling the news tab because I’m looking for information, or am I spiraling? Have I stepped away from the computer and taken a walk, or read a book? And the most important question, at least for me in the most recent weeks: what brings me hope? 

Not hope in the grand scheme of the universe, like Gods or plans for the future, but on a day-to-day basis. When I get into the bad habits of sinking too much time online or spiraling from anxieties, I look for the little things that make me smile. Or as Dave Legore, Director of Dramatic Media at TLU has taken to calling it: “Daily Delights”. 

In the past couple of weeks, one of my little sources of hope and delight has been the chalk messages and drawings outside the ASC. While the prompt was originally “what are you proud of?” students have also been using the area to draw, write positive messages, and celebrate milestones. 

That last message really hits on what I think we all need to focus on throughout the highs and lows of an academic year: love who you are. And to that end, take care of yourselves- physically, emotionally, and mentally. Art- anything from simple chalk drawings to acting in TLU Dramatic Media performances- is just one way I take care of myself. If you’re also looking for a colorful escape into art, consider coming to the Studio Theatre this weekend- tickets can be found here! https://www.tludramaticmedia.com/tickets.html

And share with us in the comments or through social media: How are you loving who you are, or taking care of yourself?