This morning, I woke up groggy, immediately went for the coffee, and sat down at my computer to watch some YouTube videos (which I used to do almost every morning but haven't done much in the past couple of months). Normally, I'd go to someone like the Try Guys, SuperCarlinBrothers, or Sierra Schulzzie (big-name YouTubers) but this morning I was called to check up on Devin Lytle's channel. Lo and behold, she had posted a video entitled, "How returning to pole dancing restored my faith in the internet." Let me explain why this was so important this morning: For those of you who don't know her, Devin Lytle is a former Buzzfeed video star, was one of the amazing people in Starkid's Harry Potter spoof musicals that I watched in high school, and is this incredibly normal person (I say this with absolute love because so many people in LA and on the internet don't look or exist in the sphere of "normal"). In other words, she's kind of a big deal but on more of a personal and smaller scale than some of these hot-ticket YouTube people. (But my point is not to talk about Devin Lytle's career).
Los Angeles, California, and the United States feel like a COVID epicenter (and kind of are). Between the virus, the constant reminders that those in power are corrupt, and the personal losses, it feels like there's very little happy in the world right now. Everything shut down so suddenly, and, while we've found ways to cope with the losses, I'm not sure many of us have tried to heal completely. Instead, we've been putting on Band-Aids. What do I mean? Band-Aids are things that we incorporate into our lives that provide a temporary relief from the icky feelings, but that eventually wear off and don't provide this support for long. For example, I find temporary joy in buying new things (clothes, tea, halloween decorations, etc.) or in eating "fun" foods (childhood favorites, pastries with my coffee, etc.). The reason why Devin's video was so important was that she acknowledged that the world is bonkers and that she (like many of us, I'm sure) has been falling into the negative trends because of the constant exposure to the negative. For her, pole dancing was a form of working out and moving that made her feel like the goddess she is, and it was one of the first things that went away. For me, this was how I felt when I went to the gym, and there is nothing more I'd like to do than actually use some cardio or strength equipment. I miss the sense of community, getting to hang out with people, and feeling like a badass, but it's just not in the cards right now. So, how can we healthily remove the band-aids and start looking for more long-term solutions in the midst of an ongoing pandemic? (Wear your masks, people!) 1) Take a break from social media (I haven't been on Facebook or Twitter for a month and it's been a blessing. You'll still be in the loop, I promise.) 2) Try to be social in a way that is safe and comfortable. Have Zoom calls with your friends, attend your Zoom classes if you're a student, do a social distance backyard hang-out with someone you haven't seen in forever. 3) Figure out what your band-aids are, and try to minimize their frequency. Love shopping? Think about if you really need what you're shopping for or if it's just for some temporary relief. I'm not saying to stop doing it (I love going to Target as much as the next person), but try to reduce how often it happens and acknowledge why you're wanting to do it in the moment. 4) Do your best to incorporate what was part of your daily life before the pandemic shut everything down. Buy some gym equipment if you can or do some online workouts, re-instill your morning routine, or have a designated work space or time that you work. 5) Revel in the gifts that this time has brought. Enjoy the fact that you get to be around your kids more, got to find a new hobby, or that you get to sleep in a little later Monday-Friday. It's been tough, but there are some gifts we've received. I don't have all the answers. This time is incredibly difficult, and it's definitely hard to cope with. If you've been struggling immensely and need a safe space, I completely recommend talking with a professional if you can, or going to a website where you can find assistance. An amazing friend of mine recommended NYC Well when we moved and I wasn't doing too well and needed to talk to someone. You can totally use it if you don't live in New York City, the service is incredible, and it's completely free. I hope you have a happy and healthy week! ~E
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AuthorElena B. Archives
June 2020
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