Post by Doris McCraw
writing as Angela Raines
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As we move toward a less restrictive world, I wondered what this post would look like? Would what I did and thought about during the past year of dealing with a 'pandemic' have changed me? Like many, I questioned myself about how productive and creative I'd been. A New York Times article about Brie Larson, of 'Captain Marvel' fame, and her 'pivot', solidified the topic of this month's post.
First, I set some ground rules for this retrospective.
1. Beating yourself up for not being perfect is not allowed
2. Apologizing for doing things you're proud of. It's not bragging
3. Passing judgement on others who chose a different path.
So having set the parameters, here I go.
I was lucky to continue working part-time from home and then when we opened the Visitor Center, I had employers who did their very best to make sure steps were in place to ensure not only my safety but the safety of those walking through our doors. At the same time, it did cut into some of my 'creative' time.
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I chose to take advantage of not only my surroundings but to share them with others. I've always enjoyed the outdoors and this gave me the opportunity to get out, walk/hike, and take photos of things that caught my eye. Believe me, I have trails that are stunning within a mile to ten from my front door. I am so thrilled this year afforded me the chance to realize how blessed I am.
Did I miss seeing friends? Well, to answer that question is a bit tricky. I call myself a highly functioning social introvert. Given a choice, I would prefer my own company and that of my pets to the outside world. At the same time, when I am with people, I truly do enjoy it, I'm just tired afterward. I will say, Zoom, despite the ubiquitousness of that platform, gave me the chance to participate in conferences and classes I would not have been able to attend in a regular year.
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What about creative endeavors? Without being able to meet and write in person, I spoke with others in my Thursday writing group and we pivoted to an online Facebook model that is still going strong over a year later. The first novel is not completely edited from the first draft, but it's close. Two others are also well along to having a first draft done.
I started doing author interviews for another blog and I truly do enjoy sharing with others what these amazing writers have to say.
I've also learned that movement and learning are important to me. I've dug deeper into history topics that excite me. I started learning Spanish online thanks to Duolingo that I started just as the pandemic hit. For those who wonder, I'm still doing daily classes.
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I've realized what my mother meant when I was speaking enthusiastically about how I'd changed after I left home when she said to me "No, you just remembered who you were." For me, this past year has been the chance to get to know myself better and follow some dreams I've had for some time. I guess the 'pivot' was a good thing for me.
And for fun, as the 'Hot' days of summer arrive, sit back, grab a book, and enjoy the day!
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Doris Gardner-McCraw -
Colorado and Women's History
Post (c) by Doris McCraw, All Rights Reserved
What a lovely post. You are so right about remembering who you always were. I always feel that people have achieved more over the last year than me, but on the plus side I got a puppy, so have been beautifully distracted by him.
ReplyDeleteI love puppies and they are great distractions. One thing my mother would always remind me of, look how far you've come and the things you've done. For her it wasn't always about the output as the journey. For me, spending time with the pets is important to my overall health.
DeleteGive the puppy a hug for me. Doris
A thoughtful and thought-provoking post, Doris. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Sometimes I have to remind myself of what I truly did even if I don't always see the results. Doris
DeleteMost authors I know are introverts. They're not antisocial or dislike people, it's just that socializing saps their energy because they give others their full-on attention and they listen. It's exhausting and they have to have time to recharge by themselves.
ReplyDeleteMy experience during Covid isolation wasn't quite like yours. My creativity crept away and my desire to read evaporated. I guess my pivotal moment is now when I feel I can write again. As far as socializing, well, I can't say I missed out on much since I like to be alone with my dog, but I do have a few close friends that I missed and that I'm getting to see again.
It sounds like a great job for you walking the grounds and hiking the trails. A good chance to reflect.
A lovely blog, Doris. Thank you for sharing your feelings and revelations about Covid. None of us will ever be the same as we once were. Mother Nature has taught us who's really in charge...and it ain't us.
All the best to your corner of the universe...
I agree with you on authors being introverts. We are just fine with our own company.
DeleteI'm glad you are now getting to spend time with those who are close and special to you. It has been a challenging time. I'm the first to admit I am very blessed.
We'd done a program to ascertain our various characteristics to facilitate our staff working together. Out of twenty staff I was the most introverted and had the strongest personality. In hindsight, this year has proven that they were right.
Thanks for commenting and I wish you all the best as the years progress. Doris
Doris,
ReplyDeleteI, too, am absolutely content with my own company. The months of lockdown/social distancing/political unrest didn't make a ripple in my social life, since I didn't have a social life prior.
However, mentally and emotionally, I've cycled through manic writing that produced a lot of words to not even being able to concentrate long enough to read more than a couple of pages in a book.
I walk a couple of miles very day with my dogs. My route is always the same due to avoiding aggressive dogs that are supposed to be in their yards or on leashes. My route isn't particularly scenic and its appearance rarely changes, but I look forward to it every day.
Pivot is a great descriptor for where we proceed from here.
Kaye, there is a part of me that is balking at being around a lot of people again, but ...
DeleteI can also relate to the ups and downs of this past year. I will say that the walks and Spanish lessons kept me on an even keel. (Just don't ask me to speak the Spanish. LOL)
I'm glad you have your walks, even if they are in the same place. I love being outside. As for 'Pivot' we've been using that word at work this whole year. I finally decided to use it. Hope to see you soon. Doris
Your mom sounds very smart...you must take after her. Great article.
ReplyDeleteShe was and to say I'm like her is the best thing I could hear. I'm glad you liked the article. Doris
DeleteWhat an interesting post. I was surprised to learn your experience was so similar to mine - even the Duolingo, although I'm trying to learn Danish. Today was my 397th consecutive day. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnn, that is, well, WOW. I made it to 376 then some work issues got in the way, but now I'm back to I think 80. I keep saying I'm going to add Latin, but gotta get the other under my belt.
DeleteI hope your pivots were as good as mine were. Doris
It was interesting reading the comments here that we are content to be by ourselves. Covid has really brought this home to me that I have changed with each decade. From childhood I was used to my parents being very sociable, and the winter months brought many visitors driving up our road. Several nights a week I'd be in the kitchen at ten, making sandwiches and coffee, slicing the cake (Mom always had baking) and assembling the tray with china and cutlery then bringing it to the card table where foursomes played Whist....sometimes there were 2 and 3 tables, especially on a Saturday night. My husband is an extroverted introvert--like is there such a thing? He didn't want to visit either at home or going out, but when he had no choice, he was amiable and entertaining. That also requires effort. So, I simply chose to join clubs or go alone or with a girlfriend. Since retirement, I've been less inclined to go out and now with eye issues, I stopped driving at night, thus curtailing a lot of my socializing. Now I've become simply a stay-at-home introvert. I still enjoy people's company but find myself becoming a hermit to the point I don't even want to go out, and when I do, it's once a week for groceries close to quitting time when the store is quiet on Friday night. I feel sad, in a way for those fun times of an earlier time but I'm fairly content. Yet maybe I am lonely for company because I write long replies . Thanks for your thought-provoking excellent blog, Doris.
ReplyDelete