Things worth focusing on

This year was an interesting cocktail of the chaotic, challenging, beautiful, and terrible. When I arrived four months ago, I tried to explore as much as possible to find a community. However, soon after I got here my pace changed completely. I have been sitting with myself a lot these past four months, figuring out what it is I want to focus on.

With all the negativity around (it’s almost impossible to not start a conversation about covid or politics), it is easy to feel as if you are in a rut and have no other options. However, I’m lucky that I have a partner that is good about reminding me to look on the bright side. 

So with that, I try to search for answers in my surrounding area — what value do I want to add to my life, and how could it be valuable to others as well.  

There's a beautiful flowing river that I am lucky to live near. I am overwhelmed by the parallel kinetic energy and stillness. The area continuously changes as well. When it overflows, it alters not only the environment but the route of commuters. 

The trees here are abundant and diverse. I have the desire to document all of them and figure out their names, or even give them names. By simply jotting down the shapes of the leaves, I can perhaps build a connection between myself and my neighborhood. 

From vivid green shades to dark icy blue hues, the park I walk by takes on different moods depending on the weather.

The architecture, the worn-down brick, having stood here for hundreds of years, is imbued with cracks that speak of histories we can’t imagine. I am in awe of the buildings in my immediate area that have been around for centuries.

So even though art stores are closed, I’m still able to work. Even though I can’t go anywhere besides my house and my studio, the small discoveries in between are worth paying attention to. The creative possibilities are endless even though it may seem daunting to continue and move forward. 

These are the moments, the small entertaining elements that make up a day, that keep me going. These are the things that I want to focus on in 2021 — and they are there for you to find as well.