COVID Life Survival 101: Plan the Unplannable

I know, I know, it’s quite silly that I still insist on using my 2020 planner although everything that was preplanned is now impossible to execute. But is it really though? I can’t say that I am a brand new person because of COVID-19, but if it has sparked any inspiration at all, it is probably my ability to adapt.

Notice that being able to adapt isn’t the same as blindly accepting every unwanted thing. It is what you can make the best of under imperfect situations, and what might take an unexpected and uplifting turn. If it wasn’t for COVID, I might be forever making excuses for not putting effort into all my online platforms. I would have kept on making my artisan jewelry but probably putting off posting them online because I enjoy doing shows in person more. If it wasn’t for COVID, I would not have over 160 pieces on my Etsy store instead of the same 40 that I’ve had since the dawn of time. For a wholesale kind of store, 160 is absolutely nothing, but for one of a kind handcrafted pieces from one person, ya I’ve been one hell of a busy bee. If it wasn’t for COVID, I would not have stepped outside of my comfort zone and started doing LIVE videos and found out that there is in fact a small audience! If it wasn’t for COVID, I would not have been active enough for a casting director from the NBC show Making It to approach me and ask me to apply to be on it. No I didn’t get selected but instead of getting discouraged, I feel exactly the opposite. I now really believe that I have made the right decision to quit my 9 to 5 and am truly on the right path.

So here are a few things I have learned during the quarantine lifestyle. It might help you too!

• Make Plans Anyways
  Well, obviously not travel plans or bar hopping plans just yet. Make plans that will give you some structure to follow, a reason to get out of bed, a sense of accomplishment. I don’t always complete every task I write on my planner, but I give the effort every day and I am positive that I do end up feeling better because I know that I got some of them done and did not waste my life away. I didn’t make ravioli that Saturday but here’s an example:

• Stay Active Physically
  Dance, yoga, HIIT, jumping jacks, squat with your fat cat in the arms… It doesn’t matter what, all I know is that sweating off the stress is extremely effective. The side effects? Better skin and amazing abs. Duh! Please and thank you.

• Put on the Peace Maker Hat
  You are bound to get irritated by your spouse/kids/parents/roommates/pets at some point for something because you simply get a lot more time with them. Tune down that self-righteousness (but don’t lose it, you’ll need a little bit of that in order not to get walked all over by assholes you’ll run into later), and give your best to respect that everyone has their own thoughts and their own needs and although sometimes they may clash with yours, no one is trying to hurt you intentionally. So when my visual merchandiser head takes over and the sight of a collapsing pile of shirts in the hubby’s side of the closet makes me cringe, I try to remember that he’s washing dishes.

• Stay Groomed
  Do your makeup if you want! Put on that sexy dress, use that fancy beard oil! You don’t have to have a date to feel beautiful. It’s just a little mood booster trick. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t pointless. It is the best way to love your loved ones. Ask your mom if I’m right. I dare you. (Ya call her! Mother’s day is in a week!)

• Be Creative
  This sounds broad and general but what I am trying to focus on is what I can do instead of what I can’t do. Ironically, the idealistic artists are gonna struggle the most with this. Comfort zones are for people who want to stop living. Yes I miss fresh sushi, but hey, I now know how to make fresh pasta! It is fascinating what that attitude can bring. My ballet teacher started offering online classes since the quarantine order, and next thing you know, he is reconnected to his old students who now reside in New York, Ohio and Beijing!

• Stay Home and Shop Online, and Shop Wisely
  Quarantine sucks, that’s universally agreed. Everyone copes differently. I cannot stop people from interpreting “liberty” as irresponsibility, but I can do my part and wear my mask, and support small businesses by spending a few more minutes to look for them instead of going on the big store websites by default. I’m actually thinking of friends’ birthdays ahead of time just so I can shop now and contribute to small stores that are on the verge of closing. You don’t need to spend more than what you normally would, but choosing where to shop makes a difference. I am not saying that all Corporate CEOs are heartless and talentless, some might actually have earned their success. But I know that COVID is only gonna affect a few digits in their bank accounts but not their lifestyle, while it is literally threatening small business owners’ ability to bring food to the table.

So even though you might not be able to travel, dine out, and party your hearts out, please don’t curl up into a human slug ball in bed and give up. You are not alone, and damn it WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS!!

One more thing:

My weekly studio video #BenchTimewithTheClaw has been really fun yet many have expressed that the Wednesday afternoon time slot doesn’t quite work with their schedule, and others have said that they aren’t on Instagram and feel a bit excluded. So I have decided to mix things up, it will be weekly, yet it will take different formats. Some will remain LIVE, others prerecorded and stay available. Most will be behind the scene session at the studio but some will be a total surprise. Alright, I love it. Variety is the spice of life!

And for this week, Wednesday May 6th 8pm PT, in order to get myself outta that pity party because of all the canceled shows, I will be showcasing my work at home via Instagram and Facebook. It’ll be almost like you’re at my show, just claim your hugs later when the world resumes. Follow me @chloeography and stay tune!!

Take care. Much love. Call your mom.