Posted by Is it just me or has 2020 been emotionally exhausting? As someone who veers towards melancholia, the events and realities in the wider world this year have, at times, reduced me to rubble. There have been days when I don’t have the energy or inclination to do anything. I usually still plug away at stuff, but it’s like walking in mud. Maybe you know the feeling?!
So far my best coping techniques on “rubble days” include:
- Stop watching news! (which frequently causes me to gnash my teeth and pull out my hair)
- Get outside in nature (very calming)
- Journal and pray (always helpful)
- Call a friend (so fun)
- Make a list of five things I’m grateful for (always good to do)
- Put on “Smooth” by Santana and dance (never fails to get me moving and singing)
Business wise I’m doing better at this half-way point compared to 2019. Despite the pandemic, or maybe because of it, my Etsy store has had some surprising results so far this year. In the spring when my revenue normally slides towards the summer slump, I had three strong months. Only in July did my orders/revenue take a nose dive towards “normal.” Historically July is always my slowest month and it’s proving the same this year.
And this month in particular I’ve had a lot of messages and offers, but nothing that leads to anything. One gal sent me an offer on a pendant asking for a 40% discount. Yikes! I checked her out. She also has an Etsy store and sells semi-precious stone jewelry. I’m guessing she wanted to buy this stone pendant for her store. I don’t know, but since my item is priced fairly and competitively (if anything I could raise my price), I did not entertain her offer.
I’ll admit I am not excited when I think about what the rest of the year might look like and I’m not convinced 2021 will be better. But I was reminded by something I read yesterday that today is all we have. The past is past. The future is not promised. It behooves us to live fully in the moment, to make the most of each day and to appreciate each day as the gift it is. So I am trying to do that instead of thinking and worrying about the future.
Would love to hear how you are doing!
Karen
Hunting for Vintage 
I’m finally in the craft room after quite a long hiatus. First, I had surgery in November and had a long recuperation period. Then, I got depressed, and I wasn’t interested in doing anything except spend time on the computer. Now, I’m doing challenges, making cards and tags. Things are looking up. Then, the VIRUS! It’s always looming. It’s like a cloudy day all the time, even though the very hot sun is beating down on our piece of land. I try not to watch TV, because all I do is cuss at everyone who isn’t wearing a mask for the rest of us! It’s maddening! There are no more “quick” trips to the grocery store. It’s once a week…load up…because we’re not coming back for another week! We did sneak out to get our hair cut. After 4 1/2 months, we needed it badly. Hopefully, it won’t be another 4 months, but it just may well be that. Try and do what you can to keep the melancholia away, and I will, too!
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Hi Fonda. Thanks for sharing about your life. Glad you were able to get your hair cut. A friend of mine is getting rather desperate! And glad you are back in your craft room again…your cards and tags are so creative! I am instituting some “no news” days to help with my sanity. Blessings, Karen
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Right there with you…all that you said; the discouragement and the coping methods. Especially hard is the move to city life and the loss of an incredibly beautiful and peaceful environment.
Pushing through the mud right along with you.
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Thanks for letting me know Leslie. So sorry about the transition to city life. Your house in NC with those sweeping views was incredible! I suppose the toughest thing for me right now is realizing I may not be able to visit my dad in Lockport this year. Trying not to focus on that! Blessings, Karen
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Hi Karen, you’re certainly not alone. I’ll be having a perfectly normal day…new normal… and all of a sudden I’m crying. It seems to be for no reason but we all know what the reason is. I went from sadness to anger which was so awful. I haven’t watched the news since. I read the headlines each morning but don’t really delve into any articles. I’m not totally burying my head in the sand, just grasping onto what sanity I have left. I’ve basically left Facebook. Yes I love that I can stay in touch with family and friends near and far. But I cannot handle all the ridiculousness of most postings.
I too am doing much better on Etsy this year. It did take me awhile to want to work at it, but it really fulfills so many needs.
Take care, stay safe and healthy. I never miss any of your posts, they’re a welcome intrusion in my day!
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Hi Linda. I feel like we are living parallel lives!! I understand about the sudden tears, needing to do a news ban and turning away from Facebook because of ridiculous posts.
I’m glad you are doing better on Etsy too! You’ve got lovely things in your store.
All the best, Karen
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