I wanted to write you all and say that I am wishing you all health and happiness in these uncertain times. I know I’m not the only one worried about the health of many, personal income, mental sanity, and the million other things we are all facing as a community.
I also feel so grateful that even while times are hard as a small business in the sports industry, I also have had a few orders that are helping me stay afloat and it has become apparent to me more than ever just how much each of you play a role in allowing me to live out my dreams of creating sports art. For those of you still going to work, I am aware that you are putting yourself at risk every day to keep the world functioning (essential employees) and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
For those of you who have followed me more for my mental health advocacy, I’ll admit this is kind of a nightmare, but we can do this. There are online support groups and other ways to help get through this and if you need help, please reach out (you can reply directly to this email) and I will gladly help look up resources with you. We are not alone, and this is temporary.
In the meantime, I am creating art, loving on my dogs, and cooking nice dinners to pass the time… I know many can relate which is further proof that we are alone, together.
For those of you that have helped me keep my doors open with your purchases, I can’t even begin to express my gratitude. For those of you that can’t and still have well wishes, you are just as integral and I feel blessed to have you a part of my community.
While I cannot predict the future any better than the next, I can keep promising that I will strive to focus on the following with my whole heart:
- Remain kind with my words and giving with my heart.
- Stay healthy and show gratitude for my body by being respectful and cautious of those with compromised immune systems. This means considering them before my own needs when I’m tired of social distancing. (Please note, this does NOT mean I haven’t been taking social distancing seriously to date)
- Keep my small business afloat. This is huge for me. I didn’t come this far to only come this far and the combination of uncertainty in the market and the industry I work in taking a big ol’ break, I am anxious. Your support so far has been more than I could ask.
- Keep my mental health in the best place I can. This is the perfect storm for my anxiety and panic to get a bit weird (and even depression) so do small things to show love to myself and be well.
- Stay creative and try new things.
- BREATHE. Just keep breathing. We may be alone, but we are alone, together.
Love to all of you,
Lauren