I never thought I’d say this when this all began, but this quarantine and horrific disease has caused me to do, among several options, one specific thing: branch out. Yes, you read that correctly. It has forced me, from the confines of my nyc apartment, to reach out to those that I don’t talk to often enough. It has guided me to reach out to those who might need a boost (and sometimes they reach out to me for the same). It has pushed me to re-think where my life is and how I can get to the next point. It has shown me that what I was doing was decent then but it no longer works now. It has pushed me to grow stronger due to the stress of everyday living around here. It has made me realize who my true friends are. It has shown me more about myself than I realized it would (or could), and where I am vs. where I think I am as a person. It has proved to me that I can do much more and better than I assumed would be possible. In fact, the very first day of my isolation my one of my biggest worries was how well I would mentally handle being inside for such a long period of time. I’m an outdoors girl. I need the fresh air ALL of the time and space to burn energy. That is all still true, but my newfound ability to adapt and keep calm under these circumstances is something that I didn’t think I could do. I have. I’m proud. I’m also blessed that I am able to spend time at home and be healthy, as others may not have a home or may be struggling in the hospital. I count my blessings for this. I am a lucky, lucky person for all of the great people in my life. Ironically, being stuck indoors…has forced me to branch out in ways that I never imagined possible before. I hope you are feeling positive, world, and all my best to everyone out there. We will get through this together.

A lonely walk…but lots of beautiful branches to see/connect with. It’s hard…but we’re all in it together.