There’s a lot going on right now – and it’s been that way for a couple of years. The pandemic has caused people to lose loved ones, livelihoods and friendships. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is devastating and the people in that country are suffering from terrible acts of war. Sitting in my office in Edmonton, I don’t have much to complain about. Would I like more work? Yes. But the additional time I’ve had lately has given rise to my creative side again.
NYT - Metropolitan Diary
As a subscriber to the New York Times (NYT), I like to read its weekly Metropolitan Diary. The Diary is filled with stories from and about New Yorkers, giving me an escape from the daily grind here in Alberta. I’ve been to the Big Apple a few times and it’s always moving, no matter if it’s day or night, hot or cold.
With some spare hours on my hands in January, I finally got the chance to write a short story for the Diary about something I saw in New York City while I was visiting friends. The moment happened on the Staten Island Ferry and has stayed with me ever since. (To read the story, head over to the NYT.)
I often think about the butterfly I saw and how small it was compared to everything around it. To me then and now, it was a little piece of hope. Some of the readers who have commented on my story caught that, too. I’m happy to have shared my moment with them, something I wouldn’t have been able to do if I had been busier back in January.
Use Your Artistic Side
It’s important to take time to be creative, even in the midst of busyness. Even 10 minutes of writing or singing or drawing can help you deal with what’s going on in the world right now. How will you be artistic today? Tell me!