This is not the message I was hoping to post on St. Patrick’s Day….
A week ago, I was going about my usual routine – working on projects, planning for meetings, going to the gym, thinking about what we were having for dinner and what we were going to do for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It’s crazy how much can change in a week.
It’s completely normal to be fearful during this time. We should all be focusing on taking the mandated and worthwhile precautions to slow the spread of the virus. Our first priority is to make sure everyone close to us is safe. I do believe we’ll get through this and be stronger because of it, but it has been a struggle to maintain that mindset. While I’ve been having my ups and downs, I’m attempting to keep life on track as much as possible. It’s the only way I can manage through this.
There Are Still Changes and Challenges to Face
In addition to the stress of the virus and life basically shutting down, economic disruption is also a point of concern. Disposable spending is dropping, and original art and other creative products are often not a priority purchase for most people item in times like these. Please don’t give up your business goals. You may have to table some things right now, or put your focus on something else, but stick with some aspect of your work and business. Maybe it’s just creating the work – and that’s okay!
Here Are Some Ideas on How To Manage Through This Time
Create! You probably have more time in the studio now. Embrace it.
Take advantage of this time to cross items off of your to-do list or focus on a project like improving your website. I plan on continuing to offer free tips on blogging for your art business.
Take time to enjoy some hobbies that you don’t get to enjoy as often as you would like. In the past two days, I’ve read more than I’ve read in the prior two weeks. Also, I’m picking my knitting back up.
Spend time with loved ones. You may not be able to visit in person, but how about a nice long phone call or some Facetime? If you can be in the same space, enjoy that as well. Today I did some meditative coloring with my daughter. I can’t remember the last time we did that.
Here is What Artisan Advantage is Doing During this Time
Posting will continue here and on my social media channels as much as possible. I hope to finish some new resources that I’ve been working on. Any meetings that I had scheduled in person will take place via a video call.
If you’re looking for some help with your blog, I’m going to open up some free consulting hours during this time. I’ll be sending out a calendar where you can sign up in the next day or two.
If you want to send me a question about something you’re working on, please do! You can reach me at becky@artisan-advantage.com.
Let’s stay connected as much as possible!
