How to be Grateful When You're Weary

What Comes Next 2, 43H x 62W inches, on canvas. ©2020 Michelle Louis

     Grateful feels weird this year. Like many others with high risk for COVID-19 complications, I am not without moments of panic pretty much every day. Nothing about these times is normal or easy, and we all know our daily lives will not go back to the way they were, nor should they.
     An artist friend commented on an artist interview I recently did, "I don’t know how you can be that happy in the middle of a pandemic, but more power to you!"
    My response was, “I know what you mean, but honestly, it's invigorated my thoughts about how precious every moment is. Sounds trite, but dang, it's a lesson I learned young, and the universe seems to continue reinforcing it.”
     Is it possible to find the positive and hang on for dear life? Choosing love over fear, day after day, can be exhausting. As Mr. Rogers wisely said, “Look for the helpers.”
     I'm choosing bright, bold colors and wild, loopy forms as helpers. Box breathing is another helper. It really works. So does a vigorous hike in the woods. Writing a note to a friend makes me feel better. So does a physically distanced walk around the block with a neighbor. I thought comfort baking was a helper until I couldn't zip my pants, so it's been downgraded to the "un" helper list.
     I have no illusions about what a long, formidable winter this will be. Find your helpers.
     Can we share our humble gratitude for a moment? Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!

Meteor Shower 2, 40H x 67W inches, on canvas. ©2020 Michelle Louis