I think we've come to the point where we've stopped counting the days of sheltering in place and are kind of just going with the flow. Quarantine has been quite the journey, to say the least, and though everyone's experience is different, we're collectively going through it.

Add being black on top of all the mess. Being a melanated queen is definitely a blessing, but has been so emotionally taxing since May 25th. I saw a post directed at our "Allies" stating if they're tired of standing up for the cause, imagine how we feel, having been about that life since birth. And as much as more emphasis is being put on the good of and within the community, black joy, and black excellence, life is just a rollercoaster of emotions right now. But here are some things to do to make it more bearable.

Quarantine and Twitter.

Shoutout to Black Twitter that's always good for a comedic break though. We truly have the gift of turning all sorts of mess into a joke. Everything from "Entanglement" to the "Karens" of the world. This leads to my first “Do”, which is to find your comedic relief. Laughter is the best medicine as they say.

And if Twitter isn't coming through with the jokes, then we're taking the opportunity to deflect negativity to positivity. I'm talking about the class act and Black beauty that is Jill Scott. I mean, first of all, THE NERVE to come for her to begin with. You can read more about it here. But kudos to Ms. Scott, determined to radiate nothing but love and light, who decided to instead remind us that justice for the Black Queens we've lost is still needed. Here’s my second Do, take a cue from the Neo-Soul queen herself and find positivity or find a cause. Taking the focus off yourself will hopefully make you realize that things aren’t that bad.

Quarantine with Kids.

There's one queen for whom we don't need justice as much as we'd like solace, and that’s Naya Rivera. The search continues for Rivers who was presumed dead as of July 9th, and yet again we're reminded how precious the gift of life is. We truly need to make the most out of every day that's given. I'm guilty of wallowing in my feelings about quarantine life and otherwise. "Quarantine with Kids - The single mom edition". There's a book that could come in handy right about now, lol. Jokes aside though, I'm grateful. They get on my nerves, but they bring me joy. That #BlackBoyJoy just hits differently. My third Do is to appreciate that you even have a life to complain about. Honing in on the appreciate part rather than the complaining part will in and of itself bring about gratitude.

Quarantine Creativity.

While some are out here fighting for black lives, others are fighting about wearing a mask. Like really? I don't understand why, in spite of all the crazy numbers and death tolls, people feel the need to control something that's proven to be pretty much out of control. The ONE thing you can do to somewhat mitigate your exposure is to wear a mask when you're out and about. But nope! Common sense isn't that common. This is why Sherri Daye Scott, Fabian Williams, and Dwayne “Dubelyoo” Wright have teamed up to launch a grassroots campaign that uses art to encourage the wearing of face masks, as reported by CNN.

The campaign, which goes by the name "Big Facts Small Acts", is an example of Black creativity. Journalist, writer, and filmmaker Sherri Daye Scott felt the sense of duty to do something about the virus spreading and the message is simple, wear a doggone mask! This brings us to Do numbers four and five - wear a mask please and find your creative outlet. It doesn’t have to be art. it can be sowing, singing, or writing. Allow your imagination to run wild.

Quarantine like a boss.

I know this season can almost feel like a jail sentence and just fighting to remain mentally stable is battle. but I want to encourage you to take this once in a lifetime season in your life and try to make the most of it. Inspire somebody, encourage someone, and impact others.

We can either complain about the current situation or find the silver lining. During economic downturns is when you'll find opportunities that may not otherwise be apparent. In a time when people’s needs are great, the gift you carry might be just what the world needs. Be it comedy, creativity or positivity, or a plethora of other natural gifts. With a bit of imagination and determination, you can carve out a niche for yourself and leave an impact.

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Of course, don't push yourself beyond what you can handle, but as I led in the intro, we've lost count of how we've been in this mess, and the end of the tunnel doesn't appear to be around the corner either. So at this point, we have to figure out what we're going to make of it. When the pandemic was still fairly new, back in April there was a meme floating around saying if you don't come out of this with more knowledge, a new skill or a side hustle, that got a lot of flak because coming out alive and with our right mind is a challenge in itself.

And I agree, health first, ALWAYS. But we're pretty much not going anywhere for the rest of 2020. That's a whole other 6 months! And so my point is simply that your mental health will likely benefit from focusing on things you love, your passions, your gifts, rather than thinking about what you hate about our current circumstance. Don't suppress your feelings, but channel it, give it an outlet. And of course, if needed talk to a professional.

Conclusion.

Regardless of what you decide to make of the rest of 2020, my hope and prayer for you is this, that you DO find joy.