Coronavirus and Writing

Starting today at 8am, Milwaukee is on lockdown. We don't know how long this is going to last, but I think we can all agree that a little bit of positivity goes a long way right now. I've been trying to come up with a strategy for how I want to produce and create valuable content during this weird time, and I finally came up with something that I think could be a very cool way to connect with each other!

The other day, I was thinking of content ideas when I began to write down a list of a few interesting things I've found myself doing since being quarantined in my room at home in Milwaukee. Not just the random things I've been up to, like the hour-long headstand session I had for fun on Monday (yeah, you read that right...) but productive activities I've found myself craving that I haven't in a while. The most surprising (to me) on that list? Personal writing.

I began this blog a long time ago.. back in 2012 when personal blogs were a much bigger thing. Since then, blogs have died a little. Not the industry, but the core concept of what they once were. I actually wrote a paper on this last week for one of my classes. Blogs began as a creative outlet for people who wanted to share their lives in hopes of connecting with and inspiring others. Now, I feel like every time I check my go-to blogs (mine included!) it's all about shopping, what to wear, and material things. I understand it, but after a while, it's nauseating. When did we decided that frilly dresses were more important than our thoughts, observations, and unique ideas that make bloggers so interesting to follow in the first place?

This post was inspired by this article from Man Repeller. 

Harling Ross, who I follow and adore on Instagram (not only because she is a fellow curly-haired blonde), is an exceptional writer. She is probably my favorite MR writer; every time I want to link to an MR article, I always see her name at the bottom of the page.

I find Man Repeller to be of the highest standard on the internet. The stories and articles are incredibly well-written, articulate yet hilarious, relatable, and stimulating. They are all of the thoughts I have but don't know how to express. 

The article, which you should read yourself because I won't be able to do it justice, talked about the need for the 2012 internet again. We need personal blogs and insights into others' minds and all of the things that make us feel like we are talking to a friend or getting to know someone new... because right now, we can't actually do that. 

I was amazed by the way her thoughts mirrored mine. Since being stuck at home, I've written down countless lists of my own thoughts (including the ones I shared in this post on Monday) and have been noticing how good it feels just to get them down. There is so much to say, and such a need to put it out there right now. I forgot how good it feels just to write down the things on your mind. Once you start, it gets easier to keep going, to want to do it, and not want to stop. It's amazing how many thoughts you have every day that you ignore, avoid, or bury below others.

I would encourage everyone, the next time you need a productive, inspiring, quarantine activity, to try and write down some of your thoughts. I found a note on my phone from exactly two years ago today with a list of journaling prompts and thought it could be a cool way to connect with each other! So..

I've put 19 writing prompts onto a new page of my website here. Each prompt includes an idea and questions to prompt personal writing!

While I hope this inspires you to do something for yourself while social distancing, I would also love if you wanted to share any of your responses on the new page. I will respond to them, we can all respond to each other, and I think it would be a cool way to connect with others.

and just for fun, because I haven't stopped listening to music since being home, here is an album I've had on repeat during quarantine: it's soft and smooth and by one of my favorite bands from this summer, Summer Salt. Put it on shuffle in the background if you're working from home, relaxing, or just need a new quarantune!

XOXO