All the projects left undone

When the United States started locking down and self-isolation measures were implemented, there was a popular opinion that this was the perfect time to work on those unfinished projects or start a new one.

Write that book, start that garden, learn a new language, get into painting. Being home gave time for all of these projects.

But here's the thing, that wasn't possible for everyone, and it shouldn't be expected.

I am a projects person. From painting to woodworking I love trying it all. I find it relaxing and comforting to sit down and work on a project, but I can be very impatient if my project has delayed returns.

I am awful at gardening. I have to finish paintings in one sitting. I have a box full of unfinished crafts. There are 300 folded paper cranes sitting in a tub waiting to be strung up.

I like working on these projects because they're an escape, a way to relax after a long day.

During self-isolation, I didn't work on a single one of my crafts.

I couldn't. And that's OK.

It's not that I didn't want to. But it is hard to find the motivation to work on a project as a way to relax when staring at the same four walls every day.

I learned early on to not let other people's ideal use of time cloud what I wanted to do.

One person may write a whole book, another may find the motivation to put on jeans.

I was proud of myself for getting dressed and making lunch. I was proud of myself for making something fresh for dinner. I was proud of myself for going to bed at a decent time.

Whatever you did during quarantine, be proud of it. Because no one expects you to handle a life-altering event with ease and grace.

Now that states are loosening restrictions and workplaces are reopening, I'm finding the motivation to work on my crafts again.

But the virus hasn't gone away. So wash your hands, social distance, wear a mask and be kind to yourself.