What Does This Make Possible? Can COVID-19 Bring Beauty?

Episode 35 of the Do It For the Process: For The Artists by Emily Jeffords podcast, hosted by Emily Jeffords, titled "What Does This Make Possible? Can COVID-19 Bring Beauty?" was published on March 19, 2020 and runs 29 minutes.

March 19, 2020 ·29m · Do It For the Process: For The Artists by Emily Jeffords

Summary

As concerns about the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 increase, I wanted to personally reach out to you and offer some honest thoughts.      I understand how scary and uncertain this time can feel, and the news is so loud and deeply unhopeful.     However, though the whole world feels a little (a lot) crazy, I hope that you are able to transform this storm into a season of GROWTH, TRANSFORMATION, and (dare I say) EXPANSION!     I know this pandemic is causing pain across the globe.    People are sick and scared; they are hungry and desperate. I am watching many of my dearest friends who are small business owners scramble and wrestle with some huge questions as they try their best to stay open and profitable while also safe (and I know their story is being repeated a million times over in each of our communities.)  Low-income households and those that work in retail or service industry are feeling another layer of pain and fear through all of this. Heroic medical personnel around the world are literally putting themselves at risk for each of us...  We're all hurting, if we're aware enough to notice.    HOWEVER, I am also watching our society shift and recenter. We are going home. We are spending time with loved ones. We have the space to trying new things. People around us are longing for clarity, peace, and HOPE.   So, I ask again, what does this make possible?   What does the time at home make possible?  How can you grow and evolve intentionally during this strange season? Is fear going to derail your success?   Are you going to be quickly overwhelmed? Is the news going to clutter your mind so much that Inspiration is silenced?     OR,   Are you going to create something you will be proud to look back on? Are you going to learn skills that will help you progress & grow? Are you going to help those around you? Are you going to make amazing memories with your loved ones?     "What does this make possible?"   When Stu (my mentor) asked this question last week, my first thought was to stubbornly dig in my heels and say, "There's nothing to change! We're doing great! I can't add another thing to my already full plate."   ... But then, I realized that there are things to change.  Not everyone is doing great.   Sure, maybe my family is healthy, and we are totally set up to hibernate all spring if needed, but my job as an artist is to bring hope and connection to others.   My job as an educator is to offer hope and clarity to others.   My job as an employer is to be as constant and supportive as possible (maybe I can even hire a few people in need during this time).       So, welcome to my new spring plans.     Rather than traveling to the UK with my girls (we'll hopefully do that later this year), I am pouring my energy into those that need it more.     Because, guys, I have an ENORMOUS amount of hope.  I feel it welling up in my heart constantly.     I want to share that hope with you.   Art, community, support...   You in?  Stay tuned.     We're changing our plans this spring and they are 100% intended to help you grow and feel as hopeful as I do!   Most exciting, THE COLLECTIVE is opening a month early!  The Collective is a membership, mentorship, and community for creatives and artists and it is basically my FAVORITE place on the internet.  So nourishing, informative, and warm.   Join us.   Because of the deep need for clarity and GROWTH in the creative community, I'm opening the membership a month early!  And, to make it even sweeter, I'm reducing this first month from $29 to $9!  Yes.  NINE DOLLARS!   Join us. Join us and grow.     LEARN ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE  h e r e

Episode Description