As we begin a new year still coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been important to me personally to keep up the gentle reminders that we are all getting through each day while also dealing with a persistent, cumulative global trauma. This pandemic will have far reaching effects on our individual and collective mental health and wellness. I am in awe of the courage and compassion people continue to bring to their self-care. What is one thing you can do today to bring more care to your own heart?
[image description: Pods of single, dyadic, or small-group hearts who are all wearing masks that cover their noses and mouths look around with various expressions. The pods are all walled off from each other. Text reads: "This is traumatic. 2 JULY2020"]
Throughout the pandemic, I have posted messages on my Facebook wall that I needed to hear myself or that I imagined others may be needing to hear. Again and again, these messages spurred collective online processing of a range of challenges and lows and bright spots of living through the pandemic. This series of cartoons is intended to reflect on and illustrate some of the process of dealing with life by leaning into the intersection of technology and community. |
[image description: Screenshot of a Facebook status that reads: "This is traumatic." Anna comments: "Symptoms of trauma can include: * Shock, denial, or disbelief, * Confusion, difficulty concentrating, *Anger, irritability, mood swings, * Anxiety and fear, * Guilt, shame, self-blame, * Withdrawing from others, * Feeling sad or hopeless, * Feeling disconnected or numb." A comment responds: "Yup. Can confirm."]
#MindfulHearts retrospective.
On this day 2020.
On this day 2019.
Celebrating two years of daily cartoons.
On this day 2020.
On this day 2019.
Celebrating two years of daily cartoons.