Checking in: How are you doing as we confront the coronavirus? | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Claudia Delgadillo
April 15, 2020
So, how are you doing?
We continue to check in with our community as we learn to live with the challenges of COVID-19.
‘Learning to embrace the small things I tend to take for granted’
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Who: Aja Janay, owner of Heal + Glow
How’s your life been since we’ve been told to stay home?
Initially I was grateful. I’m such a homebody, I was excited to be working in the comforts of my own home. I’ve been yearning to have the opportunity to stay home to focus on creative projects and skills.
It’s currently transitioning into an opportunity to face myself, to deal with my demons, reveal my own toxic behaviors, unpacking the trauma that I’m usually forced to suppress so I can go about my day to day.
I’ve been using this time to do a lot of introspective work. I’ve been learning to embrace the small things I tend to take for granted. Like how beautiful the birds sound when they’re practicing a song early when the sun rises.
What do you feel you need more of?
I need more social interaction for sure. I wish I could visit my family more, and I miss seeing my friends at work. However, I understand the importance of solitude. I feel like I need a little bit more certainty from our government as far as how this pandemic will shape our day-to-day in the future. I wish I knew how long this quarantine will truly last, but I can’t afford to allow myself to spiral into those thoughts.
What do you feel you need less of?
I’ve had my fair share of anxiety attacks and crying spells during this time. I need less of that for sure. I’ve been using this time to ​clean house​. I’ve been working to let go of all the things that don’t serve me, internally and externally. So I’ve been limiting my time on social media as much as I can.
Say something to inspire your neighbor.
Attempt to spend this time to release what no longer serves you. Spread love and give thanks.
‘I never imagined life would shift this quickly’
Who: Tiffany Miller, owner of FlyBlooms
How has your life been since we’ve been told to stay home?
Life at home has been both beautiful and challenging. I am usually on the go with teaching and creating for FlyBlooms at The Bronzeville Collective MKE. Everything has gone online, even the way we do business.
Teaching is online, too. Shout-out to my scholars and teachers at Milwaukee College Prep – Lloyd Street. We shifted pretty seamlessly and equipped our scholars with technology right away.
I really miss physically seeing people. I miss hugging folks. Social distancing walks are a thing and so are online happy hours. I currently have a six-foot table propped up in my living room and fabric draped across my couch. My sewing machine and serge live in my office now.
What do you feel you need more of?
I need more bright sunny days with a warm breeze so I can sit on my deck and enjoy the fresh air or walk around my neighborhood admiring the beauty of older homes. I want to say I need more hugs, but that won’t happen for a while.
What do you need less of?
I need less screen time. My time on the computer has skyrocketed. I even had to purchase blue light filter frames. Everything is online now. I never imagined life would shift this quickly.
Say something to inspire your neighbor.
Hey, neighbor. It’s good to see you!
In case you missed it: Checking in: How are you doing as we confront the coronavirus?