Creating During COVID

The past seven months have been hard on everyone. I won't deny that. But as a creative, I can say that the strain put on my mind, body, and soul has exceeded any other trying time.

I always will defend that acting is my first love. However, even before Coronavirus, I was not getting the release and experience that I truly desired that helped to keep my demons at bay.

I will admit, with Borderline Personality Disorder, having a healthy outlet to express oneself is dire in order to keep from becoming impulsive and inevitably doing something self-harming. Now, I didn't try to hurt myself physically, no, but my actions inadvertently hurt those closest to me. My emotions were extremely heightened and I can honestly say that I believed what I did was for the best. I have since learned my error.

This is why it's so vital to have healthy outlets to turn to. Being stuck in a mundane routine can drive even 'normal' people mad.

During my work's semi-annual Value Awards Ceremony, I donated my time to create individual centerpieces for the tables. I know we could have easily pulled something from our stock, but I knew this was a great way for me to find an outlet.

This week I attempted something I had never done. I made a six-tier rainbow cake with homemade fondant. It's for my co-worker's Going Away Party her last week. This co-worker has been such a friend of mine that I wanted to make something exceptional for her and I know how much she loves rainbows and unicorns. It was definitely a trial and error situation. I had never made a multi-tier cake nor had I ever made fondant. I've definitely learned for next time. I adore baking so much and I'm so happy that it has been my backup to express myself when theatre is absent.

I do hope that soon things will begin to return to some semblance of normal, but until then, I will continue to work through my struggles and use art as a healthy outlet for my needs.

**Surprise Addition: We had "Character Day" last Sunday and I made myself a Cat in the Hat costume the night before. I'm really enjoying these little sprinkles of art that I have to get me by.