What’s most important to you right now? 

I have a lot of anxiety when I’m not busy or doing things and having things to look forward to. I’m just trying to focus on taking care of myself and giving myself projects to do to keep my mind occupied. We’re otherwise fine, so I get to focus on that. 

What was most important to you before you had to social distance? 

A similar thing but in a different way. Making time to visit family and friends. Keeping myself busy in that way. Now we’re just calling instead of traveling.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when this is over? 

Go to visit my family. My cousin had a baby today! 

What are you doing to pass the time? 

I’m in project mode. I’m an artist, I’ve painted a mural, I’m painting a corn hole set right now.

What makes you happy right now?

The little things. I’m more relaxed than I’ve ever been before. Little things like taking my dogs for a walk, a nice meal from our favorite restaurant. Little things that seemed like day-to-day things before bring me actual joy now. 

What would you tell yourself two months ago with the knowledge you have today? 

Chill out, it’s going to be fine. The time’s going to go by a lot faster than you thought it would. 

There’s a lot of things I’ve discovered that I don’t need. I don’t need makeup, I don’t need to have plans every single weekend to be happy. Calming down and relaxing and living simpler is okay.

Stacey R-Denver

DAY 48