At the start of 2020, nobody had any idea the whole year would be filled with a pandemic. So many lives lost and lives changed forever. I remember when I first heard of the Coronavirus in December/January. Luckily it was still only in China at the time when I travelled to New York for my birthday. Little did I know when I got home, that life would change forever.
There have been so many struggles during this time, and there is still is on occasion. But so many good things came out from 2020. One of them being a real re-focus in my life, and finding out what I was passionate about. If you can’t tell already, I am an optimistic person – most of the time. I see life as a glass half full and know that bad things don’t last forever. But throughout this pandemic it has become increasingly harder to stay on that thought process.
A RE-FOCUS
Since I was old enough to travel solo I have been. I have some of my best friends who live in America and every year I’d fly solo and travel to see them and have holidays with them. Every single year consisted of me saving and spending money on holidays back and forth from the US. It was such a blessing and a fun time in my life. And as the pandemic started and travel was slowly restricted, I came to a realisation that I’d probably not be able to see them for a while.
The lack of spending meant I was able to save more money than I ever had. And it made me realise how much money I’d spend on unnecessary things pre-pandemic. A blessing has been that I have been able to pay off any remainder of debt I had from my travels and means I have been able to save. This ultimately has meant that so many of my long term goals have been able to come to the fore-front. And that would never have happened pre-pandemic.
A NEW PASSION
The pandemic has meant alot more time at home and alot more free time too. This has meant that I have had more time to think of and take up new hobbies. One of which has been calligraphy and digital illustrations. I remember seeing so many others on Tik Tok and YouTube using pro-create[an apple store app] to design and create such beautiful things. I had zero experience in calligraphy and lettering but decided I wanted to give it a go.
If you’ve ever tried to do it yourself then you know how hard it is to master, but I was up for the challenge. I ordered myself an iPad and then shortly after an apple pencil. Then I got started and downloaded pro create and practiced every single day. I am completely self taught and have learnt so much from watching others lettering on YouTube. Lettering and doing digital illustrations has helped me so much. Its so relaxing and fun to just draw and create anything you want to.
If you’d like to purchase a digital illustration, please click here and support a small business!
BLOGGING
Of course I couldn’t write this post without mentioning the new passion that now takes up most of my time. Blogging! I re-started my blogging journey in July 2020 and have not stopped since. This blog has grown and grown and I am so grateful for the success we have had from this site. Blogging really gave me a purpose and thats one reason why I choose to blog.
I know there are others out there who are counting on me to provide them with help and advice, and thats why I continue to do it. I really love this community of people we are growing. And I can’t wait to see where this goes.
What are some new things you have started to do during the pandemic?
Do you have any new hobbies?
As the optimistic person I am, I’m glad I found something good that came out of these past years filled with so much negativity. I encourage you to look at the good, and focus on it. It really helps so much with your mindset.
Olivia x
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You are gem dear… Your all blogs are just amazing, inspiring…love them❤️❤️
Thank you so much 💖
For me tiktok and blogging. But missing how things were before this virus. And monotony of life right now.
I agree, I really miss it too 🙁
I started my blog before the pandemic but I have really stepped up my game since March.
My blog unlocked my love of writing so I decided to take steps to make writing more than just a hobby. I started the Plain Language Certificate at Simon Fraser University. I’m just finishing up my third course. My goal is to complete it by the end of next year.
It really unlocked mine too, I’m so grateful I found blogging during this hard time!
What a neat hobby to take up!! I haven’t started yet, but I want to try cross stitching. I’m a very technical and physical person, so I have plenty of activities to fulfill that. But I needed something that would bring out my creativity. As well as blogging; I’m not as seasoned with blogging as you are, but I hope over time I will be.
Yesss, do it!! 🙂 Theres no time like the present!
Great post. You are inspiring. Thanks for sharing https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com
Thanks alot!
I have been working on writing a post about hobbies too that I am publishing in March. I picked up a few new hobbies since the pandemic started and they have brought me so many benefits. Rock painting/hiding, dot mandalas, and blogging!
They really have haven’t they. Blogging being the biggest one for me!
This is wonderful 🤍✨your illustrations are amazing 😊
Thanks so much joy! 💛
I love this post. And I’ve always been jealous of people like you who are naturally optimistic, because I’m a pessimist most of the time. I actually started my blog in December because I just had to force myself to be more optimistic in some way, just for the sake of my mental health and sanity. I had grown too angry, especially over the course of 2020 because of the pandemic (and people not taking it seriously), as well as the ever-eroding political and racial landscape. I was getting angry at the TV all the time. So one day my wife said, “You’ve got to stop this. You need a hobby.” So I started my blog in search of the good in everyday life. And I told myself that I didn’t even care if anyone else read it or followed it. I just needed to do it to focus myself on positive aspects of life, and on my passions–mostly writing and dogs. And lo and behold, I think it just might be working. I know that I feel better and more positive now. Hardly a day has gone by that I haven’t blogged, and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon. I’ve also started to teach myself video editing, although I’m still a complete novice. But I’m learning every day. Thanks for your words of inspiration.
Welcome to the optimistic club! I hope you like it here 👍🏻
This past year has been so hard for so many reasons. Don’t be fooled into believing that I have reminded positive and optimistic throughout this whole pandemic, because I most certainly haven’t. I have my days where I struggle, just like everyone else. I try to wipe the slate clean everyday that I wake up and move on from whatever happened the day before.
I am so glad you found blogging to be the thing that helps you. It really is such a therapeutic way of getting your thoughts and feelings out. I guess its a little bit like therapy for us isn’t it?
Keep going, you’re doing amazing!
Well…I started reading posts a lot and temporarily stopped to write my own posts learn better
Well done on such amazing achievements! The pandemic helped me rekindle my love for writing, spend more time with family and focus all my finances on my personal goals 😊
Yes, Love this 🙌🏼
I was able to put more time and effort into my blog and realised I enjoy writing. Got in touch with my artistic side again through drawing, painting and creating designs.
I really love your illustrations, calligraphy and blog. You are an inspiration with your achievements Olivia.
Thank you so much! I love that this weird situation we’re in allowed you to get back into the things you enjoy!
You’re welcome. Ikr. Silver lining in the cloud. It is great getting back into childhood joys.
I am glad you are able to hold onto your optimistic side during this pandemic.
I am trying so hard to look beyond problems and get back to my optimistic self but my god, this lingering pandemic really taking its toll.
A great read, nonetheless🥰💕 xx
Sometimes I go through phases where I am positive and then some days I am negative. Its like an emotional rollercoaster. I’m sure that as things start to get back to normal we will find a good balance!
xx
I could start my blog and came here all because of the lockdown. I know we faced many difficulties but for the things I learned I’m very grateful. Blogging has now become my passion.
I love to hear that
Your digital illustrations are so good! I’m going to take a look at your Etsy page now ☺️ Also I completely agree with the realisation on how much money we spend on pointless things! Lockdown has given me a completely different outlook on spending habits too. I get more satisfaction out of saving now ❤️
Thank you so much! 🙂
Glad to know that you were able to use the current situation to improve some aspects of your life. As for me, the pandemic allowed me to work from home and focus on my law school subjects even more. This is something I constantly struggled with in the recent years. Lockdown days had also presented opportunities to learn new hobbies such as brushpainting and calligraphy.
Glad to know that you were able to use the current situation to improve some aspects of your life. As for me, the pandemic allowed me to work from home and focus on my law school subjects even more. This is something I constantly struggled with in the recent years. Lockdown days had also presented opportunities to learn new hobbies such as brushpainting and calligraphy.
Thats awesome! I learnt calligraphy too 🙂 I’m glad that you have found some new hobbies!
Good luck!🍀
Thanks!
Not much changed for me with the pandemic since I’d already stopped working the year before. I do miss traveling though. My husband were flying out somewhere at least 4-6 times a year. I’m glad you started your blog back up. You have been an awesome source for help and inspiration. Thank you!
Travelling is something I miss so so much. I think everyone will be taking holidays once this thing is over!
Oh, absolutely!🙌🏽
Happy to have stumbled on your post, Olivia. At the start of the pandemic I wrote and self-published a poetry collection, illustrated by my artist daughter. One led to another and we just completed our third book. With her living in another state, our creative project shortened the miles. We learned many things working together remotely, including how much we love each other. Trying times, but focusing on creativity has been a blessing. 💕
WOW! What an amazing thing to accomplish in such a weird time in all of our lives. And how amazing that you got to do that with your daughter! I wish you all the success!
Thank you, Olivia.🙏 Our ongoing project has delivered long-distance learning, love, gifts for others, and a chance to collaborate using our creative passions. 🎨 ✍ 💕
Thank you, Olivia. 🙏 Our ongoing project has delivered long-distance learning, love, gifts for others, and a chance to collaborate using our creative passions.🎨 ✍ 💕
Hi Liv, I must say that you’ve inspired me. I was always a blogger lost my mojo found it in October of last year and Deetheory was born. I’ve also seen your amazing talent of Digital art and calligraphy and yes it’s pretty hard to master but I will get there. I’m not an Apple girl so I’m using my new Samsung Tablet and pen lol. I’ve made some progress my son loves when I draw random photos to his liking. This has been therapeutic and I can’t wait to get to the point of master. I’m being patient tho. Keep on sharing we’re rooting for you 💛
Hey! This makes me SOOO happy. Thank you so much for sharing that with me. We all have to start somewhere! Please let me know if you need any pointers or tips. I’d really love to see what you have been doing. Isn’t it so therapeutic? I wish I could do it all day everyday! 💕
I will thanks.
Very inspiring.. Always good to see the good from the bad situations ☺️👏 well done in finding new passions during these frustrating times
For me. It has always been writing and telling stories. I stopped for a while but the pandemic has really forced me to go back write and tell stories. I had too much time on my hands and I was overthinking things not good things but ever since I reopened my Blog it has been my main focus. I’m in a better place now.
I got to discover that I am good at doodle art and making mandalas… If I practice I can do it! Amazing blog… Keep writing ✨😄
I’ve not really had any new hobbies. All I seem to do is work and not get time to do the things I actually love. Truly missing being able to go to concerts. I do love writing and wish I’d maybe spent more time doing that. It’s really made me think that it would have been the perfect time though to find a new hobby!! Xxx
Your digital potraits are AMAZING! can i know what you use to make them? I’m practicing too😉 (you probably could tell from my profile picture)
Great post, olivia!
Thanks so much! 🙂 I use pro create which is an apple app. I use this on an iPad pro, but I think you can download and use on iPhones too! 🙂
You’re welcome! Oh, I use ibis paint x!
Awesome! I haven’t heard of that before!
It’s a free app, and it has a clean user interface. I recommend it! 🙂
I have discovered my passion in art since the pandemic. I started some you tube lessons with the simple objective of wanting to sketch my dogs. I surprised myself along the way and realised I have a passion in this area that I didn’t know exist before 😉