Finding Joy while in social isolation

Like most people right now, I’m struggling with this social isolation/COVID-19 pandemic that we find ourselves in. With all the uncertainty and isolation I’m finding it hard to stay positive and motivated. I finished up my 14 days of self-quarantine just in time to start the 30 day safer at home order, that will put me at 6 weeks at home, socially isolated and that feels very daunting and overwhelming.

For me, I know I need projects to keep my sanity. Given that most of my 2020 projects revolved around photographing people and that’s pretty much out of the question right now I decided to look at other things I can do to help me stay positive and give my purpose during this time. After giving it some thought I have decided to do a 30 day Finding Joy project.

Some of you know that I’ve been interviewing and photographing people for a project called Finding Joy. The project focuses on exploring the ways people Find Joy particularly after trauma. It looks at what joy is, how individuals define it and why it’s so important for the happiness of our lives. I’ve been working on this project for a little over a year now and although its on hold now I’ve decided to take some of the lessons I’ve learned so far and put them into practice now.

One of the things I’ve learned is that Finding Joy takes effort, it’s a choice we make, it is not just given to us. We have to be looking for it, we have to choose to recognize it and we have to make an effort to really appreciate.

In a world that currently seems turned upside down, in total chaos, filled with uncertainty and fear, I’m finding it hard to find moments of joy. It’s become far too easy to be consumed by all the fear and negativity so I need to make an effort to change that. I have decided to make this my project, look for and appreciate moments of Joy, photograph them and share them, once a day for 30 days.

If you are inspired to do the same please share, I’d love to see the ways you are finding joy during these uncertain times.

Stay safe everyone!