2020 and 2021 were tough years for most of us. The pandemic meant that people who catch the virus not only face physical illness but must deal with the associated financial difficulties and mental health issues. These problems are also experienced by those lucky enough to escape catching the virus. Living through the lockdowns, facing the same thing day in and day out, makes people feel isolated, insipid and numb. I also experienced the extremely strict lockdown for 76 days straight...

Although everything is back to 'normal' now, I still don’t do much with my day. Having no opportunities to go outside and interact with the community I’ve lived in for over 20 years makes me feel empty inside. To ‘save myself’, I tried to be more conscious of every small, previously unnoticed moment that filled my ordinary days. I see new sprouts growing from dead branches, I see green buds growing out of fallen leaves, I see the shimmer of sunlight and clouds and sky. I breathe hope and power, feeling alive again.

Life is still beautiful.

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Untitled, 2021  

digital photograph