For over a year, voices have been silenced. The streets were empty, schools were closed, playgrounds abandoned, businesses shuttered. Life as we considered “normal” came to the screeching halt as the global pandemic, better known as Covid-19, changed our daily routines and shaped our social landscape. Contact over the phone and through computer screens have become the norm and I don’t think I’ve worn a pair of pants that doesn’t have an elastic band and/or some dancing animal print in ages. Forget about pants that actually button, I think my body would reject the notion of even attempting to put them on. For online lessons, the uniform would consist of bottoms that would be of a fabric that one might consider to be the mimic of pajamas (all allegations) but a dressy top to maintain professionalism. Coffee is always on hand to ward off the impromptu nap that is always lurking because of my new late-night YouTube and TikTok addiction. To know the customary use of a comb or brush seems foreign as I have taken on the image of the “messy” bun which is a flag I wave proudly.
I have missed my students and seeing them in person and giving hugs and high fives. I also miss being outside of my home where I’m know by another name that does not start with M and end with either an M, an A or a Y that is shouted repeatedly over and over my house if I am not in their range of sight. I will be able to go to the restroom in peace and have conversations that will not consist of constant retellings of video game scenarios from Roblox or Gotcha Life. I will state that as I venture out into the public eye once again, I do make attempts to look presentable, but I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I am a little sad to eventually take my mask off. There is something to be said, as an introvert, to slipping into stores without being recognized, particularly on those “I’m bloated, my hair didn’t cooperate due to humidity (or laziness) and I’m just not into people) days. While I will be happy to breathe again and not have my glasses fog up regularly, I must admit having some anonymity did secretly give me some glee.
But seriously, as I tend to be the more quiet one, sitting back, listening and observing, I have noticed there are many children, teens and young adults suffering silently. If they are silent, how do I observe the suffering?! Well, look at their posture, look at how they hold their heads (are they looking straight ahead or are they constantly looking down to avoid eye contact). Do they shift back and forward, or do they stand still? Are answers made in one word or are they more forth coming with information and details? Do they eager engage in conversation or do they make attempts to end the interaction to move away? These are all signs of where a child is mentally. With the shutdown of schools, the pivot to online learning and the end of playdates, sports, extracurricular activities and any form of physical socialization outside the home, the mental impact on their childhood is very noticeable. Social skills in young children are stunted and limited, attention spans are questionable, self-care and hygiene have suffered (questionable – same with some adults), fitness and interest in activities have diminished. We are more and more retreating into ourselves, tamping down the desire to show others the awkwardness, depression and anxiety that have become familiar companions.
Dragging baggage, whether it be mental, emotional, physical or spiritual, can be exhausting. Release is so important as we tend to build resentments from our early years that follow us, influencing our happiness and well being well past their expiration dates. Take the time to write out your feelings, read them aloud, and burn the pages. Dictate the words into your phone or tablet and delete the file. Go for a drive and sing your words to the melody of your favorite song to improve your mood. Remove yourself from toxic relationships and social media encounters. You do you…take care of yourself. Find your voice, empower yourself and find that you are not only enough but someone to admire. Make this day 1 of many that you speak your truth, in your words, in your voice…
If this blog resonated with you, let me know by leaving your comments. If you have found yourself or your child silenced and in need of help finding ways to return to being yourself and finding ways to express feelings and emotions and developing your gift, vision and purpose, we have developed two innovative programs to address the mental health needs of our community through words, self-expression and music. Find Your Voice is our tween and teen program that combines journal writing with music composition to create a song that reflects the client’s personality, lyrics and vision. Empower Your Voice Empower Your Voice takes this concept to a more abstract level. This 12-week program is designed to pair adults with a mentor that will not only advocate and assist with mental health interventions but will help create a life vision and realistic goal-oriented actions to help those that need direction, healing and purpose. Finding your purpose is critical to moving forward, removing blocks and limitations from past trauma that can help you move forward into your life’s mission.
If either of these programs appeal to you, you can reach out to me directly at Krista@GarrettMusicAcademy.com or you can set up FREE consultation for Find Your Voice (https://gmacommunity.com/fyp) or for Empower Your Voice (http://eyvcoaching.com).
