As a continuation of our conversation about lessons learned from the pandemic, we wanted to explore how creativity played a role in our lives, our work, and broadly, for people as a means to find emotional outlets and process the unforeseen changes in our collective lives. It was marvellous to watch people dive into their creative sides, but also come together as a community in times of care, because they were connecting with themselves in times of isolation.
Here are some of our individual reflections on the topic:
Leslie
During the pandemic, my partner and I found ourselves grappling with the challenge of balancing the different educational needs of our three children. With each child at a different schooling level we realised the importance of incorporating a variety of activities into our daily schedule. Our focus was not only on academics but also on fostering connections with others. We encouraged our children to engage in reading, and social interactions alongside navigating the allure of video games and digital distractions.
One innovative solution that emerged from this period was the concept of virtual peer round tables. I invited my clients’ children to participate in online sessions where they could engage in their respective tasks while being virtually surrounded by their peers. It was a simple yet effective way to recreate the feeling of a classroom setting.
I organised breakout rooms based on shared interests or familiarity among the children. Whether they knew each other or not, the goal was to create a sense of community and motivation to participate. The feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive. Knowing that their children were connecting with others, even if it meant not always completing their assigned tasks, was reassuring.
As the pandemic persisted, I continued to explore creative ways to support our clients. From outdoor tutoring sessions to leisurely walks infused with educational discussions, I found alternative avenues to learning outside the traditional classroom setting.
One memorable aspect of these outdoor excursions was the discovery of a neighbourhood little library. For one student, visiting this tiny repository became a cherished ritual during our walks. It struck me how something as ordinary as selecting a book could be an outlet for care, not just in the act itself, but in the thoughtfulness and intention behind it.
At first, I hadn’t fully grasped the depth of this connection. It seemed straightforward—you take a book, and perhaps, in doing so, receive the care of someone else. However, as I reflected on it, I realised there was more to it than meets the eye. The ability to care by leaving or bringing a book involved multiple layers of consideration and empathy.
Through creativity, we were able to express care and connection in tangible ways, even amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic. As I pondered this further, I began to see a broader pattern emerging. We were all “making it up”—teachers, school boards, parents, and children alike. The pandemic had thrust us into uncharted territory, where improvisation and adaptation were the norm. This realisation was empowering, particularly for children, who saw adults not as infallible authorities but as fellow travellers on a journey of uncertainty.
One of my own children exemplified this newfound sense of agency by dedicating more time to music—a passion that had previously taken a backseat to academic pursuits. I also ponder our own creativity. I believe there’s a profound connection between creativity and self-expression, especially during challenging times when self-reflection becomes paramount.
Dannielle
During the pandemic my son unearthed a hidden talent for writing. It was a game-changer for him, leading him down a creative path that he might not have otherwise explored.
As he delved into writing, he not only learned to craft words and thoughts but also found a means of expression that resonated deeply with him. Writing became more than just a hobby; it became a lifeline, a source of solace and empowerment during difficult times. It paved the way for him to explore other creative avenues, such as music production and poetry, which became his refuge amidst the chaos of the pandemic.
What began as a simple discovery blossomed into a newfound sense of purpose and self-awareness for my son. Through writing, he found his voice and discovered one of his true superpowers—a realisation that might have eluded him had he not been given the opportunity to explore his creativity.
In discussing our experiences with creativity, my partner and I shared insights into our own journeys of self-reflection and expression during the pandemic. For me, the period of isolation provided a rare opportunity for introspection, allowing me to delve into my own story and distil it into meaningful lessons for others. On the creative front, I found solace in music—a passion that has always been close to my heart. Despite the challenges of adapting to online music lessons, I embraced the opportunity to refine my skills and explore new techniques.
Leslie
I struggled to find the focus for reading during and after the pandemic. Despite having ample time, I couldn’t immerse myself in books as I once did. Instead, I found the miracle of poetry. Listening to spoken words allowed me to connect with literature in a way that traditional reading couldn’t achieve.
Reflecting on past gatherings, It reminds me of a memory we had of an outdoor gathering, maybe a birthday party or a graduation celebration. They all kind of blend together now, those unique milestones that weren’t quite the same anymore. They all seemed to involve some form of a picnic. But there was this one time we had a painting party in the backyard. We laid out large canvases, and the idea was that you’d work on one and then move to the next.
Someone else might come along and add to what you started, building on each other’s creations. So even though we weren’t physically painting together on the same canvas at the same time, it felt like a social activity because we were doing it as a group.
That gathering was really important to me because it made me realise how many of my needs I can’t fulfil in isolation. Especially my need for physical activity and exercise. I remember attending an online exercise class, and if none of my friends showed up, I’d sometimes turn off my camera and just lie on the floor while everyone else worked out. But if one of my friends was there, I’d turn my camera on and join in. It’s like the act of being seen motivated me to participate instead of just lying there.
In essence, these experiences underscored the value of social connection and creative expression in maintaining my overall health and resilience. They served as reminders that, even in times of isolation, we thrive when we come together and support one another on our individual journeys.
Dannielle
During the pandemic, there were definitely moments when I felt overwhelmed and trapped, like everything around me was closing in. So, I had to figure out how to keep my spirits up. One thing I turned to was crochet. My family jokes about it because I’m always crocheting something. But during the pandemic, I really took it up a notch. A friend even sent me a picture of someone whose entire house was covered in crochet, and I sometimes felt like I was heading in that direction! But in the end, I made some beautiful blankets that bring comfort to people and make me happy. Crocheting kept me busy and gave me a sense of accomplishment. To this day, I always have some crochet project in the works, and I find it incredibly soothing, which was something I hadn’t realised before.
Similarly, I developed a love for plants during that time. Watching things grow lifted my spirits in ways I didn’t expect. It was only during the pandemic that I started growing my own herbs. Usually, I would just buy seedlings, but now I grow them myself every summer. As Leslie knows, I have a lovely herb garden that brings me so much joy. Seeing new growth every spring and then watching everything go dormant in the fall has been surprisingly invigorating for my mind. It’s incredible how much energy plants can give back without us even realising we needed it.
Leslie
During the pandemic, my family and I discovered the power of walks. It was remarkable to see how many people were out and about, taking walks at all sorts of unexpected times. Families strolling during lunch breaks or teenagers walking in the morning like they would with a pet—it felt like a shift brought on by the pandemic.
We experimented with little changes to see what would make a difference in our daily lives. Sometimes, it was as simple as taking a walk before starting our online activities for the day. We embraced the idea of trying things out without knowing if they would work, and that mindset made a big difference. It was like bringing the spirit of the scientific method into our family life.
Another thing that lifted our spirits was doing activities that required more time. Making pasta from scratch was something I never would have considered before, but during the pandemic, we found ourselves doing just that. It was a fun experience, and we have some great memories—and pictures—of our pasta-making adventures.
By embracing activities that took time, we shifted away from feeling like we were lacking something. It was about flipping the narrative from scarcity to abundance, finding joy in the moments we created together.
But it’s also important to acknowledge the times when we didn’t feel buoyant. There were moments when it was hard to change the narrative or feel in control of our circumstances. Those moments taught us the value of resilience and self-care, even when things felt overwhelming.
Dannielle
The George Floyd murder hit me hard. It left me feeling disillusioned and hyper-aware of the challenges faced by myself and my community. I found myself sinking into a bit of a funk—not quite depression, but definitely feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. It felt personal, like an attack on me and those who looked like me.
I vividly remember the George Floyd march right here in Ottawa. At first, I clashed with my son over his desire to attend the march with his friends. I was worried about his safety and health, especially amidst the pandemic and potential police presence. Despite my concerns, he insisted on going, and his honesty and determination made me pause and reconsider.
In the end, both my partner and I decided to join the march, despite our reservations. It was a leap of faith, stepping out of our comfort zones to stand up for what we believed in. Being surrounded by a diverse group of people, all united in the message that black lives matter, was a transformative experience.
Despite the pandemic and our fears, being there among the crowd, masked up and determined, shifted my perspective. It reminded me that there is strength in unity, and that collective action can affect real change. It was a powerful reminder to trust my instincts and take a stand, even when it’s scary. That one act of defying my logical mind and following my heart opened my eyes to the resilience of our community and the potential for positive change. It was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is hope and strength in solidarity.
Leslie
Reflecting on life-affirming moments of the pandemic, I remember feeling overwhelmed with emotion the first time I visited a mass vaccination clinic. It was awe-inspiring to see so many individuals come together to accomplish what seemed like an impossible task. We had waited anxiously for the vaccines, navigating the challenges of booking appointments, and then finally, being there was like witnessing beauty unfold before my eyes. The profound care for one another was palpable.
The clinic was well-organised, with a focus on ensuring everyone’s needs were met, regardless of their circumstances. There was a real sense of inclusivity, a commitment to planning for the diverse experiences people might have. It was a public health model in action, recognizing the importance of accommodating everyone who walked through the doors.
I don’t think everyone fully grasped the significance of those efforts at the moment, but it struck me deeply. The attention to detail, the preparation for every eventuality—it was all part of creating a space where everyone felt welcome and cared for. Even though I didn’t realise it at the time, those measures made a difference for me too.
I remember one instance, during my second or third shot, when I was still recovering from knee surgery. I was hobbling around, and I was so grateful for the consideration shown by the clinic staff. They had thought of everything, including shortcuts for those who needed them. While I didn’t require as much assistance as they offered, knowing that it was available was incredibly reassuring.
It reinforced the sense of community and support that surrounded us during those challenging times. Knowing that those who needed extra help could receive it without hesitation was a testament to the compassion and care that defined those moments.
Dannielle
Looking back, I recall something that didn’t work well for me during the pandemic—staying indoors all day. There were a few days where I didn’t even step outside, not even onto my front porch. And let me tell you, it didn’t do wonders for my mood. I became grumpy, irritable, and just not myself. It felt like I was turning to the dark side.
One of the valuable lessons I learned from that experience is the importance of spending time outdoors every single day. Thankfully, I have people like Leslie in my life who enjoy going for walks, but I’m also perfectly fine with taking a stroll by myself. Even just standing in my snow-covered yard, breathing in the crisp air, and envisioning my garden brings me a sense of peace.
So now, rain or shine, I make it a point to step outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Whether I’m dressed in pyjamas or lounging in my slippers, I’ll stand on my front porch and soak in the fresh air. It’s become a crucial part of my daily routine, not just for my mental health but also for my connection to nature, something I never realised I needed so much.
Takeaways
As we’re wrapping up, one thing that resonates with us is the importance of staying connected to the natural rhythms of the world around us. Amidst all the chaos, there’s comfort in knowing that life goes on, seasons change, and growth continues.
Acknowledging our interconnectedness with others is another vital aspect. Even if we sometimes resist it, we rely on each other in countless ways, whether it’s the gas attendant filling our tank or the nurse administering our shot. Our lives are intertwined, whether we realise it or not.
Remaining open to new possibilities and approaches can lead us down unexpected but fruitful paths. Being receptive to different ways of doing things often brings pleasant surprises and unforeseen solutions.
And then there’s finding meaning in the actions of daily life. Rather than viewing chores as burdensome tasks, we can approach them as opportunities to be present and engaged. It’s about finding beauty and significance in the simple acts of living.
Lastly, our creativity and curiosity are deeply intertwined with our values. By aligning our actions with what truly matters to us, we can navigate challenging times with resilience and purpose.
