“It’s okay to do absolutely nothing” by jineen williams
We’ve spent so much time since the start of the Covid-19 Stay at Home Orders, telling folks that they have to work hard and use this time to “level-up” in a way. To some respect, that may be true, but the underlying theme of telling people you have to be “going hard” at a time like this is completely irresponsible.
Many of us have never experienced anything like this. For most of the world, I’m sure people can’t even recall the opportunity to have a “quick break,” let alone over a month of sitting still at home. In the United States, the pressures of outdoing your opponent and keeping up with the Jones’ is a real thing. We have a habit of moving constantly, working long hours and overextending ourselves for companies, our families, and sometimes to pursue even our own personal dreams. We never take the time to think about that impact on our mental health or on our bodies.
Although this pandemic is extremely unfortunate, it’s a metaphorical reset button. As someone who works in the sports industry as a creative, I’m sure we all know too well that EVERYONE probably needed this time.
“I just need a break.”
A gentle phrase that I’ve heard many creatives use time and time again as we head out to the next event after next event not getting any time in between to relax, decompress and reset ourselves for what’s to come. It’s an endless cycle of film, edit, repeat. Photograph, edit, repeat. Same day turnaround times. Posting an edit 5 minutes after the game ended to keep up with the Jones’ again. Creating a never-ending pattern of trying to be “first” in a world that doesn’t give a damn where the information comes from; they…just…want…it. Sadly, we follow this pattern because we believe it’s the key to our success. We don’t take the time to really come up with a plan that fits us. That works well.
Creative edit of Kobe and Gigi, posted on Mamba Day 04/13/2020
Now, with no new content really being produced, what’s next? How do we figure out the next big thing? How do we keep the consumers coming? How do we stay relevant? People are saying, if you’re not doing anything, you’re lazy. If you’re not using this time to learn a new craft, you’re being wasteful. If you’re not starting a business right now, you’re not focused. All these narcissistic narratives that are so irresponsible and insensitive to the fact that maybe people just want some time to regroup.
I agree, if you’ve needed this time before to handle some of those things, then by all means do so. If you have some time to read, learn a new craft, start a new business, then go for it. But, if you want to just press the reset button, that is also okay and no one should be judging you for it.
Use this time to unpack any unfortunate circumstances you’ve experienced and haven’t been able to address. If you love video games and haven’t been able to play, go ahead and play your favorite game. Take time to spend with your family. Tell them how much you love them and appreciate them. Work on the rocky relationship you have with your spouse. Continue finding new ways to be romantic and sharing love with the people around you. Listen to all the music you wish you had time to catch up on. Binge watch the Marvel comics that everyone says are so amazing. I say all of this to say, if you don’t want to use this pandemic to change the world, we understand.
This pandemic is real, it’s traumatic, and for some people, it is LIFE…CHANGING. Be mindful of the narratives we try and project onto other people. Be mindful that, some people don’t know how they’re going to eat. Some people don’t know how they’re going to stay safe, because unlike the rest of us, they still have to go to work. Be mindful that some people are going through terrible trauma at home. But also, be mindful that some people just want to relax… and that’s okay. Stay safe guys.
- Jineen Williams
Website: dahdesigns.com
Instagram: @therealjaywill
Twitter: @therealjaywill