September is a month of anxiety. New school. New teachers. New subjects. New schedule. New classmates. New routines to be established. Separation from our families. Learning how our homes function compared to other kids’. Socializing after so many months of being isolated and communicating through screens. Missing our families. Being exposed to different personalities.

Many years ago my mentor said something that has resonated with me throughout my personal and professional life: “You cannot ask someone to do something that you are not willing to do yourself.”

For six months, phrases like "social distance" and "new norm" have replaced courtesy hellos and casual dinner time talking. Many of you have been scrutinized, criticized, and minimized for your response to chronic stress, uncertainty, loss, and the risk of mortality. These factors, compounded by political discord, have created a perfect storm for a mental health crisis.

“I wish for a heart you can see straight through,

For a voice that glows in the dark

And a few really good friends to skip moon rocks to.”

— Andrea Gibson, "Jellyfish"

I decided to take some time to focus on my mental health. Perfect timing in the middle of COVID19. If I couldn’t do art, I would exercise, meditate or stretch. This was working for me. I could feel myself becoming happier and having more energy. The pandemic and being away from my family was taking a larger toll on me than I realized. I was finding my way back to my creative self, a much needed trip.