Day 187: First Quarter Review

I honestly cannot believe 2020 is already one-third of the way complete and does not show signs of slowing down anytime soon. It seems as if yesterday was New Years Eve and you best believe I will probably say that phrase in every quarterly and monthly review post I do. Time is just passing far too quickly.

Before I go any further there was a very large occurrence that is currently taking place that cannot be avoided. For most of us, if not all of us, the Coronavirus has effected our lives in one way or another. What began in China, has now spread to the rest of the world and laid waste to almost every plan anyone had spanning from now until the unforeseeable future.

In the beginning, the virus had zero effect in my area and in my life. January happened quite normally with the exception of a rather large decision I made that changed many if not all of my previously set goals. Dance classes for the new year started and much of my time was taken up by that.

As I adjusted to my life after making that particular decision, I began creating more and have managed to create twelves images which is one more than I created in 2019. Twelve images in three months has led me to a better understanding of my style and the images which I like to create the most. Three of the twelve images have be part of my Fragments of Decay photo series and I've been developing ideas for this project that will extend into the far future.

February came and went much like January with minor inconveniences and more of the same. At the end of the month I attended a convention and that is when the Coronavirus become more prominent in my life. The first death in the United States happened that week and one week after I got home, they discovered someone who had been there tested positive for the virus.

This was far too close to home for my liking, yet that was not the last we were to see of the virus. March seems to be the month the world screeched to a halt in an attempt to slow the spread. Schools moved online, nonessential business (my dance studio) were closed, people are encouraged to stay home, and something called social distancing is highly, highly encouraged.

Most people found it quite a shock to suddenly spend most of their time alone and at home. Thankfully, as an introvert and homebody, not much of my routine was changed which I am very thankfully for. It's been quite a switch, no doubt, everything seems to be hanging by a thread and tomorrow is so uncertain.

Yet it has led to so much good in life. A chance to slow down, everyday seems to be Saturday and the outdoors are drawing us out. New opportunities for change have arrived and people are making the most of it. While it is a terrible situation and I am praying for all of those harmed by in, it is a beautiful chance for so many thing.

Overall the first quarter did not go as expected, however, I have accomplished far more than I thought I would and have made big steps in many areas of my life. I've progress professionally and have engaged in multiple areas in order to grow my business. Personally, I have developed and changed and realized the need for better dedication in every part of your life.

The first quarter went like no one expected and maybe that's a blessing in disguise. I guess the world will see. Here's to the next nine months of the year, I know they will be truly incredible.

Until Next Time,
Lillian Merritt