Since the pandemic started, I’ve worked tirelessly to slow down time. When the common small-talk lamentation of “where did the month go?” is evoked from my throat, I immediately pivot in my head: did I set aside enough time to absorb the moments?
May was one of the months that went by in just a few blinks, or so I thought. So much happened this month—creative accomplishments (I wrote fiction words this month!?), emotional revelations (more like heart-heavy reality checks, but I’d say that I moved cool through them), cultivating social relationships (I had a nearly 2-hour conversation with a Japanese friend…in Japanese! My brain hurt for a week), and more. I’ve been keeping a notebook with me, especially when I’m out and about, to quickly jot down notes, ideas, thoughts, and curiosities. Not only is it a way to keep my screen time down, but it’s active journaling. It’s a way to stay connected with myself, my daily life, and the small (read: huge) moments that can easily slip away. I’ll need to set aside time soon to take in all of May.
I know I need this sort of practice because hosting the Power of Food Media conversation brought up a lot of curious feelings for me. It was a lovely conversation on a perfect Thursday evening, and while it’s left a new impression on my spirit, it also reminded me how disconnected I have been from time to time from things I love, like food, food culture, and the conversations around it (even if that’s in the form of a podcast, something I haven’t done in almost two years already).
I hope you find ways to stay connected with yourself these days. We’ve become so distracted, so overworked and underpaid, and probably deeply traumatized by a pandemic and its adjacent impacts. Time slows down when you make the effort, or so I’m hoping. Whatever time you have, though, is precious. Honor it whenever and however you can!
Cheers, and Happy Pride to those celebrating!
Kyle V. Hiller
BSR associate editor
