Covid has brought us together online, that is true. 
It has also distanced us from close relationships.
No longer are we meeting up at the park, having girl’s nights, having kids over for play dates or weekend family bbqs.
 
The people we seem to be spending most time with are those we live or work with.
 
I am an introvert but even Covid has left me feeling friend lonely. I love my friends to bits. I hate small talk, give me a juicy d&m anytime!
I miss hearing about my friend’s lives, I miss seeing their kids, I miss leaving the kids at home and having dinner and drinks, I miss being an ear and having an ear. I miss all the laughs, validations, advice, hugs and tears. I miss my Friday painting buddy.
 
This is something that came up for me last week in my art journaling class. I couldn’t put my finger on how I was feeling but now I know. I created a page and now it has stuck with me.
 
When I bump into friends at the shops we are both more than happy for a chat but no one ever suggests a hang out anymore.
 
Why is that? Are we content with our own company? Are we ok with the company of our families? Are we scared? Are we mentally exhausted?
 
I know not everyone feels this way but I know I am not alone.
 
This painting depicts 2 people at different angles. They are travelling along the same paths and parallel paths. There are emotions buried and some which stand out. They are in their heads but there is a ray of hope in the corner. Their paths will always be connected and they will work out a new way forward.
 
Have things changed for you?
Are there friendships you need to work on to get back to how they were or friendships you are letting go of?
 
This painting isn't doom and gloom. It is just how life is for some of us now.
Use it to reflect on your friendships and acknowledge if any need work. 
You deserve to surround yourself with those who you love and those who love you.
 
Make some time, get the kids set up with an activity, sit quietly, do some journaling.
 
Made with acrylics, watercolour crayons, crayons, graphite, poscas, collage, uniball signo, pitt pen on canvas.
 
Unframed canvas measures 51x40.5x3.5cm.