Social media is full of feel-good sayings: You can do it! Believe in you! And everything will be fine. Will it be? We asked a graphic designer whose positive messages were going viral.
Christina Campbell is a freelance graphic designer based in New York. Shortly before the pandemic began, she went into business for herself with her colorful, positive illustrations. Great timing, the artist thinks: "I had the opportunity to spread optimism - at a time when people needed it most." And there it is - the positive vibe that you immediately feel when you are on her Instagram profile. One saying after the other that immediately puts you in a good mood. Among other things, it says in colorful letters: "Hey youl Everything will be okay sooo soon!" good again! ") Is the graphic artist really convinced of that?" Yes, "she says.
But how does it work when the world has been in a state of emergency for more than a year?
Campbell: When I did the drawing, everything was chaotic, dark, scary and unsafe in the middle of the pandemic. I've never been as insecure as I was at this point in time. At the same time, I knew that things would soon go uphill again. I was hoping that the corona situation would slowly improve through vaccinations, herd immunity or other treatment options. That thought helped me not to be so sad anymore. Now, a year later, I am still confident. Through my personal low points, I know: sadness and darkness are not permanent, even if it sometimes feels like that. But it goes on. It goes on and on. Better days will come again.
How do you experience the current time?
Campbell: I try to always focus on the good. No matter how bad a situation may look, there is always something positive, even if it is a tiny tiny bit. But that's what you should focus on. The past year was challenging in every way: what was normal up until then was suddenly no longer. Every new day felt like the one before. The rising numbers were so ominous. A lot has overwhelmed me. My family and I were practically locked in one house together for months. And that was the nice thing: We got to know each other anew and now we appreciate each other even more. We grew with and through each other. Just like my family and me, so were many others out there. And I hope we all stick to that a little bit: enjoying the moment and not taking everything for granted.
What can everyone do to be more optimistic in their life?
Campbell: You have to find out why you are feeling bad. Is it a specific situation? Is it your standards that you hold too high? Are you doing too much of what doesn't make you friends? Do you spend too much time with people who judge you instead of believing in your dreams and goals? To feel better, we need to start by letting go of what is pulling us down and dedicating ourselves to the things that are good for us. And very important: Be nice to yourself!
What help you when you are not feeling well?
Campbell: I allow my feelings instead of pushing them away from me. Life is good, definitely. But sometimes it comes across as ugly and feels the same. Then I listen to sad music because it has something cleansing for me and I surrender to the dark emotions in me. At a certain point, however, I notice when it is time to reflect on the positive around me and look for those moments that make me blossom inside.
