The New Normal
A new sense has settled over me as weeks have passed and temporary situations seemed to settle into more permanent ones…
And that’s the feeling that we may be here for some time. Which is absolutely terrifying.
It seems like everyone has settled into this pseudo version of their life – school has commenced online, I’m still required to do my normal work functions from home, and grocery stores restock every morning to accommodate the line of people clad in masks and gloves. I feel like the same things that seemed so chaotic and spontaneous just a few weeks ago have now settled into a new routine that’s defining the “new normal”.
It’s scary really – to think that this could stay for a while… and while I really want to continue to use this time at home to allow my creative juices to flow, sometimes I find myself feeling hesitant on what’s appropriate to share.
Where do content creators fit in this “new normal” space?
And of course, it may sound selfish that we're even trying to “fit” in the first place - but as a content creator, myself - it's always my goal to serve value. But lately, I'm not too sure where I'm needed or what people want to hear.
Coronavirus content is everywhere, so do you really want to see more of that when you come to my blog (someone who is not truly qualified to speak on it other than the usual "stay safe! stay inside!" message that I try to helpfully include in my ig stories)? Or are we supposed to serve as an escape from reality with "normal everyday" content?
And the reason I ask is because I’ve seen so many reactions to different types of content.
I’ve seen reddit threads bashing content creators for continually posting their latest Zara hauls when the economy is doing horrible. And I’ve seen twitter threads voice how content creators are using this pandemic for clout, only including “coronavirus” in their posts to increase traffic to their page. Clearly, in both cases, content creators have seemingly “crossed the line.”
The problem is, sometimes I don't know where that line is. Or where the line will be in a few days, weeks, months? Because if this “new normal” will be here for a while, (which I highly believe) then it is truly time to embrace the working from home, online school, quarantine status.
Which means home workouts with resistance bands, gourmet meals with frozen food and the occasional air fryer, cleaning when you’re bored, binge-watching shows you normally would never have time to and tuning into Instagram Lives with celebrities in their living rooms. It also means endless navigating between news articles and coronavirus memes, and soaking up everything that comes across your social media timeline.
Source: Morgan Harper Nichols
So, that's the question I leave with you. Where do we fit? Where do I fit? And can I ask you to be realistic with your expectations?
Source: But What Should I Wear
As a society our emotions these past few weeks have been far from stable. One moment, we are ok - another moment we are not. One moment, we want to see something other than the coronavirus on our TLs, the other moment, anybody not posting about it is self-absorbed. One moment, we want to binge-watch and not do anything and feel related too, the other moment we want to be inspired and productive and have home workouts and set high creative goals. And while, every single one of these moments are valid - they can't be reflected on every single content creator you know.
So, on behalf of the content creators out there, as time goes on and the new normal continues to settle in, please give us grace to simply share.
Whether that looks like fashion hauls, home updates, or Tik Toks. Or if that’s Bible verses, home workouts, or coronavirus memes. Or even if it’s something that doesn't fit into any of those neat little boxes - and it's just us. We are all trying to continue doing what we love, in a way that helps those around us. So please, allow us to lean in where we feel is best and trust when we say that every single thing we’re creating is coming from a good place.
I can’t wait to keep creating for you guys.
Love always,
The Corporate Queen
When things don’t feel the same
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.