Optimist Prime
Photograph by Ousa Chea
Most people who know me personally know that I’m pragmatic, agnostic, and logical. I am not given to wild speculation, superstition, or anything that defies logic. In fact, you could say that logic is my compass. This causes conflict when my intuition kicks in, and I have a “feeling” about something. Right now, the world is collapsing around us as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads throughout the world, resulting in chaos, illness, death, and grief for so many. But for some inexplicable reason, I’m feeling optimistic about it all, and I don’t know why. I’m normally optimistic regardless of what may be happening to me or around me, but this is different. It’s a feeling I’ve had since the stroke of midnight this New Years’ past. The feeling isn’t constant, but recurring. Though I can’t explain it, I am determined to let it take me where it will. Having the misfortune of being born with an autoimmune disease, I think being optimistic is a lot better than the alternative.
Maybe what I’m feeling is that innate desire to survive, like all living creatures? The will to not only beat the odds but to look back at adversity and laugh in its face. I did it when I survived alcohol poisoning, when I had my appendix removed, and when I ended up under a friend’s car after a night of drinking myself into oblivion. So when I realized how bad the spread of COVID 19 had become here in the United States (especially here in New York), I thought maybe I should cease publishing for a while. I thought why would anyone be interested in reading a luxury magazine (online or off), while everyone in the world is literally fighting for their lives? I expressed my sentiments to one of our newest contributors (more on that later), and her response was “why not?”. We’re all in quarantine, she explained, and people are going to be looking for a distraction while they’re cooped up inside their homes. She was right of course, I hadn’t looked at it from that angle. When you’re in crisis mode (and I was) it can be difficult to think clearly. After all, when I created this magazine, I didn’t set out to make something that would foment jealousy in people who couldn’t afford some of the luxuries we showcase, but rather to enlighten and inspire.
There’s nothing anything of us can do about the pandemic, except follow the guidelines set forth by healthcare officials. But it doesn’t mean that we have to endure the quarantine in miserable silence. From what we have seen since it all began, people are making the most of their confinement, finding ways to pass the time and stay sane. So if it helps you to get through your day, we’ll be here for you when Netflix and chill aren’t doing it for you anymore.
On the upside
Since launching this magazine in 2016, putting together a team of reliable contributors has been virtually impossible, but it looks like I may be making progress at last. Just who these individuals are will have to keep until my next editorial. Two of our new contributors have prior engagements they need to fulfill, so I can’t say for sure when they’ll be on board, but suffice it to say, you’ll be seeing all of them here soon enough. In the meanwhile, I hope that all of you are safe and well. In addition to our amazing articles (with new stories on the way), I’d like to share a few resources with you to help with your quarantine blues.
Monocle Magazine is a fantastic periodical, with an equally amazing website with brilliant articles and radio programs. Their musical and cultural broadcasts are what I find the most interesting, as they share music, cuisine, and more from various parts of the world. Monocle Radio is the first thing I listen to when I wake up in the morning while sipping my coffee. Being connected to the rest of the world in this manner helps to make me feel less alone.
We all want to be safe, and part of being safe during the pandemic is making sure you wear a mask whilst out in public. But that doesn’t mean that we have to sacrifice style for necessity. In fact, we can have both thanks to several resourceful fashion designers.
Six/20 may have the best selection of face masks available, which you can find in different colors and patterns. Follow this link and check them out.
Shon Simon is offering free antibacterial, eco-friendly masks. I suggest you rush to their website since they’re sure to be gone before you know it.
New York-based AKINGS are offering two kinds of masks: Their basic first aid mask costs only $1.00 USD, which you can purchase in bulk. Their more stylish mask will run you $40.00 USD.
Until next time, stay safe, stay well, but most importantly, stay optimistic.
