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Unplugged: effortlessly stringing words together. I knew I was in trouble,

Writing in the Time of COVID-19 when my inner critic started to get louder and louder. I needed
an escape, I had to shut out the noise.
by Khaya Ronkainen
After days of backpacking and camping off-the-beaten path,
At the start of the pandemic, a chorus of how the virus had words did come. But not as a flood, only a gentle whisper; a
managed to slow us down resonated. For the COVID-19 virus reminder that it has been the most challenging and chaotic
did shock us out of complacency, of taking things for granted, first half of the year. Therefore, I ought to be kind to myself and
and progressed to plunge us into the mundane of counting lock- remember that writing is an art form that needs both space and
down days that are more acute in the city. time – solitude.

So, I joined the international chorus of “lock-down, slow-down” As I sit outdoors and enjoying calm of the country, my attention
because for once we seemed to be singing the same tune. But all is solely on a finch singing in the regional dialect. The delightful
the while I was swamped with things to do and learning of new song, that is now and again interrupted by the distressed neigh-
ways to do them. And oh, the worrying about health and safety bour’s cow in search of its calf, is the best antidote to writer’s
of family and friends near and afar! As if that was not enough, block.
another virus flared up. For, Martin Luther’s dream is still not
realized. I acknowledge, it’s easy to self-isolate when it’s not imposed but
done on one’s own terms. My goal is always to get comfortable
As disappointments of cancelled plans piled up, I felt frustration with the fear of missing out (FOMO) and let go of the need to
growing inside me. I wanted to blame someone for my minor hashtag every creative outlet I pursue. This sacred act of unplug-
discomforts and inconveniences I couldn’t utter aloud, when ging, taking refuge in nature and escaping to the countryside,
people were dying like flies around the world. I wanted to blame helps me reconnect with myself.
someone for it all. But even my journal wouldn’t afford me the
opportunity to purge. You can find Khaya on the web:
www.khayaronkainen.fi
Self-doubt is a nemesis that convinces that other writers are Instagram: @ khaya.ronkainen

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