Isolation.

Isolation. Coronavirus. Social Distancing. Six Feet Apart. Wear a Mask.

How do we even begin to comprehend what is going on. Everything we once knew, all preconceived notions seem like they have been thrown out the window. Plans and dreams for the future have been put on pause as the world tries to decide between what's fact and what is fiction. There are cancellations, there are pauses, and there are setbacks.

I can only think of the memories. I look back and remember what it was like to sit across the table and smile and those on the other side. I remember going to the movies and sharing popcorn. I remember being able to shoot archery and have fun matches side by side friends. I remember having spontaneous trips here and there. I remember being able to go out swimming. I remember the past and wish, if only it were here again.

I only stop and wonder, did I really appreciate it as much as I should have? When I was standing on the podium, was I really taking in the moment. When I went out to eat, did I truly appreciate it as much as I could have? When I was at college, did I ever stop to take a minute and realize everything I had in those moments? Did I?

I think the most important lesson that I have learned during this time is that yes, I definitely have a new-found appreciation for my memories of the past, but once this is over, the memories that I am going to be making in the future, I want to appreciate as much as possible! Every time I can walk out of my door, I will be thankful. Every time I walk on my college campus, I will be thankful. When I get to see my friends again in person, I will be thankful. When I finally get to hug my boyfriend, I will be very thankful! When I get to shoot my bow in a competition, I will be thankful. I just.... became too comfortable.

I was also way too comfortable in archery as well. I just want to be thankful to even go out to shoot. I laugh at the fact that I had target panic in the past. I realize that it wasn't a fear of failure that paralyzed me. It wasn't a fear of what others thought of me... well, these were probably a part of it, but I am slowly realizing that these were all side effects of the fact that I didn't appreciate where I was. I didn't appreciate the teams that I had been on, the pros that I shot with, the national champions that I stood beside, the accomplishments that I have received, and the places I have been able to travel because of archery. I didn't appreciate it. It is truly saddening to think about, because right now, winning and losing seems so insignificant.

What I would only give to be able to walk out onto an archery range with fellow archers again, all enjoying the same passion as me and just having fun. Not worrying about where I am placed, not worrying about my score, and not worrying about the prize at the end with all of its recognition. Each arrow I shoot, I will be thankful for the fact that I can shoot that arrow. Every target that I walk up to, I will be happy that I get to stand in front of it.

I think we as a culture need to be grounded. We need to be reminded that whatever passion we have, whether that be archery, whether that be filming, whether that be anything else, that we need to be grateful for what we have. I think we have gotten into the habit of looking into the future and looking for greater things, bigger and better things. If we accomplished something, then that was great, but there was more out there in the future. Then if we didn't get to that larger thing fast enough, then that's where we begin to feel like a failure. I know this at least goes for me.

So I just challenge you to stop for a moment and think of something small that you are thankful for or something that when this pandemic is all over, you will appreciate even more than you ever had.  Through this, I have regained new insight towards archery and I have gained a sense of strength from this! I only hope that you will grow stronger and more passionate towards your gifts and hobbies as well!


On another note: It's been a minute since I've written on this blog, and it feels really good to be back!