Mask seeking protection

The mask

I hid behind this mask seeking protection.

It’s comfortable and cute.

It’s handmade by a friend.

Even though it’s all of these things, I really don’t like it.

It’s so new.

I’m not used to wearing it.

It’s a reminder that things are different.

I really don’t want to wear a mask.

I don’t want to be reminded of this pandemic.

I want to go on adventures without wearing this mask.

I want things to go back to normal.

I want to go shopping with ease.

I don’t want to be germaphobic.

I don’t want to worry.

I want to be with my friends and family.

I want to go to my little cafes again.

I want to use my camera to document everything while enjoying cafe’s, vintage markets and public events.

I REALLY don’t want to go out and be SCARED anymore.

But then I remember patience.

Patience is so hard.

But in so many instances patience is necessary.

I center myself and think of things I can do.

I can still hug my family.

I can still enjoy them.

I’m not sick.

I’m not in the hospital.

I’m going to be OKAY.

— Leandra Richie

A better picture of mental health