As the sun rises and falls into the month of July, I am compelled to take a moment to muse upon both my lolita fashion journey and the current state of the world. While the latter may not be a topic a majority of us want to discuss, I feel it is necessary to reflect upon it to organize my mindset as well as grow from this experience.
On March 21st, 2020, everything changed when my state declared a stay-at-home lockdown order due to the infamous coronavirus. I was shocked; two weeks ago I had been at college. In my last in-person class meeting, my professor had discussed how the class could possibly proceed if such a lockdown would occur, but I largely dismissed the fact. There was no possible way that the college would close down, right?
Well, as we all know, the answer turned out to be yes. Yes, it could have and would have happened. Never in my life had I ever imagined that I would have to experience a pandemic.
As March ended and April ran with a passing glance, I realized in May that it has been one year since I first began my lolita journey. In May 2019, I purchased my first dress with the money I earned from my job that summer. I have come so far since then with my style, realizing the reasons why I developed a love for lolita fashion, and developing the confidence to wear coords without worrying about what others think.
Like many other lolitas, I wear lolita fashion because it makes me happy. I feel beautiful in it. And if you feel beautiful, that's all that matters.
Currently, I feel similar to a cup of oversteeped tea. I have passed the point where I taste the best, and I am a tad more bitter and harsh than usual. It had not been easy coping with the constant cleaning, not knowing which news articles to trust, and the frustrated uprisings of others. It has also been difficult not being able to express myself in lolita fashion. However, I have to remind myself to focus upon my blessings instead of my curses: I am healthy, my family is healthy, we have enough to pay for bills, food, and other essentials, and I have a roof over my head. These factors may seem very simple, but they are often overlooked.
As far as lolita fashion, I have been finding solace in browsing my favorite shops in hopes of purchasing a new dress or accessory to lift my spirits. Most of you know that I have recently created highlights on my Instagram account concerning my wishlist and dream dresses. Yet, if you are feeling the same way as I, I would suggest using this time to focus on your mental health: keep yourself busy doing the things you love. Organize your wardrobe. Sew a blouse. Craft a new accessory. Plan coords. Hold a virtual tea party. Treat yourself to a tea gift set and sample them in full lolita regalia. The possibilities are endless, but please remember to support each other. Remember that we are all in this together. Even if you may seem so alone and isolated during this time, there are always friends, family, or even strangers that will be there for you.
Flowers do not grow without rain. Please remember that no matter how far away the sunlight seems, it will always shine through. I wish you all a calm, peaceful, and healthy summer.
With love,
Poppy
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