3/25/20 - Corona Times
Well here we are, nearing the end of the first quarter of 2020. I feel like it flew by. There has been so much going on in the country, well the whole world if we really think about it. The latest (and not so greatest) even is the coronavirus pandemic. I, along with millions around the world, have been home. Fortunately, I have a job where I can work from home and so am not financially impacted (fingers crossed it stays this way). Many others are not so fortunate.
My last update was back in October. I was feeling optimistic about 2020 and the opportunities I believed it would bring. From a professional standpoint, I’ve been disappointed. A potential career shift didn’t materialize as I had hoped. I definitely feel stuck as I try to examine my true interests and talents in order to formulate some path forward.
I’ve been able to research, write, produce, and share over 30 weeks of consecutive Stuff Explained podcast programming. This has been a big win for me. I feel as though I am slowly but surely finding my voice a bit more in each and every episode. Because of a recent move, which has been juggled with work and such, I decided it would be for the best if I took a short break from Stuff Explained. My energy and focus needed to be elsewhere. My goal in the coming week or so is to get back into production with new facts, histories, and ideas. I have been enjoying the process of getting this podcast out into the world, but if I am honest, it doesn’t fully scratch that creative itch. I am still searching for what might.
The move I referenced earlier went smoothly. I am now a resident of Hoboken, NJ! The purpose behind the move was to change up my surroundings and be in a more urban environment. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, be around more people my age, and be closer to the cultural and creative hub that is NYC. My timing has been impeccable, as the move coincided with the city, and then state, shutdown due to the coronavirus. I do intend on sharing my exploration of city through the new Instagram account @ExploringHoboken.
Speaking of Instagram accounts, I’ve also created an account to specifically focus on photography and my more artistic side. Feel free to follow @ ARTmarousas.
A few months ago I downloaded the TikTok app to see what all the fuss was about. I originally thought, like many others, that it was more of a juvenile space. Turns out that couldn’t be further from the truth. The algorithm pays attention to the types of content you watch and like and then shows you more of that. So if you want silly dance videos, you’re covered. Likewise, if you want self-help or spiritual clips, that is available to you also. I began sharing my own videos and was surprised (pleasantly) when one blew up. As of the writing of this update, the video (which discusses how serial dating is a coping strategy) has 210.2k views and 30k likes. That one video, about a minute long, is the highest watched/liked piece of content I have on any platform. I’m definitely excited about the audience TikTok provides and will be leaning in to creating content especially for this platform. Follow me @ATMarousas!
These past several months I’ve also been working on a top secret project which would have been “released” in mid-April. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, this project is postponed indefinitely. This has also been disappointing as I’ve put a lot of work into it, but it is out of my control.
The beginning of 2020 didn’t turn out the way I thought it would, but I am continuing with my self-work and affirmations. I believe I’m on the cusp of some real positive change where my work, actions, interests, talents, and dreams will come into closer alignment. I would love to get back into filming and acting. I miss being in front of a camera and performing for a crowd as I did with professional wrestling. Hopefully the current situation will pass and I’ll be able to find a creative “tribe” to be a part of.
I’m going to continue to do my best to stay strong and optimistic and hope all of you are able to do the same as well!
Sincerely,
Aristidis Marousas
Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok: @ATMarousas
Like me on Facebook: Aristidis Marousas, The Motley Experience