Amidst the serenity and forcefulness of water, I navigate the introspective journey of grappling with solitude and melancholy during these extraordinary times.
The year 2020 proved to be a profound challenge for me, both physically and mentally, leading me to relocate from Southern California to Chicago in pursuit of a more temperate climate. As a former competitive swimmer and rower, my connection with water is indispensable. Lake Michigan emerged as a sanctuary, offering solace and a space for self-reflection. Immersed in the calming embrace of the lake, I began documenting its ever-changing dynamics, discovering not only a personal haven but also a conduit to reestablish connections within a community. In this process, my faith in the mundane aspects of life underwent a rejuvenation.
I came to realize that the path to cherishing the extraordinary is paved through an appreciation of the ordinary. Establishing proximity to the everyday moments in the lives of others becomes the foundation for genuine empathy, enabling us to care deeply about their narratives, especially in moments of tragedy.