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Gemma’s Gem of the Week: Dealing with Isolation

Published

2 years ago

September 10, 2021

In 2021, studies show that 2 in 3 Americans feel more alone than ever following the pandemic. We have been navigating an unpredictable year, where many folks suffered loss of employment, loved ones, or in-person social connections overall. We have been facing uncertainty at its finest, which can feel like a heavy weight on our shoulders. Many of us understand by now that these times can feel extra lonely.

“Researchers discovered 62 percent of people felt like they had absolutely no one to talk about their loneliness during quarantine. Sadly, 54 percent add they withheld from talking to anyone about how they felt during this past year because they didn’t want to be a burden.” – Chris Melore, studyfinds.org.

Feeling Like a Burden

The isolation and loneliness surrounding invisible battles can be even worse than the battle itself. With so little education surrounding mental health, we can feel pressured to only be seen at our best, believing our struggles are burdens to others. In reality, we aren’t always seeing what’s happening behind closed doors. Because of this, we might repress what’s really going on in order to make those around us comfortable.

A friend once said to me, “It actually makes me feel more comfortable to be open and honest with my feelings when you’re vulnerable with me. You’re not a burden.” Sometimes, being vulnerable can encourage the people around you to do the same. No matter what, even if it’s a therapist or counselor, there will always be someone willing to listen, and you will always be worthy of being heard.

Craving Connection, Yet Feeling Overwhelmed in Social Situations

Many of us are still getting used to going out and navigating social situations after being quarantined for so long – and that’s okay. It can be really frustrating when you crave connection so much, yet feel overwhelmed and anxious when it comes to taking that first step. Sometimes, it can be helpful to ease into socialization at your own pace first. This could mean meeting one close friend one-on-one before going out with a group, and seeing how you feel from there.

Setting boundaries on what you’re comfortable with can also be incredibly helpful, as well. For example, if meeting in an indoor setting feels too overwhelming, perhaps suggest meeting outside instead. Or, when you feel ready to leave, give yourself permission to step away and look out for yourself. The right ones will understand and support your decision.

Feeling Unmotivated and Exhausted

Sometimes when we’re feeling isolated, the very idea of the most nominal task can feel utterly exhausting. This can lead to being hard on ourselves for not getting everything done. Times like this are big indicators to go easier on ourselves. Considering the hard times we’re living in, on top of being human in general, it’s okay to not have productive days. It’s okay to not get everything done.

Being “productive” isn’t just linked to the work outside of ourselves. Eating is productive. Getting enough sleep is productive. Putting on an outfit is productive. Drinking water is productive. Give yourself permission to take a break, and perhaps go on a walk and get some vitamin D. Set aside a few minutes away from the screen so your brain may focus and engage on something else – even if it’s as simple as walking around the block with some headphones.

You Deserve Support

Isolation can feel heavy and make it difficult to want to do a whole lot. Start small – feel out what small habits and routines work for you. Maybe it’s opening the blinds first thing in the morning instead of logging onto social media. Perhaps it’s looking into a new hobby, or setting aside breaks throughout the day.

Overall, you are worthy of being loved and supported in your isolating moments just as much as your brighter moments. You are not any less valuable or worthy for feeling isolated; it’s all part of the complexities of being a human being living through a difficult period. Know you’re not alone, and you always deserve to have someone in your corner.

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Gemma Farquhar

Gemma Farquhar is the writer of "Gemma's Gem of the Week" and author of "The Shape of Something New." She is passionate about the future of storytelling and welcomes all ages to her column.

Columns

My View: Who Knew Broadway and 42nd Street Ran All The Way to Boca/Delray…The Wick Theatre

Published

2 weeks ago

November 19, 2023

Stephen Sorokoff

Who knew 42nd Street and Broadway ran all the way down to Boca/Delray and end at The Wick Theatre and Museum Club! In an event yesterday afternoon that rivaled any Broadway Opening Night Party, Marilynn & Kimberly Wick celebrated the opening of The Wick’s 2023/2024 season with a spectacular immersive exhibition of “Dancing Feet” The Experience, 42nd Street. They also had in attendance none other than the star of the original Tony Award Winning Broadway show (42nd Street) Lee Roy Reams on the Museum Club’s Stage to add commentary, sing, and have a fun filled talk back with the audience. Lee Roy, who starred as Billy Lawlor in the 1980 production, shared many anecdotes about the musical during the video presentation, including insights about renowned choreographer Gower Champion and his untimely death on the day of the show’s Broadway opening. The legendary show went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Choreography. While Reams continued his illustrious career in musical theatre, starring in numerous Broadway shows including The Producers and La Cage Aux Folles, and at The Wick, he created a sensation with his role as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!

“The Wick is breaking new ground in both entertainment and technology by creating these immersive experiences that both entertain and educate audiences about the history of Broadway,” said Kimberly Wick, curator. “As the owners of the largest Broadway costume collection in the nation, we are thrilled to add this innovation as another way to preserve the incredible artistry of our past for generations to come.”

Last year, The Wick Costume Museum underwent a dramatic high-tech transformation, resulting in a stunning new venue, rechristened The Museum Club at The Wick. The completely renovated space thrilled guests with 360-degree immersive video experiences, historic costume displays, dining, and entertainment.

LEE ROY REAMS

LEE ROY REAMS & MARILYNN WICK

MARILYNN WICK & KIMBERLY WICK

LEE ROY REAMS

KIMBERLY WICK

DANCING FEET

LEE ROY REAMS

MICHAEL URSUA & LEE ROY REAMS

THE MUSEUM CLUB

JOHN McDANIEL, EDA SOROKOFF, LEE ROY REAMS

THE MUSEUM CLUB

EDA SOROKOFF & MARILYNN WICK

COMING ATTRACTIONS

COMING ATTRACTINS

Columns

My View: No Pause In The Laughter At Menopause The Musical 2

Published

2 weeks ago

November 13, 2023

Stephen Sorokoff

The hysterical sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical is finally here and it’s National Tour landed at the Aventura Cultural Center in Florida this week. America, get ready to cheer and laugh on a cruise through “The Change” with your beloved ladies 5 years after their chance encounter in a department store. They have nothing in common but memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, will have you dancing in the aisles as the audience did at the performance we attended ( and has been doing since the original Menopause The Musical opened 20 years ago). If you think #1 was #1 wait till you see # 2.

Aventura Cultural Center

CURTAIN CALL

AVENTURA CULTURAL CENTER

STEPHEN SOROKOFF, SETH GREENLEAF, EDA SOROKOFF, KEN GREENBLATT, SANDI GREENBLATT

SETH GREENLEAF GFOUR PRODUCTIONS

KEN GREENBLATT, & JOSH FRIEDMAN, VP alumni & admissions UNIV OF MIAMI

COMMING ATTRACTION

Columns

My View: Maestro Steven Reineke Rehearses The New York Pops for Tonight’s Concert

Published

1 month ago

October 27, 2023

Stephen Sorokoff

The New York Pops under the baton of Maestro Steven Reineke kicks off the 2023-2024 season at Carnegie Hall tonight. The concert celebrates 21st Century Broadway. We were there as guest artists Haley Kilgore, Derek Klena, Javier Munoz and Ali Stroker rehearsed with the orchestra.

Check out the photos

Steven Reineke, music director, conductor The New York Pops

HAILEY KILGORE

HAILEY KILGORE & STEVEN REINEKE

JAVIER MUNOZ

DEREK KLENA

ALI STROKER

ALI STROKER & DEREK KLENA

CARNEGIE HALL

Cabaret

My View: The Rolls Royce Of Music At Cafe Carlyle…. John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey

Published

1 month ago

October 26, 2023

Stephen Sorokoff

Henry Royce and Charles Rolls joined forces to create something that became an everlasting expression of excellence, and that’s exactly what John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey create. Their musical virtuosity, artistry, creativity, and personalities took last night’s Cafe Carlyle audience ( which included Maestro Steven Reineke of the New York Pops) on a musical journey that was smooth, elegant, and exciting. It’s their 17th year at Cafe Carlyle and here are some of my photos of a great evening. What a special birthday present for me in my __ year.

JOHN PIZZARELLI & JESSICA MOLASKEY

JOHN PIZZARELLI

JOHN PIZZARELLI & JESSICA MOLASKEY

JOHN PIZZARELLI

CAFE CARLYLE

MARY PIZZARELLI, ERIC GABBARD, STEVEN REINEKE, EDA SOROKOFF

ERIC GABBARD & STEVEN REINEKE

JESSICA MOLASKEY & EDA SOROKOFF

JOHN PIZZARELLI & EDA SOROKOFF

STEPHEN SOROKOFF

Cabaret

My View: Jamie deRoy….You’ve Got A Friend (s)

Published

1 month ago

October 24, 2023

Stephen Sorokoff

Jamie can sing you a song, recount a show biz story, get you tickets to one of her Broadway shows, meet you at the movies, remember a cast members name you can’t recall, or attend a memorial with you……and if you’re a really good friend you might even get a photo with her!

Birdland and Jim Caruso rolled out the Red Carpet as Jamie deRoy and friends descended at the legendary club last night. It was another great variety show packed with Jamie’s super talented famous friends on stage as well as in the audience.

Appearing in this segment of Jamie deRoy & friends were Tony Danza, Nikki M. James, Daisy Jopling, Nicolas King & Seth Sikes, and Steven Scott. Barry Kleinbort directed with musical direction by Ron Abel, Ray Marchica, drums Ritt Henn, bass.