A Message and a "Heartfelt Hug" from Jen Rozenbaum

Intro by Skip Cohen

Just a few minutes ago I opened an email from one of my favorite people, and an artist I so admire, Jen Rozenbaum. It was called, "A Heartfelt Hug (long distance)."As a subscriber I get everything she sends out, but this email is special as was her sincerity behind it.  I'm sharing Jen's email message to all of you, with a very simple, "What she said..."

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I decided when I woke this morning that the first thing on my to-do list was to email you. Why? Because it's been a while. 

I have good reasons why it's been a while. First, since this pandemic started, I have been swamped with emails, have you? Besides the normal work stuff, my kids schools send a ridiculous amount of emails. It also seems I need a corona update from every single company I have ever bought something from.

I didn't want to be just another stupid email sitting in your inbox. Not to mention, I wasn't really sure what to say! I mean how do you get your feelings across in this crazy time? I thought and thought about it. One word kept coming to mind.

Authenticity.

It's what I have based my life and work on. Being open, honest, raw and brave. Today is no different.

I can hop on an email and tell you that I'm killing it home schooling and that I perfected the banana bread recipe that my mom handed down to me. Instead here is the real truth.

As we (in NY) move into our third month of stay at home orders with no end in sight, I am a plethora of emotions. Some days I am terrified. Scared of losing my business. Scared that I am messing up my kids with too much screen time. Scared I will lose energy and momentum in doing the things I love. Scared of my loved ones falling ill or worse.

Other days I feel a sense of peace. I feel the world is right where it should be right now. I feel connected to my family. I have found alternative creative outlets that keep my mind sane. I thank the universe for the struggle because I know that struggle cultivates creativity and strength. 

Days like today, I feel grateful. I feel grateful for my health. I feel grateful that you are reading this email. I feel grateful that I trust in myself that no matter what happens, I will figure it out as I always have.

I have been working on some new projects I can't wait to tell you about when it's time. For today, I have nothing to sell. No discount codes. No teaching updates. Just a heartfelt long distance hug and reassurance that we are all in this together.

With love and light, 

Jen ​