The year was 2020. The world held its breath as lockdowns became the new reality.
@jennieberrie Anyone else download TikTok right after that whole "2-week pause" thing? It feels like forever ago, but honestly, it was only two and a half years back in my mind. The past two years felt like a blur, like I somehow time-warped forward to today. Seeing everyone grown and thriving "two years later "warms my heart. It brings so much joy to see friends, followers, and even the people I've drawn doing so well on this app, even raising new babies and growing their followings. Seriously, you guys are the absolute best! Who knew someone would find ME interesting? I totally get the imposter syndrome, feeling like I don't belong. But this online world has been amazing because you accepted me, something I never got in real life before the pandemic. Still not sure what the future holds for this app, but for those who want more of the "no-makeup, same-clothes-since-lockdown" home office me, I'm going to try going live on Twitch (since TikTok Live Studio isn't available for Macs yet). I'll be digitally drawing random people and maybe throwing in some casual gaming sessions, because let's be real, I miss video games too, especially my old NES games and drinking boba, if you buy me one LOL Still on the fence? No worries, I'm still figuring things out myself. Feel free to DM me if you'd like to see me embark on this new adventure. Everything's still up in the air, but I'm excited to see where it leads. #digitalart #noobtwitchstreamer #debating #newbeginnings #jennieberrie ♬ Supalonely X Glitter - rapidsongs
Stuck at home, glued to our phones, a new platform emerged as a beacon of entertainment: TikTok.
For me, even with the initial strangeness of lockdown, TikTok became a surprising source of joy. As an introvert, the act of introducing myself and Argentinian culture (despite being Asian myself!) felt comfortable, a way to connect virtually without the pressure of live interaction.
But then, something shifted. The infectious energy of TikTok started to work its magic. My friends, fellow users on the platform, convinced me to take a leap – to dance. Now, let me be clear, dancing wasn't exactly my forte.
But there was a sound, a song, a dance that permeated the early days of lockdown on TikTok. It was like the soundtrack to our collective experience – a shared moment of levity amidst the uncertainty.
Looking back, it's strange to think that such a difficult time could also be a period of unexpected joy. The forced isolation of lockdown, ironically, fostered a sense of community through platforms like TikTok. And that dance, that silly, unforgettable dance, became a symbol of that connection.
Even though lockdown was a challenging time, for me, as an introvert, it offered a unique opportunity to explore new ways of connecting. And that exploration, fueled by the quirky world of TikTok, is something I'll always cherish.
