Part 5 of our series: What I'm Grateful For From 2020
She may have had her wings clipped in 2020, but UNE lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Dr Suzie Cosh, has still found things to be grateful for.
"Besides a strong Internet connection and Netflix, I'm grateful for the quiet, simple, country life I am living in Armidale. I have always had an extreme wanderlust and I've struggled with the tension between wanting to jump on a plane and fly away and have 
adventures, and living a quiet life. I've always been torn between the two.
“I have lived overseas and travelled extensively. This is the first year that I haven't been overseas since 2004. But 2020 has really forced me to reconcile those two ambitions and encouraged me to embrace not travelling. I'm grateful that I have found contentment in the choices I've made and where my life is. I'm grateful for having had the opportunities to travel earlier and I think I appreciate that a lot more now.
“When I think of the tiny apartments I lived in in Europe, I am very grateful that I got locked down in Australia, in a big house on the edge of town, with a yard and national parks on my doorstep. It could have been a lot worse."
“Being from Adelaide, many of my family members and friends are interstate. The border closures made me realise the community I have built in Armidale and the friends I have made here. I've come to realise the roots I've put down and the community I've built. It has made me really appreciate my new home and that has made me feel more settled and content."
Also in this series:
- Part 1: 'I won't go back to what I was doing before'
- Part 2: 'My workmates gave me strength when I was on my knees'
- Part 3: A new appreciation of the essentials - the people around us
- Part 4: Back in the arms of family after months of separation
- Part 6: Regional life: A gift in the year of lockdown
- Part 7: Meditation, exercise, family ... and wi-fi
- Part 8: 'My optimism has surprised even me'
