It’s easy (and understandable) to become trapped in negative thinking at times like this – stuck at home, isolated, and unsure of the future. But the smallest action, daily ritual or mantra can be a perfect and priceless antidote.
We’re asking members of our UNE community to share with us what is bringing them joy and hope.
“I know many of us are having a really difficult time right now, especially those of us also juggling home-schooling,” says anthropological archaeologist and UNE's Director of Place-Based Research, Associate Professor Melanie Fillios.
“From my perspective, there have been two big challenges – the first is keeping myself positive so that I can be positive for my 9-year-old son, who really misses his friends; and the second is trying to find a way to ‘do it all’ as a single parent.
“The silver lining I’ve found is that, despite the chaos, the lockdown has given me more time with my son. It’s been challenging at times, but I remember something someone told me when he was born: ‘The days are long but the years are short.’ I understand this now. COVID’s gift to me – to us – is time together.
“We are finding pleasure in the small things and we love to be silly. It keeps me grounded and him happy.”
