Part 3 of our series: What I'm Grateful For From 2020
UNE Lecturer in Nursing, PhD student and mother of three Sally Bristow reflects on what she has to be grateful for from the troubled year that was 2020.
"Working from home has changed the way I do things. I now walk my daughter to school every day, with our pet dog Buddy. It's an excellent way to start the day, whereas before I would drive in a mad rush, drop her off, then go to work. I also find daily chores more comfortable. I used to get home most evenings after six, then rush around getting the house in some order, pick the kids up from their various sporting activities, washing, cleaning, tidying, cooking and preparing for the next day. This schedule did not allow for any downtime.
"Now that I am home, I don't feel so panicked and rushed, and my schedule has entirely changed. It's more flexible; I can now do a load of washing in the morning and work later in the evening. I had underestimated both the physical and emotional labour and time that goes into running a household. COVID has allowed me to reflect on this and the toll it takes. My children love having me around more.
"During the severe lockdown, I would walk the dog for a lunch break with the kids, who were home-schooling. We got to know our neighbours, and now when they walk Buddy everyone knows them and says hello.
"I missed my usual social networks, clubs and activities during the lockdown (particularly going to Mass and my swimming squad). I am grateful to my swim coach, who reached out and provided us with dry-land exercise, and to our parish priests, who provided Mass live online every Sunday - this made me feel valued by my community. I hadn't realised how important these activities were as a source of support, company and a sense of belonging.
I am appreciative for 2020 because it has provided me with an opportunity to slow down and reflect on what is essential in my life - and that is people.
"It has shown me that each person around me offers something different and I am grateful to each of them. I now have more time to appreciate my life, and those in it. My family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and those people I say hello to daily (such as the barista who provides my morning coffee and always has a chat). This is what I am grateful for."
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 4: Back in the arms of family after months of separation
- Part 5: Adventure vs the quiet life: Lifelong traveller ‘lucky in lockdown’
- 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'
