It’s easy (and understandable) to become trapped in negative thinking at times like this – so many of us stuck at home, isolated, and all of us 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.
It’s really lovely surprising someone, even if it is with just a little treat.
To get through lockdown, Janna Hayes leaned into her love of baking, ably assisted by her two young sons.
And by baking, we don’t mean your everyday patty cakes and biscuits; we mean jam-filled doughnuts, cinnamon scrolls and even magnificent ocean-inspired birthday cakes.
Janna, who is UNE International Development’s Communications Lead, says: “It’s my go-to thing to do with the kids, whose assistance at the bowl-licking stage is invaluable.
“I’ve been baking treats and then delivering them to friends around the neighbourhood as a way to spread some joy to others, but also to lift my own spirits. It’s really lovely surprising someone, even if it is with just a little treat.
“I’m also happy to be demonstrating to my kids that kindness can be a path to resilience. Hopefully that message manages to push through the laser-like focus on who gets the spoon!”
For her son’s 8th birthday, Janna pulled out all stops. She made a cake and piped brightly coloured buttercream icing over it to resemble a coral reef. She then used some acetate to build a cylinder mould, and poured blue and green jelly all over the cake to simulate the ocean.
“It was a bit of an experiment, which was really fun because he loves science,” Janna says. “The first attempt leaked everywhere and coated our fridge in green jelly. The second time we secured the base of the mould with buttercream and that did the trick.”
We salute your creativity and your kindness, Janna.
