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I’m loving the neighborhood I moved into. Apart from the wide, tree-lined streets, the proximity to the city and my other friends, the community have been so very warm and welcoming even in the midst of lockdowns. We share an online platform where people are able to check-in with each other and share helpful information (like if anyone is in desperate need of toilet paper, someone is always happy to donate a couple of rolls). We also even take part in fitness challenges while in isolation.

This week was an autumn fitness walking challenge. The trail was posted and we all just did it separately when we had the time during the week. I don’t think I could have picked a better day for it and everything just seemed to fall into place.

The autumn colours were just everywhere. The sun was glorious that day and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, which meant it was a bit crisp, but it was nice excuse to bundle my little one in beautiful handmade rugs from beloved friends. She loved hearing all the birds and was babbling away at them. We had a good several minutes enjoying the sunshine together, walking with her in the pram, until she slowly drifted off to sleep. I enjoyed some sublime moments of silence to myself before attending a livestream event on mental health with Julia Gillard and later on attended a Zoom meeting. I must admit that I have gotten plenty of good use from my Bluetooth wireless headset. It was nice to be able to:

• participate in an event via social media;
• be productive (attend Zoom staff meeting) while getting some exercise;
• participate in a community walking challenge (we were to post a photo of our walk on the neighborhood online page);
• have some space for self-care, by stepping out of my home office and having some time for myself while the baby was safely and snuggly sleeping in her pram; and
• still be able to enjoy being a mum and be present with my daughter.

I have time for everything I had time for before. I just have an added amazing thing in my life.January Jones

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