In this post pandemic time, in Australia we've been luckier than many other parts of the world and life hasn't change all that much. Ironically, despite our initial three month lock-down, we've been able to move around pretty freely but are we? I say there are advantages to living on the edge of the Earth but there's been a shift. It feels as though we've all gone into hibernation and forgotten to come out again.

I'm not sure if others feel the same as I do, but I know a number of my friends certainly do. We stopped planning and being social, having people round and planning too far into the future. This was replaced by spontaneity, or that's what I tell myself. We don't need to make plans because then we'll be free and open to do whatever our heart desires depending on who we're with. But we don't. I've felt a real shift and withdrawal. I still have coffee dates with friends sporadically, but dinner parties and larger gatherings are long gone. I think about planning one and get sidetracked. It feels too complicated and I yearn for simplicity. Maybe I'm getting older or maybe we're all having a shift.

I'm an extroverted introvert, more introvert lately. I don't mind missing out on things and yearn for those self-care days where I do yoga, bake, read (I yearn for a 'reset'). My weekends evolve around the kids' sport schedules for the most part and I adapt. I LOVE watching my kids play sport and find this a beautiful active meditation where I'm fully present in the moment. I adore my family and am here for them especially knowing that our time with our kids is so short and I want it to count. We do things together, but also have the continuous battle with screen time, holding them back, letting them go - we yoyo back and forth trying to find a balance. It's exhausting. I often give up and seek solace and peace. I pick my battles (that's another story).

What does this all mean? I think a lot of people are struggling right now. Struggling silently. Outwardly all appears ok, on track, we're all coping. I'm not sure we are. It's about making the little things count and being true to ourselves. It's about checking in with our people, our direct family, friends and neighbours and asking the hard questions. How are you really? I feel the struggle and the shift. If we all return to the land of the living, slowly, in our own way that works for us maybe we can find the re-connection to give us purpose again. My advice is to be like my beautiful cat Maxi who seeks out rays of sunshine. Feel the sunlight on your face, appreciate this simple act and soak it up. Let go and go easy on yourself. The rest will take care of itself. x