With an end to Covid restrictions (in Sydney and Melbourne anyway) it’s a good time to ask:

— what new things did you learn about yourself this lockdown?

— what will you be happy to say goodbye to?

— what new habits would you like to keep?

As mentioned last post, writers and artists already live in a kind of self imposed lockdown so maybe there’s not a lot to change. We tend to keep routines (even when we think we don’t) and develop some quirky habits. Read some strange habits of famous writers here.

Photo by Tony Wan, Unsplash.

What habits will I be keeping?

The lockdown habit I’ll be keeping, is walking twice a day. I used to walk just once and not always consistently, but this lockdown I’ve become addicted to my Times Two routine. Like a puppy dog getting antsy, my body tells me when it’s time to go, and if I don’t listen and stay in, I just don’t feel right.

Writing in bed might be a new one too. Some mornings, before I even get up, I like to prop myself up with pillows, reach out for my lap top and just start. I can’t stay there forever, it just gets too uncomfortable after a while, but if I start writing first thing, I’ll generally keep going throughout the day because the avoidance gremlin didn’t have a cahnce to get in.

Giving myself permission to take some time off and just do nothing. About halfway through this lockdown I was giving myself a hard time for not being more productive when a friend said— ‘why not take the day off, give yourself a break!’ It’s important to factor in down time — do nothing, just sit in an armchair and stare into space, really indulge in ‘no’ activity for a while. It’s very rejuvenating.

What am I looking forward to relishing?

Bookshop browsing.

Trying out a new Turkish resto with a friend.

Op shop hopping.

Seeing the grand kids.

Getting out into the countryside.

What did I learn about myself?

That…

Being in touch regularly with fellow writers is a life saver. Since last year’s lockdown Draftbusters has been meeting  online twice a week. We have a week off between our monthly modules and if I’m ever going to go down the tube it will be during that week. As soon as I meet up with my writing buddies again it’s all good.

I quite like being alone as long as I have a two or three close friends to talk to on the phone.

Reading is far more enjoyable than streaming movies and series.

I don’t need a big social life.

How fortunate I have been over the past two decades to travel and work with talented writers and artists who trusted me to take them into far off places. Like deep into the Moroccan desert, nine hours drive from Marrakech. Or up and down mountain roads in Bhutan. One trip meant to take four hours took eleven, due to monsoon rock falls blocking the one lane road. How lucky we were to meet all the people of all the countries we visited, who so generously invited us into their lives.

What will I be happy to say goodbye to?

Restriction of travel is the big one for me. I’m not talking about overseas travel. Simply not being able to jump in the car and visit the grandkids (especially the new 5 month old).

What will the vaxxed up world look like?

Check out this article about what life  currently looks like in the UK. There’s no saying that’s how it will go here, but it’s an interesting guide.

Get out into the countryside with us!

Belongil Beach Retreat,  now moved to February, 2022.

Adelaide Intensive, end of Feb/ March, 2022

Broome Kimberly,  tbc possibly May 2022.

Featured photo of bird cages is by Stijn Swinnen, Unsplash.