When COVID-19 struck I think there was a feeling that there would be some short-term pain and changes that we just had to accept, then we would return back to the old normal. It’s now been several months of varying degrees of social restrictions and I am noticing within myself and in others, a sense of “COVID fatigue”. Usually at this time of year I am looking forward to my annual family holiday on the Gold Coast, just as we have for the last ten years. I work hard all year, knowing that I can rest and recover in the sun but now I am thinking about my alternatives and how I feel about losing this special tradition.

I am acutely aware that our friends in Victoria have it tougher and I find solace that I am not alone. I am surrounded by the YMCA community that has felt the full impact of this turbulent year like no other. Bushfires, air quality and COVID-19 lockdowns, can only make us a stronger and more committed community.

We all have two choices, good or bad, thoughts of lacking or of abundance, negative or positive and I know what type of choice will lead me into a better state of mind. And with this I want to remind our team and the community about some of the positive stories of late, here at the Y.

• The merger of the Canberra and Queanbeyan associations officially started on 1 July 2020 and the two teams have met this challenge and are working well together to become one.
• Receiving our youngest ever job application from 6-year-old Zara who attends our North Ainslie Out of School Hours Care. Thank you Zara, for making my day, can’t wait for you to join the team when you are 14!

• Children coming back to school and our Y families returning to Before and After School Care has lifted our spirits. Families are also excited to have excursions and incursions return to our Vacation Care programs with some of the children venturing out to Tidbinbilla and Cockington Green this spring holidays.
• Space Squad is back! If you know of any Year 6-9 students that are budding astronauts or space enthusiasts, its time to apply for the next squad at Bush Capital Lodge in September – apply here.
• Gratitude is not a strong enough word for how I feel about the staff at our Early Learning Centres that supported so many families through COVID-19 lockdowns and kept the children safe while we were navigating the air quality concerns in January. The same appreciation goes to the families that trusted us and stayed with us through such uncertain times.

I might not be able to change all the things that COVID has forced upon me but reflecting on the positives, I am optimistic about the future. Will I adapt my tradition and have a stay at home holiday, go camping or discover a hidden gem close to home? I am not sure which one but if I pick just one thing then I feel confident that I can turn it into a positive.

What’s your one thing I wonder?