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As an Australian Muslim woman of Lebanese heritage, the Corona virus has meant confronting my fears of existential loneliness. I have been living alone after getting divorced in 2019. I chose to live alone because I value my freedom, space and privacy. And yet, this choice, like all choices in life is fraught with beauty and pain.
I went from spending 90% of my time out - gym, three times a week, being part of two writing collectives, working full-time, studying one day a week, seeing family and friends and dating to being confined in my granny flat in Yagoona with my cat for daily company.
Since being confined at home, I have found myself ruminating on old fears of being alone and going through highs and lows. But I want to share some achievements because this is part of my self-care. What have I done since being confined at home?
<ol>
<li>I wrote an article that will be published shortly, my first paid and published work in a long time.</li>
<li> I tried to make a sourdough starter and ended up binning it because I am pretty sure that's not how it's meant to smell.</li>
<li>I started a resin river table DIY project that is still ongoing.</li>
<li>I lead a virtual Zumba session in a large work meeting to remind myself and others to stay active for our mental health and to remember to have fun.</li>
<li>I featured in a work podcast reflecting on what I am doing to stay passionate while working from home.</li>
<li>I made chocolate smash balls for Eid.</li>
<li>I cooked a Ramadan feast for my boyfriend and his friends.</li>
<li>I reached out to my lovely counsellor.</li>
<li>I hosted my friends for iftaar and coloured my friend's hair green.</li>
</ol>
I went from spending 90% of my time out - gym, three times a week, being part of two writing collectives, working full-time, studying one day a week, seeing family and friends and dating to being confined in my granny flat in Yagoona with my cat for daily company.
Since being confined at home, I have found myself ruminating on old fears of being alone and going through highs and lows. But I want to share some achievements because this is part of my self-care. What have I done since being confined at home?
<ol>
<li>I wrote an article that will be published shortly, my first paid and published work in a long time.</li>
<li> I tried to make a sourdough starter and ended up binning it because I am pretty sure that's not how it's meant to smell.</li>
<li>I started a resin river table DIY project that is still ongoing.</li>
<li>I lead a virtual Zumba session in a large work meeting to remind myself and others to stay active for our mental health and to remember to have fun.</li>
<li>I featured in a work podcast reflecting on what I am doing to stay passionate while working from home.</li>
<li>I made chocolate smash balls for Eid.</li>
<li>I cooked a Ramadan feast for my boyfriend and his friends.</li>
<li>I reached out to my lovely counsellor.</li>
<li>I hosted my friends for iftaar and coloured my friend's hair green.</li>
</ol>