13 rise above pandemic
DAVINA MONTGOMERY
I HAD hoped this book would be real and honest, and raw.
I could even see the (imaginary) reviews that would appear on book blogs and grace the back cover:
“The strength of these women to share what hides behind each of their masks is an inspiration. They give us hope that we can build a world that is fair and kind from the pain of 2020. I’m sending Melania Trump a copy for Christmas,” Michelle Obama would write, probably to Oprah.
“I can’t wait to welcome these 13 women across the ditch. We watched the dreadful outbreaks in Victoria with socially distanced compassion, and not once said that wouldn’t have happened if a woman was in charge.” Too true, Jacinda Ardern, and keep up the outstanding work.
So far, I haven’t received a review from either Michelle or Jacinda, or Oprah for that matter.
But what I have seen is a scramble of women, who managed to fit in the strange ordeal of writing about themselves among families and study and often multiple jobs, among caring and grieving and coping with the mental drain of a year like no other.
Then I saw them tell each other how much they appreciated each other’s work, how they cried, laughed, thought and learned.
Maybe the collective term for women is “hope”.
SARAH GRACE ACTOR, FOUNDER OF GRACE ACTING STUDIOS, RADIO PRESENTER, MOTHER & LIFE LOVER
FOR Geelong-based actor Sarah, 2020 was an eventful year that saw the pandemic dramatically disrupt her business as she juggled motherhood, moving in with her partner’s grandmother — a powerhouse Italian Nonna — finding a new home, farewelling Nonna, losing her own grandfather, preparing for a new baby and accepting a marriage proposal.
JULY 2020
AS the COVID cloud lifted, we were excited to begin onsite classes again on July 13. It was an absolute joy to see our students back doing what they love, in person.
Things were beginning to look up; however, it was all very short-lived. As the second wave rolled into Victoria, the mood in the area changed.
Schools began to close due to virus outbreaks. I became increasingly anxious about the safety of the staff and students, and after three weeks in the studio, we decided to move back to online classes.
A few days later, the Premier made it official, and we began our second lockdown.
They say that old habits die hard, and I may very well be a prime example of that.
Only weeks after my “tap on the shoulder from God”, I was gearing up again to throw everything I had into creating the most amazing online curriculum possible, only this time we were doing it in one night.
As we hurried to get our plans together, one of my team said to me, “Sarah, I don’t think we need to do as much as last time”.
I was shocked and, if I’m honest, felt a wave of anger rush over me.
What did he mean? These people were paying for our classes, and we were going to deliver the best online learning experience ever because that’s who we are! That is what we do.
I honestly thought he was being lazy, but I was exhausted, and we had no time, so we went with what we had. The result? The term ran better than the first one.
Setting up that first term, we had launched into full production mode, filming an entire series of video and developing a plethora of immaculately presented projects for our students to accompany their online classes.
This time, I leaned into my team. I gave them an outline of the term and trusted their creativity and passion for the work; and, boy, did they deliver.
My Year 7 English teacher once said to me, “You know, Sarah, your assignment here is worth an A+++. The thing is, there is no such thing, you could just aim for an A+, you know”.
At that moment, I was elated. An A+++! Wow! I nailed it! Now, at 37 years of age, I finally understand what she was getting at. It’s OK to do less. Trust that you are enough.
Oh boy, this is a big one for me and many other women I know, crippled by the disease of perfectionism.
It is something that I am now actively working on.
As we moved into round two of online learning, I had a new realisation: when you can let go and trust that you are enough, you give others more space to shine, as my staff did that term.
With our simpler program running smoothly, I decided to take a couple of weeks away from the studio.
One cold and rainy afternoon, I sat playing “kitchens” in the playroom with my son. There was nowhere to go and nothing to do. As we sat there, serving up pretend food and drink to each other, I suddenly felt as though I was seeing him for the first time.
It was as though I had finally landed with him.
It felt amazing, but I must admit, I was a little sad. Where had the last 18 months gone? I had been running since he was born. We’d played kitchens in the playroom before, but there was always a part of my mind that was on something else.
I heard the whisper again. “Sarah, this is what really matters.”
OK, I think I’m starting to get it. Thanks for your patience.’
OCTOBER 2020
AS the pace of life picks back up, I am holding tight to the lessons of this time.
1. I am enough, and I am doing enough, even on days when I feel like I don’t have much to give. I am enough.
2. Nothing matters more than the memories you make with the ones you love. That is the most important thing.
We are looking forward to making many more memories with our little family as it gets a bit bigger in 2021.
As I write this, I am 12 weeks’ pregnant. We are expecting another baby boy in May and are simply over the moon.
Oh, and just the other day, my gorgeous “life lover” asked me to be his wife! A new season. A new chapter.
This pandemic might not be over yet, but I know with a firm focus on what is most important, we can get through anything.
CITY of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan officially opened the RONE in Geelong exhibition on February 26 at the Geelong Gallery.
Guests enjoyed a 20-year survey exhibition of Geelongborn artist Rone (Tyrone Wright), along with an immersive installation in which he transformed one of the major gallery spaces.
Accompanied by a soundtrack by composer Nick Batterham, the exhibition explores concepts of beauty and decay. The exhibition, running until May 16, is expected to attract around 20,000 people to Geelong over the coming months.