In unsettled times when the air is seemingly thick with anxiety, I come back to the simple things.

Perhaps some would call it hiding but I prefer to call it nurturing. Closing the doors, creating a safe space, planting my feet on the ground.

I’ve unpacked from our holiday and I admit, there was a tinge of sadness as the scent of Bali – offerings and incense and frangipanis – dissipated. We’re slowly catching up around here and getting back into the end-of-year swing of things.

And then, of course, this week’s shocking news reverberated so strongly here; it’s impossible not to feel anxious and fearful at the outcome. I was moved by this essay and inspired by this simple yet powerful action. Meagan shares the importance of creating “peace in the home” and perhaps that is something we can all work on right now. A small step, but a significant one.

My truth? Peace begins with me. And sometimes that peace, that sense of calm, is beyond my capabilities. Sometimes it feels like too hard a task. But I know in my heart that when I can be mindful of my breath and aware of my words, it’s a good way to start the day. And if by school drop-off there has been nothing but shouting and racing and hunting for lost things, there is the mid-morning coffee to recalibrate.

Home is where I resettle myself. It’s here that I find comfort in the little things: a lawn covered in Jacaranda flowers, a beeswax candle burning in the evening, tea from my favourite cup, tree-climbing children, my own pillow.

Today I’m boiling eggs for lunch, preparing a curry for dinner and curling Poet’s hair for a dance concert. There’s so much more than needs my attention but for now it can wait. Today I have things to do but I’m choosing a slower pace and hushed tones.

The weekend will be much the same.