On 20 November, defence families gathered at the Randwick Family Centre for an art activity centered on gratitude and collaboration. This special activity aimed to address the unique challenges defence families face, including social isolation, the demands of caring roles, and the pressures of military life. 

The art activity invited attendees to paint flowers of gratitude onto a canvas, a creative practice designed to encourage self-care and social interaction, allowing the chance to connect over shared experiences. For a few hours, participants put aside the weight of their caring responsibilities and daily demands, embracing the opportunity to focus on their own wellbeing.

By the end of the session, the group had created not only a beautiful garden of gratitude through their artwork but also new friendships and a stronger sense of community. Activities like these remind us of the importance of connection and self-care in our lives. 

Impact of gratitude and collaboration 

Gratitude and collaboration was the thread that tied the event together, fostering mindfulness and encouraging everyone to pause and notice the glimmers of positivity in their lives. These moments, no matter how small, serve as powerful reminders of resilience and strength, helping defence families navigate life’s challenges. 

Defence families can sometimes experience overwhelm when balancing the demands of supporting family, the impact of ADF service, and/or in caring roles due to illness, injury, or transitions. Social connection is at the core of our wellbeing activities. In addressing social isolation and loneliness, we acknowledge that defence families may face barriers in developing and maintaining peer connections due to the unique nature of defence life. The purpose of this art activity was to encourage defence families to engage in a self-care practice and expand their social network by connecting with like-minded peers. 

“It is not joy that makes us grateful, it is gratitude that makes us joyful” – Brene Brown 

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