*Shortly after publishing this blog, I fractured my big toe, so am now reduced to limping pathetically around the block rather than striding out magnificently.

There’s no denying that that this has been a very tough period for everyone. But I am hoping that there are some small positives that will remain when this is all over. COVID-19 has brought about a real change in perspective, a realisation that some of the things we take very much for granted are in fact extremely precious. *One of these things is getting out for a walk.

Although I love my dog Ozzy, I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t always look forward to having to walk him. Sometimes I’m tired after my commute, or I’m too preoccupied. Knowing now that I only get one opportunity to leave the house each day, our walks have become a lifeline. Everything is in vivid and wonderful technicolor; the scenery is more beautiful, the birdsong is louder and more glorious, and saying hello to someone lifts my spirits in a way that I notice far more than before.

What I‘ve realised is there are so many simple blessings that we overlook because of things that – having had the things that do matter put into very sharp perspective - aren’t necessarily that important anymore. What matters each day now is taking every opportunity to nourish my soul. And surprisingly, I can do that by simply breathing in the fresh air, watching the birds flitting from tree to tree and smiling at my dog as he runs ahead, wagging his tail.

Something our dogs have known all along.