I'm one to look on the bright side of everything. And yes, Covid does fall into that category.

True, it has been pretty rough for us all; staying at home for what seems like an eternity, not being able to see friends and family, trying our best to keep our nearest and dearest safe, together with the added stress of homeschooling for many (renewed respect for teachers by the way). Impromptu visits to the local pub, or anywhere socially, seem like a distant memory. 

I don't think I am alone in saying that it has also made us stop, quite literally, and assess our lives and how we live.  We have created an environment where technology means many of us can now work at home, the daily commute has gone and despite the homeschooling stress, we are looking at our surroundings and quality of life closely.   Online hardware stores and garden centres have done well during lockdown as people improve their surroundings, when they may not have had the time to do so before.  

Interestingly, there has also been a surge in property sales, people looking to relocate to places they wouldn't have been able to consider previously.  We don't need to live close to work, we don't need to be in the office all week, we have proved many of us can function in our jobs from home - sometimes more efficiently and without stress - so why not move somewhere you really want to live?   

Perhaps the dark clouds of Covid can have the silver linings of changing our lives and wellbeing for the better, we certainly won't take our freedom for granted anymore.  

I know there are many families who may not agree, who have had their lives changed forever, but we must look for the positive in everything - however big or small, it is always there.

Phil