Maggie Clayton: Lockdown will help make the world a better place as we realise we are all one family

Seven weeks in and lockdown has become the new norm.

Working, shopping, travelling, seeing friends and family, celebrating birthdays, have all changed out of recognition and we’ve had to learn to live in a very different way.

Let’s be honest, there are some things which work and others have become really irritating.

Standing in queues outside supermarkets to collect a sanitised trolley when I’ve run out of milk or potatoes is boring.

Not being able to go for a haircut and a bit of lively chat with my stylist, or have lunch with friends in our favourite bistro takes some fun out of life.

I miss taking the train into Glasgow for a day browsing the boutiques for a new summer dress, sampling the pots of the latest miracle moisturiser for mature skin, wandering around my favourite bookshops.

Such simple pleasures which we all took for granted have now become forbidden fruits.

I know social isolation is the only way we can possibly tackle coronavirus and hopefully send it packing, but I just wish there was a crystal ball which could tell us how long will this last?

But, looking at the positives, the weather has been sunny and bright and we’ve been able to go for walks and listen to the birds singing their hearts out.

The air is purer and fresher than its ever been. The cherry blossom trees are beautiful.

Our planet is benefiting from less traffic thundering around, causing a reduction in pollution, and we can see that in the clear blue skies, the wildflowers pushing through the soil and the warmth of sunshine on our skin.

Have you noticed that people have more time to talk? In our neighbourhood, couples exercise by walking for a couple of miles every day and chat with each other while keeping a safe distance.

The frightening figures at the daily briefings on the number of deaths from coronavirus have made us all look at life a bit differently. We’ve woken up to the fact that we are not in control. Covid is calling the shots and our vulnerability has made us a little kinder.

Friends and family who have lost touch are making contact with each other to check they are well. Neighbours are helping each other with shopping and home visits.

Sunday Post readers have written to say how much they enjoy our paper and I feel sure this week’s edition will be welcomed by them. We are “family” and at times like this we are there for each other.

People are coming to terms with this pandemic and it has made us realise that – despite all our knowledge, our political strength, our stockpile of weapons, our wealth – we are vulnerable to a virus that has ruthlessly claimed the lives of thousands of people.

Now, more than ever, it’s time to realise that our greatest and most precious gift lies in the simplicity of remembering our humanity and reaching out to each other.

It may be phoning a housebound neighbour, forgiving someone who hurt our feelings, understanding that we all make mistakes and get things wrong.

Who knows in a post-Covid world – we might even be able to listen to Donald Trump’s briefings without squirming? Well OK. That might take a little longer.

But at the start of this new chapter in our Sunday Post journey, I’d just like to say to you all – thank you for your company.

Are you keeping a corona diary, like Maggie? Tell us about your experiences in lockdown. Email ps@sundaypost.com