Rona Dougall: They’re easy to miss but we need to grab at a little happy moment whenever we can

It’s hard when the headlines are so grim and the future so uncertain to see any light at the end of the tunnel.

But despite this global pandemic that holds us tightly in its grip I’m reminded every day that there’s joy to be found in the small things in life.

I went for a walk along Gullane beach on one of those glorious Indian summer days last week. The promise of autumn was in the air, but it was still warm enough to don my wetsuit and plunge into the sea.

I was with an old friend and we chatted, laughed and put the world to rights.

And I found the gnawing anxiety that seems to have been hanging over me for months had lifted.

Many of us are finding that the things that really matter have become crystal clear.

Friendship, family, nature, food, wine (lots of wine) and Netflix, specifically Selling Sunset. What else do we really need?

As soon as I opened my eyes every morning during lockdown I would start planning what we’d have for dinner that evening. Or rather planning what my husband would cook. It was the highlight of my day. And still is.

And I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much on weekly Skype calls with my sisters, mum and aunt as I have the last few months. We never used to get together so regularly and chat like this. It’s been such a tonic. Usually a gin and tonic.

My husband has found unexpected solace in chopping logs at the bottom of the garden. Although initially when the axes started getting delivered I did wonder if he had ulterior motives. We all drove each crazy during lockdown, right?

There has been joy in making friends with neighbours and being part of a little community. Our street WhatsApp group has been busy. If you need an egg or a wheelbarrow, just mention it on the group chat and it will be at your door in minutes. Who needs Amazon?

I think what I’ve come to appreciate the most though is my regular running sessions through the beautiful Braids not far from my home in Edinburgh.

The exhilaration of slogging to the top of the hills then, gasping for breath, looking out on the magnificent view of the city, the Forth and beyond to Fife makes me feel glad to be alive. Science may save us but nature will keep me sane.

Rona Dougall presents Scotland Tonight on STV