There was a time towards the end of last year (coming into December, in fact) that I began to think that we could be moving to a more normal footing where the Covid-19 pandemic was concerned.
At that time the gyms were once again open, there was talk of families getting together for Christmas, and speculation on the impact that new vaccines would have on the trajectory of the pandemic. It seemed, for a short while, as if we were collectively about to turn a corner.
Which was not the case, obviously.
So, here we are today, possibly in a worse position than we were, going into December; the gyms are closed once again (including outdoor gyms), there are travel restrictions in place, non-essential shops and hospitality venues are closed, and even the eagerly anticipated vaccination programme has got off to a less than smooth start.
Plus, it's winter, cold and wet outside, and morale is low.
Could things get any worse?
Possibly, though they could also get better.
I think the key principle, as far as I am concerned right now, is in maintaining a solid and resilient attitude and moving forward (particularly taking into account the fact that the current restrictions could be in place until March).
In these circumstances, resilience, or what is sometimes called "grit" is the quality that enables us to face difficulty and obstruction head-on and to power on through regardless. It is also the quality that enables us to keep going, even if there is no obvious reason to do so, to maintain a singular, even selfish attitude, which protects us when it seems that everything is lost.
Resilience requires no empirical underpinning. It does not need "light at the end of the tunnel" to be useful and can also be self-generated. It is what keeps us going when everything is against us, and it ensures we are ready when events turn once again in our favour.
So, be resilient right now, maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
It is still possible to exercise out of doors. Take that opportunity, and take it often, as doing so will maintain strength and agility, as well as offer a respite from the over-familiar interiors that surround us.
The future is coming, whatever form that future may take.
Be ready for it.