COVID -19, the invisible enemy, swept into our lives like an unexpected Tsunami. It shook the world with the reality that life can change in a heartbeat.

Daily news updated us on the rapid, uncontrollable spread through our towns, cities and country. COVID-19 attacked like wildfire. We had one line of defence—lockdown and stay at home. Overnight everything closed down. I opened my front door and discovered a new silence. The world had stilled and hushed.

The Government issued instructions to stay within the safe bubble of our homes. Unbelievably, we had morphed into a new unknown.

At first, isolation didn't seem too hard. My days were unstructured. I enjoyed the freedom to use my twenty-four hours whatever way I fancied. I only had one job to do. Stay home.

However, the oddity of this enforced isolation was that I was well. It was the outside world that was sick. It seemed I'd won a starring role in some new age movie with an invisible enemy destroying humankind. Then I woke each day, the reality was—I was living this experience. It wasn’t a dream. It wasn’t a movie.

Leaving the house was suddenly scary. Getting groceries meant preparing for battle as I headed off armed with hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes and disposable gloves. Staff wandered the stores dressed in outfits similar to NASA space crew. I discovered I could shop faster than the speed of light, and I was excellent at playing dodgems with people in the aisles.

I discovered hazard lines I was to stand on as I patiently waited in line to be served by staff secreted behind Perspex screens.

Time seemed to move slowly. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my days. Fortunately, I was asked if I would add to the digital platforms that offered book readings and author presentations for schools and libraries. Yes, yes, yes—at last something purposeful to do again.

Structuring my day felt good. It was the motivation I needed to find other exciting things to do. Not that reading books and watching movies was hard. I just needed to do once more.

I discovered sharing was the new black. With gusto, I dived into the pool of writing workshops and masterclasses on offer. I listened to podcasts. I attended Zoom chats with authors.

I was inspired once more. New ideas dropped in, the words flowed and finally I was back creating. It was like breathing in sunshine.

I discovered how to celebrate my COVID lockdown birthday on Houseparty. It was loads of fun. I had numerous facetime sessions with family and friends. I discovered I could ring a friend and they’d answer, eager for a chat regardless of the day or time. It’s a small positive to come from the awfulness of the situation.

Over the past few months, the seasons have shifted. My car has barely left the garage. I’ve been walking far more enjoying the freedom from the house. I’ve discovered a broader area of my neighbourhood.

The footpaths have been curiously busy. More people than ever have been walking. Dogs have been well exercised. Families are united in a shared activity with kids on scooters and bikes and babies in prams enjoying the outdoors.

The 1st of June, our slide into our colder months, has seen substantial changes to our re-emergence from our homes. We’re a bit like bears coming out of hibernation. Slightly confused, hungry for action and lumbering along into a different environment. As the world slowly returns to a new normal, we need to be cautious during this staggered re-entry. The invisible enemy is still out there. To be honest, I’ve discovered I’m quite hesitant but excited to be allowed to do things again. I do wonder will the world ever be quite the same? I don't believe so. I think we have discovered a true awareness of our fragility on the planet.

So, what have I discovered during COVID-19?

• I’ve discovered I can enjoy my own company for a lengthy period of time.

• I’ve discovered a deeper appreciation for the human race and their strong disposition to accept and adjust to unexpected change in order to survive.

• I’ve discovered silence in my world.

• Most of all, I’ve discovered all I really need in life is my health, my family and a place to call home.