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| When they were small: Rose and Lily |
Trying to concentrate on the positive, I was interested to read what Professor Paul Dolan has to say about happiness in this recent article from the Telegraph. Apparently, nobody gets any happier with extra cash after a salary of £50,000 … fair enough, although I reckon I’d be like a dog with two tails if I ever made half of that! Joking apart, because, of course, happiness is not about material possessions (although there’s a lot to be said for new shoes) I certainly agree with Professor Dolan’s five ways to be immediately happier. Getting outdoors, for example; we have a little south-facing suntrap at the back of the kitchen where, assuming it isn’t lashing down with rain like today, we’ll often take a short tea break. And having started thinking about the nature of happiness, I’d add three suggestions of my own:
1. Sit in your favourite place. I love our large bedroom; it’s one of the rooms which attracted to me to our deeply unfashionable dormer bungalow. With its duck egg blue walls and dual aspect windows, it makes me very happy indeed to sit there on a lovely afternoon feeling the sun on my face and looking out across the sea.
2. Read a good book. As well as being a big fan of nature writing, I love a bit of ‘rural noir’. This week Daniel Woodrell’s bleak, poetic Winter’s Bone has distracted me from my eye problems.
3. Flick through some favourite photos. Revisit those happy memories for an instant pick-up. This one (top) of Lily and Rose makes me laugh every time I see it – despite the protests from the girls about putting them in the same clothes (which saved a lot of scrapping, I can tell you). Both my daughters have exciting challenges this week which will bring big changes… but it doesn’t seem a moment ago that they were little dots eating milk lollies! And I also love this photo of Ma … who’s probably laughing at something naughty she’s said!
2. Read a good book. As well as being a big fan of nature writing, I love a bit of ‘rural noir’. This week Daniel Woodrell’s bleak, poetic Winter’s Bone has distracted me from my eye problems.
3. Flick through some favourite photos. Revisit those happy memories for an instant pick-up. This one (top) of Lily and Rose makes me laugh every time I see it – despite the protests from the girls about putting them in the same clothes (which saved a lot of scrapping, I can tell you). Both my daughters have exciting challenges this week which will bring big changes… but it doesn’t seem a moment ago that they were little dots eating milk lollies! And I also love this photo of Ma … who’s probably laughing at something naughty she’s said!
Comments
Hope the whole eye issue settles back down, and that everything turns out well...
As for Rose and Lily - aren't they cute? I miss my babies, who are now great big girls.
I find watching a riveting drama series on telly makes me happy. At the moment, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell are doing it for me.
Thanks, Margaret, it's reassuring to know it's 'allowed'! Rose and Lily have grown a tad since then too! We're watching Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, although it's not quite Poldark. Ma's complaining because there's no one 'scrummy' for her to look at!
I felt very fortunate, Sue - thank goodness. Yes, although I make jokes about how much nicer it must be to cry in the back of a Rolls Royce rather than an old banger, happiness isn't about money... although I would very much enjoy being able to help the children more or give bigger donations to charity. Your blogs about living in Cornwall and getting out and about with Moll make me happy too.
x
Oh, that odd visual sensation of "seeing" flashing lights. I've also had it happen a few times, and been reassured by my eye doc. It is so reassuring to have a trusted doctor when our eyes are so very valued.
I do like your reasons to be happy, 1, 2, 3. As years pass by, my top three might change a bit, but I do seem to hold on to the value of unencumbered time. Currently, I am delighted by my ability to easily sleep through at least eight hours every night. Waking up rested and welcoming a new day...well, it's priceless to me. Nature and good friends are other treasures.
What a joy to see this post includes the photo of your Ma. And above i see some wise comments from some blogging pals we know from way back when.
xo
Elizabeth, yes a walk helps to put everything in perspective too, your right. And thank you - I think the eye will take a little while to settle down. Rather scary times but hopefully it will settle down.
Frances, that's very kind of you! I can't quite relax as I still have lots of visual disturbance but at least I have a follow up appointment. Sleep is so important, isn't it? I shall have to take some tips from you! I sleep better after a run, but I'm taking a short break from that (I hope) until my symptoms ease. Yes, too, to nature and good friends - several of whom have posted here! All best to you. x