Happy: Finding joy in every day and letting go of perfect

Happiness. I think we often assume it’s just around the corner, in the hands of others, or only for a chosen category of people. The beautiful thing is, it’s actually there for the taking, inside us all the time, bubbling away waiting to be embraced.

happiness and balance are about an open mind, an open heart and discipline.

I like the simple things. Just give me fresh air, my kids’ laughter, a paintbrush, people to cook for, a clear sky and plenty of sleep:

I think acceptance is a big part of awakening that inner happiness.

Being honest isn't always easy, as you are instantly opening yourself up to judgement.

Symptoms of mental health problems vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms of depression to look out for.

It’s really important to talk to the people close to you about how you’re feeling as having support systems in place, like a friend or family member to talk to, can be a huge help.

the person in question instantly shut down a dialogue that I thought might be a way out for me. I felt foolish for a long time, but I realise now that maybe I shouldn’t have burdened someone I didn’t have a long-standing relationship with. Save the big chats and honest words for people who you know have you in their hearts full-time.

Being surrounded by positive people and feel-good activities that make me feel alive is very important

I now try to place far less importance on what everyone else thinks and says around me and instead focus on what I believe to be the truth.

It takes one thought, one second, one moment or positive memory to act as a catalyst for the light to gradually seep in again.

if we are to find real and lasting happiness in our lives we need to abandon our obsession with hunting the highs and resisting the lows and discover the hidden secrets of the ‘calm’.

When we start to suffer or feel unhappy it is because we are stuck in the highs or the lows or swinging madly between both.

If you slip into the blue or indeed the black, don’t keep it in. Find someone you trust – friend or professional – and tell them about it.

Sometimes I exhaust myself with the pressure I’ve put myself under, of trying to do so much at once and all to a certain standard.

In this day and age, it is very difficult to NOT burn out. There are so many opportunities out there and so much pressure to do everything possible.

If it’s coming from a place where you know inner happiness lies and can be achieved at the end of it, then run with it. If the WANT is coming from a place of fear and low self-esteem, and is making you feel rubbish, then it’s time to ditch that aim and work out what really makes you tick.

Going out at night, like I did in my twenties, has fallen off the priority ladder altogether. I haven’t the energy for it. Or, should I say, I have CHOSEN not to give the energy I have to it. This may change again later in my life but for now it feels like the best way of preserving energy for my priorities.

Growing up, I chased excitement and adventure and pushed everything else aside. I had little respect or regard for rest or peace,

My husband and I have weird schedules and little routine which makes planning anything tricky, but we do try to have the odd date night where we’ll get a babysitter. If we can’t even manage this, we just try to make time to talk. To sit, without phones or screens, and just talk. It’s always interesting to just chat and have fun rather than talk about who has washed the school uniforms and packed lunches. Every couple has good times and bad times but we feel it’s important for us, and our kids, that we remain strong by making little moments like this count.