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:

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

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

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

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

depression. Symptoms of mental health problems vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms of depression to look out for. Someone might feel restless, numb or helpless, lose interest in sex, sleep too much or too little, and gain no pleasure from things they used to enjoy.

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.

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’.

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.

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.