Life can throw some horrible things at us. Take a nasty stomach bug for example, or a bereavement perhaps. Lately we’ve suffered both in our house as it happens. The first hurtled through us like a raging bull, while the second involved a note shoved in a milk bottle to say our dead cat was behind the wheelie bin. How much can a family take in one week? After the house had been fumigated, the beloved cat laid to rest and our many tears patted dry, I decided we needed some sunshine in our lives. By embarking on my very own 100-day happiness quest I resolved to cheer us all up.
Now, trying to be happy for a prolonged period of time is no mean feat let me tell you. Luckily, I began my challenge on the day our new consignment of gorgeous bedroom lamps arrived and was grinning so much my face ached. I felt smug to say the least. This was going to be a breeze.
Striding by the florists on my way home, I inhaled the beautiful flowery scent of summer and smiled some more. I can do this.
Needless to say, when things are going your way happiness is a given. However, try cracking a smile as your friend tucks into a huge cream scone while you’re on a diet. Not so smug now are we? Looking back, this was the tipping point. It was day four. From here on in I found myself donning a forced grin at every turn, Broadway style. I grinned as I stood on a loose paving stone and soaked my leg. I grinned when I locked my key in the car. When I spilled red wine on my pale grey carpet I could only manage a gurn I’m afraid. My quest was over and somewhat ironically, I could not have been happier.