I recently read an article on mental health and happiness that suggested that if you are ever feeling down about yourself, or life in general, to try writing down the things in your life that make you happy. It suggested that reminding yourself of everything that is good about your life helps you forget all the bad stuff and negative vibes. So I thought I would give it a try and see how it goes.
My first favourite thing is, pardon the cliché, would have to be spending time with my family (she made me write this). But seriously, days out with my wife and kids are the best. We love a trip to the seaside, or a walk over the park. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money, and quite often nothing at all. We pack up a picnic, a football and some girly stuff for the girls, load up the car and go somewhere quiet and relaxing. When the kids were babies, we never had much money, so days out were always on a tight budget. I think this has helped my kids appreciate the time we spend together rather than the money we spend on them, which I'm really proud of as they never expect loads from us on a day out. They're always quite happy to kick a ball around, take a walk through a nature reserve looking for wildlife or sit on a beach playing in the sand and sea.
That leads me to my next favourite thing. As much as I enjoy spending time with my family, I enjoy my own time as well. In recent years I have took part in numerous challenges such as half marathons, 10k runs, climbing mountains and ultra-challenges walking all day and all night. To do these things often takes training, and although I'm not exactly and athlete, I try and stay healthy as best I can with the time I have. I'll go running from time to time, go for long walks and have even been known to the join the gym! (I do enjoy a sauna). If I am having a tough time of things, running, or some form of exercise (preferably in a quiet place in the country) really helps me to unwind and destress. It helps me remember that although life and work can be hard, I still have my health and that is more important than anything.
Food and drink, for a lot of people, is a great way of feeling good. I love a meal with some good wine. I have been fortunate enough to visit some amazing restaurants in London, owned by some of the best chefs in the world, such as Michel Roux Jr, Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing. I have to say it is some of the best food I have ever tasted, and always paired with some fantastic wines. My wife and I also managed to take part in a wine tasting course, hosted by the wine cottage, on a boat on the Thames in London. Taking us on a journey from white, to red, to desert wines. Teaching us about how wines are made, and why they are made that way. It was a great insight and helped us know how to choose a wine for our food. Some may find it boring but for me, it's something that I love. Wine and learning all in one place, what's not to love!
Next up. For me, being on or around water is heaven. Whether it be on a boat
on the Norfolk Broads, down by the seaside or sitting by a fishing lake. There is something about water that makes me very happy and relaxed. Astrologers (if that's the right word....) would suggest it is because I'm a Pisces. My mum certainly would! But for me, its the sound of the crashing waves, the smell of the salty sea air, the serene, peaceful atmosphere around a crowd of (almost) silent anglers. If I could live on a boat, I would. If I could fish everyday, I would. If I could take a walk along the beach every evening, I would. And it's made even better by the fact that my kids are growing up with the same feelings (my daughter not so much with fishing to be fair).
The last thing on my list, ironically, is writing. Around a year ago I started writing this blog as a way of chilling out. With the pandemic putting pressure on all of us, and getting out of the house being made difficult, I decided to start writing to talk about life. Sometimes it's personal, sometimes not so much. However, I always write about things I feel strongly about. Whether it be dealing with autism at home, or paying tribute to the late great Sir Captain Tom Moore. I have really got into writing down my thoughts and feelings, and it helps. With this piece being no different.
So there you have it. A few of my favourite things. And in conclusion, it has made me feel good. It's nice to remind yourself of everything good in your life. It's very easy to forget what you have when life is taken over by people telling you what you need or what you've done wrong. It's easy to forget what you have already achieved and everything you have already done right. I'm sure I will come to a point where I will forget again, as is only natural. However, I know I have good people around me reminding me where I am now and where I have come from. So give it a go, write down your favourite things in life and let me know how it goes!
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