Awoke this morning to the news that two bespectacled Benedictine nuns are offering online retreats (just feels wrong). Then, on arriving at one of our occasional resident committee meetings, the chairman’s huge hairy hound bounded up to me and stuck his nose purposefully into my bottom – it was some time before we could unstick him and my embarrassment subsided. Then, my mobile rang during the yoga class today, shattering the peaceful silence of our meditation. Then chatted to fellow Countrywives only to find the main topic of conversation was the recession. We are all being far more prudent with our money which, at the moment, we are treating as a fun challenge and get quite excited when we save money on renewing insurance or bulk buying loo rolls (but pretty soon the novelty will wear thin when we spot the perfect suit for Ascot or fancy lobster for supper). Today’s budget doesn’t make me feel any more optimistic either, with the possible exception of the £100m put aside to repair potholes.
So, to cheer us all up, here are ten FREE things you can do to make yourself happy – don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these suggestions, they do work!
1. Smile at yourself in the mirror
2. Meditate – or just find a quiet spot and breathe in and out very slowly (quietly, not like you are having an orgasm)
3. Stand still for two minutes while the sun shines on your face.
4. Pick a few daffodils (while out walking, not from your neighbour’s garden or the park)and put them in a vase to brighten up a room.
5. Do someone else a little favour
6. Skype a friend you haven’t talked to for a while
7. Pop out for a walk, jog, bike ride – release your feelgood endorphins
8. Play a board/wii game with your family
9. Forgive someone who has upset you
10. Wear something from your wardrobe that you haven’t put on for ages and give the stuff you won’t wear again to charity.


Lots of love, Gracie xxx