Dear Cathy

It sounds a bit weird, but last year, when my mum was ill, I realized how lucky I was to have her at all… we came through the illness together, as a family, and we all appreciate each other a lot more now. There is a lot of good stuff in my life – friends; family; my boyfriend, Jake; macaroni cheese; chocolate profiteroles; blue skies; crumpets. Those things were always there – I just notice them more now!

Imara, age 12

Saying thank you for the good stuff… well, it’s only polite, right? And as Imara has sussed, it really helps to focus on the good stuff. It’s logical, really – negative stuff makes you feel negative, positive stuff makes you feel good. Find something to be grateful for every day and you really will boost your moods and beat the blues.

The Fab Five

So… some things make you feel happy. It’s official! These are just a few tips to get you started, but I bet you have lots more ideas that help you to hang on to the feel-good factor! Basically, if you feel low, don’t bottle it up. Speak out, get help, and do something positive to help yourself feel better.

Scientists reckon there are five main areas to cover if we want to get happy… it’s a bit like those five-a-day fruit and veggie servings that help us keep our bodies fighting fit!

The Fab Five:

• doing regular physical activity
• having strong friendships and family ties
• doing things to help others
• being curious, glad and thankful for the world around us
• learning new stuff

Sounds good to me. Grab yourself a helping of happiness and live life to the full… starting right now.

The very last word goes to one of my readers who sent an email so packed with wise words, I couldn’t think of anything better to end this chapter… and this book.

There is so much more to life than meets the eye. You don’t need boys and clothes and loads of A grades and cool hair and money and all that stuff. Really. You don’t need it. But you do need love and compassion and empathy and friends and knowledge and a spirit that can’t be broken. Life’s about living and laughing and loving and helping others and standing up for your beliefs. It’s about taking a risk. So jump on board and enjoy the ride… who knows where you’ll end up?

Y’know what? I couldn’t put it better myself.

Lots of love,

Cathy Cassidy xxxx

Helpbox

Check Out:

• activities at your local sports centre
• dance/martial arts classes
• summer schools or evening classes to learn a new skill
• lunchtime clubs/after-school activities
• opportunities for voluntary work
• Girl Guide Groups/Woodcraft Folk – get involved!
• church youth groups/playschemes (to join or to help!)
• the pinboards at your school/library/community centre
• get together with friends and start your own band/magazine/dance group
• join your local drama group or sign up to learn to ice skate
• stock up with sketchbooks and paints… or chop up an old dress and turn it into something new and cool…