Don't Worry Now Be Happy

 I'm letting you into a secret. I'm trying to get my second book deal. This is a risk in sharing this secret but I may as well start the words here... a place that has brought me a lot of joy... a place that led me onto the path for my first book deal. The book is called HAPPY. I'm on a quest to search and walk on the path again asking myself do I need to RETHINK what this word, HAPPY, means to me and those around the world? I'm asking how can the definition be translated into our homes so we can create personal and public environments that can positively shift our moods and wellbeing?  OK no puking allowed and please don't feel like you need to punch me because I'm trying to be all positive like. Stick with me. 

I had a mega light bulb moment when I finished my book 'RETHINK: The Way You Live' - after meeting all the amazing and inspiring people I interviewed in the book I realised we may take different paths but it is for one purpose ---- so we can find happiness --- so we can be happy.

Source via here

The current times have been serious and many of us have done and are doing it tough. Design over the last few years, has been modest, paired back, sustainable and the rediscovery of the artisan. My book ‘RETHINK: The Way You Live’ is filled with what I’m describing. (have you pr-ordered a copy yet? :-)))

We are tired in seeing and hearing about doom and gloom. We are looking for positive ideas to lift our spirits. 

 Photo by Sayaka Minemura

My job is to always look ahead and dig deeper and follow the mind set of how we are doing and keeping an eye on what we want. My aim is to keep us developing spaces and product that are relevant  to us. 

‘Macarena Social – CyberCentre’ by Spanish architects MedioMundo

The design world is famous for being serious but we the humble consumer are exhausted with the hard times. We are looking for people, places, objects, more than ever, to make us smile and laugh.

Photo by Carina Hsu

Research proves laughter can cure depression and illness. It is also proven those of us who smile are more likely to live longer than those who don’t.

Source via Here

You get it when you win a race and lose it when you get laid off. Governments put it in their policies, preachers in their sermons, writers at the end of their stories. Scientists say they’ve found it on the left side of the brain. Pursuing it, Americans spend US$20 billion a year on self-help and

antidepressants. But wealth isn’t working: people in the West are twice as rich as they were sixty years ago, depression will be the biggest health burden in the world. Joy, euphoria,

satisfaction, tranquillity, triumph. It comes in many forms.

 So for now my fellow SnOOper's keep coming back to visit and follow my findings on HAPPY.   Perhaps, just perhaps architects and designer when approaching their next project will ask the same questions I will be exploring and produce holistic buildings that will bring those who occupy it with joy. 

Glanthel Park, Glasgow by Lisa McCartney

"When you worry you make it double... Don't worry - Be Happy Now!" - Brian McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy.

Happy pillow by Lala Ladcani

"When you worry your face will frown and that will bring everyone down"-  Brian McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy.

Storm Watching By Dell Stewart

So what do you reckon?  Do you like the idea for my new book? If yes let me know and help support me for book number 2. :-)

Who else is sharing tips on happiness this week?

Letter To Our World -  New online sensation where people are sharing their definition of happiness
Apartment Therapy - Very basic, not too deep -  10 simple things to make you happier at home
Mia Freedman - A happy place can be revealing but one's happy place is another person's hell
Red magazine - 'My Daily Dose of Happiness' The May issue shared from some famous UK ladies how it is the little things that count.