These days, happiness is a subject for research as well as a state of mind. Veronica Henry shares her sources of contentment over the years
When I was a little girl, my idea of happiness was books and baking. A day spent making a cake followed by curling up with Louisa May Alcott or Laura Ingalls Wilder was perfection. I was quiet and shy, not particularly physical or adventurous, so I liked to stay in my comfort zone.
As I grew up I became more outgoing and daring. In my twenties and early thirties, I strove for career success, a big house, the latest clothes, a flashy car. I was working in television as a script editor, I had drive and ambition, and it did make me happy to achieve and acquire. I’m not ashamed of it. It was the 80s after all!
Because I was working long, unsociable hours I took up riding – another childhood passion – to relieve the stress. One afternoon I discovered that my favourite riding school horse was for sale. On impulse, I bought him! Marmalade brought me hours of contentment, grooming him and polishing his tack, and trotting around the lanes – time to think, time to be myself. It was the perfect contrast to the demands of scripts and actors and producers.
And maybe looking after Marmalade was preparation for becoming a mother. I was on a fast-track career path with lots of opportunities, but I knew I wanted to start a family too, so I took a big risk and left my job to become a scriptwriter. If I hadn’t left then I would have gone up another rung on the career ladder and it would have been more difficult to make the switch. I trusted my gut because I knew deep down babies were more important than Baftas. It took courage but I knew I had to be true to myself.
Denne historien er fra March 2019-utgaven av Woman & Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 2019-utgaven av Woman & Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
How healthy IS YOUR GUT?
This month, our fitness expert Annie Deadman on discovering what's really going on inside your body and how to keep it in the peak of condition
'DON'T CALL ME A HERO'
Seeing the plight of innocent children in Gaza, Dr Ana Jeelani knew her medical skills could save lives – here’s what she experienced
CANCER WAS JUST A JOB until it happened to me
Author, speaker and health content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan shares her journey from consultant breast surgeon to cancer patient
Freewheeling in TUSCANY
A cycling holiday through medieval cities and lush scenery is a great way to absorb culture and get off the beaten track
Nostalgic BAKES
Unlock childhood memories with these fun sweet treats
A NEW NORMAL
The Princess of Wales is looking to the future, putting family first and ditching her to-do list
I look forward to being a very elderly, ECCENTRIC WOMAN'
Comedian and podcaster Katherine Ryan, 41, lives in London with her three children and partner Bobby Kootstra
Lighter DINNERS
Big on flavour and easy on the calories
Behind CLOSED DOORS
What really goes on at your local surgery, and how are decisions made? GP and practice partner Dr Helen Wall reveals all
15 ways to IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
Make yours fault-proof with these easy lifestyle tricks