Reasons to Be Cheerful

It’s all too easy to get dragged down by the relentless tide of bad news. Between talk of an Iran war, a looming global recession, and the ongoing cost‑of‑living crisis, the world can feel heavy. Watching the news has become a bleak pastime; plenty of people avoid it altogether these days, and I can’t say I blame them.

The trouble is, when we fixate on things far beyond our control, it chips away at our mood. So lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to focus on the things that do lift me.

Southampton Football Club, for a start — actually winning games and giving us something to smile about. My writing has also hit a wonderfully productive spell. My current work‑in‑progress has passed fifteen thousand words, and book three is edging ever closer to the finish line. That alone is enough to brighten any week.

I’ve also found myself watching more YouTube, which seems to be a trend among many people I know. A current favourite is the Steve Marsh travel channel. Steve and his partner Alicja produce brilliant videos documenting their journey around the world — well worth a look if you need a bit of escapism.

On the reading front, I’ve just finished Jennie Godfrey’s The Barbecue at Number 9, set on the day of Live Aid in July 1985. A great book, full of atmosphere and nostalgia.

Music, as ever, remains a constant source of joy. Back in late 2022 — during that odd spell when we were living between houses at our son’s place, battling Covid and feeling thoroughly miserable — I stumbled across Bonnie Kemplay, a young Scottish singer‑songwriter. Through her, I discovered Quite House and Katie Gregson‑MacLeod too. Bonnie has just released her first new song in ages, and it went straight onto the current playlist without hesitation.

And finally, something I’m genuinely excited about: I’ve volunteered to help Dimbola Museum & Galleries with their display at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival. A lovely project to be part of, and something positive to look forward to.

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, these small pockets of joy matter. They remind us that life isn’t just headlines and crises — it’s football wins, good books, new music, creative momentum, and the simple pleasure of being involved in something local and meaningful.

Sometimes, that’s enough to keep the gloom at bay.