This the 14th post since we embarked on lockdown and now that the Covid situation is easing up and summer is approaching it´s time to look forward, not back. No one more than me as I have spent the last two months in a wheelchair mending a fractured hip. In April I reported on Captain Tom, a 100-year old UK Army Veteran who raised a whopping €36 m from donors for health charities by walking 100 laps with his zimmer frame. Now that I´m now up on crutches, I´m wondering if anyone wants to pay me even a tenth of that sum to the very worthy cause, alias the Susannah Grant Chocolate Fund to ensure I remain in high spirits throughout the summer.
In between the frenetic zooms, hangouts and google parties a lot of us have had time to reflect on our own happiness and how that relates to our own purpose in life. Recently there was a worldwide happiness survey in which Switzerland came out top; I imagine the endless supply of quality chocolate and shiny ski slopes mitigate the high cost of living. Yet I pondered on why Denmark had taken the number two spot and asked former long-term resident, Char Tamason to enlighten me.
“I believe Denmark ranks as one of the happiest nations because nearly everyone has their basic needs met. The minimum wage is one of the highest in the world, and people that need financial assistance can readily get it. This practically eliminates a primal fear of physical survival. And helping others in society helps ourselves because at the end of the day, we are all connected.”
I hope that Covid has kick-started a lot of our own dreams or moonshots or given us an opportunity to progress them. This has certainly been the case for Gladys van Oosterum from Area 1 who runs a successful coaching business that lends itself to virtual consultations. I asked Gladys how she´d made her own moonshot idea come true in her mid-50´s.
Gladys was drawn to coaching after she noticed she was often being called on for advice by friends and family so she left her travel company, did a Masters in Psychology and trained as a coach. Having found her true purpose, Gladys set up The Feminine Tide with her business partner at the age of 58 in which clients learn to silence their hidden critic and lead a more fulfilling life.
I am a stronger believer that if you wait for the right time to do something in your life, you will never do it. Fitness Trainer, Melanie Pomford bit the bullet and has spent two months connected to a virtual Hatha Yoga school in California during this confinement. Now a certified instructor, Melanie has tapped into a global clientele and is now giving yoga classes round the world from her house and peaceful garden.
Isabel’s impulsive decision to do an intensive Aeroyoga instructor course in Valencia at three days´ notice led to a new career. On her return to the Wellness Centre she was managing at the time, after her week-long course she discovered her Aeroyoga teacher had resigned and found herself replacing her!
And if you´re ever looking for a quick happy fix, there is absolutely nothing…but nothing like this rendition of Pharrell Williams´ Happy Song set against the iconic shots of sizzling Chipiona. Bring some of the beach atmosphere to your living room while you bop along with Tiziana´s recommendation of ice cream that can be delivered all over Madrid: Bibí e Bibó, c/Joaquin Bau 1, 28036 (Chamartín). Tiziana´s top flavours are Zabaione, Bacio, Spagnola, Calvados, Maracuyá and Pistacho.
It might seem crazy what I’m ’bout to say
Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break
I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space
With the air, like I don’t care baby by the way
Looking forward to dancing with you all after the Summer!