Reasons to be cheerful

Twelve years ago I started an experiment. Each week I make a list — headed ‘Good Times’ — where I scribble down all the good things that have happened. Some weeks the list runs to over 50 ; other weeks just to 20. Some days I write one or two things down, other days there’ll be a rush of experiences all in one go.

What's the point of this exercise?

The point is = the importance of noticing.

Of stopping to take note of what makes us happy. Being aware of what gives us pleasure means that when we get stuck, or lost, or depressed, we know what will get us going again.

Perhaps that sounds too simple or just too obvious. But I've found the experiment valuable. And that’s why I’m still doing my Good Times lists all these years later.

Keeping a weekly list means I'm able to note how much difference those simple things -like having a morning coffee in a cafe - make to my working day. So I'll make sure that’s present as much as I can.

Too often we apply metrics - that are frankly bullshit - to our lives: job status, money, flash cars, holidays, blah blah blah. This experiment reminded me that there are more effective indicators for success, by simply keeping a weekly list of 'good times'.

If I've had a difficult week the list may be a shorter one, but it's good to be reminded there are still reasons to be cheerful.

After a challenging few months I’m looking forward to the Good Times in 2024.

My Good Times experiment is just one of the ideas in my book 365 Ways To Have a Good Day

📷 New Year’s Day portrait by my son Dylan