#happydaysproject

“I wanna be the one to walk in the sun.”

Yep, I’m quoting Bex quoting Cyndi, and oooh but you can just FEEL the sun in today’s episode! It was recorded as London celebrated Gay Pride in the summer of 2017, with Bex and I taking a moment to chill in Hyde Park and discuss what makes us happy. I weigh in a decent amount here, chatting about “togetherness on the street” and fresh bedding (wonder who I stole that one from…mmm Sofie Hagen, #happydaysproject – Sofie). While, apart from sun, Bex talks balance, the Myers Briggs test, and what heaven feels like. Yes.

This is the final episode of Season 1 – I’ll be back with Season 2 in 2021!

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Um, you’ll need to bookmark this one.

“Checking your phone to see if he texted, and he has.”

“Sun – but sun when you don’t have to do anything, so the sweat doesn’t matter.”

“When you remember that you matter, even if that means you have to make a ‘selfish’ choice…in order to be happy, the only thing you have to do is be kind to yourself...no matter what they’ve told you.”

I’m in love with this interview and this person: witty, honest and funny Sofie Hagen. Sit back and relax as they riff on fresh bedding, life realisations, Danish stuff in London, their friend Ed, and ice cream for breakfast. I don’t usually full name guests but Sofie is a magical comedian and if you don’t know them, oh how you will adore them. Start by following them on Twitter: @SofieHagen and then listen to their podcast, support their various recorded comedy shows, and buy their book ‘Happy Fat’.

Last episode of this #happydayproject season out next Monday 7 December!

#happydaysproject links incl website: https://linktr.ee/happydaysproject

“I’m happy to accept a democratic vote even when I lose. I have to accept it, because that’s what democracy is.”

“Being able to do what you want to do, and not have someone tell you you can’t do it. That would make you unhappy.”

Did Mike, in 2017, see the future and know how timely these quotes, and so much more of what he says here, would be? All my interviewees are honest and refreshing but I especially enjoyed listening to Mike and I know you will too. Aside from freewill and Brexit (never thought I’d say this but it was good to hear that being talked about again, specifically by Mike), he riffs on coastal walking, contentment vs euphoria, and football. I’ve interviewed many British people and it was starting to get really suspicious that, in interviews about happiness, nobody had yet mentioned football. I was about to corner my brother for a chat (in fact also called Mike).

Also I so deliberately left in the moment at the start when I move closer to Mike…remember when we moved closer to each other, rather than backed away?! Oh for those heady days.

There are two more episodes in this season of the #happydaysproject podcast, which will then return in 2021. If you’ve enjoyed the journey so far, please send the link to your friends so they can listen too! Thank you.

This interview made me smile a lot, and I know you will too. Greg dreams of life on other planets, living forever, and summer days playing baseball with his friends. I dare you not to be transported. Oh and at the end I bang on about making a cup of tea, because apparently I can barely let a single episode go by without someone doing that.

Would you like the #happydaysproject newsletter, or to tell Lizzie what makes you happy? Go here. Thank you and sending love!

It’s hard, sometimes, to stop the outside creeping in…come cosy up with Hannah and I, as we reflect on roast dinners and daffodils. Also in this episode, a special update about your guide to better disagreements…

Would you like the #happydaysproject newsletter, or to tell Lizzie what makes you happy? Go here. Thank you and sending love.

“When you’re laughing in distance…a whole bunch of people who will echo your laugh; you know you’re not alone.”

There's nothing better than a walk in beautiful Battersea Park in London with a friend who makes you laugh. Neila is an effervescent interviewee who has lit up my life today with her reflections on "hilarious happiness", doctoring her friend's selfies, believing "it will come" and discovering the Battersea pagoda, pictured. Make a cup of tea (I'm obsessed I guess) and let her raise your spirits.

Useful link to tryptophan, the amino acid Neila mentions in this episode: https://www.healthline.com/health/tryptophan#takeaway

Today Jay brings us back to basics: family, quality time, and exercise. Except that there’s nothing basic about surprise pregnancies, 24 hour solo bike racing, a broken back and a hot temper!

Asking, “What makes you happy?” is a bit like, Jay points out, asking, “What’s important in life?” I largely agree. With his great stories of adventure and love, it was fantastic to explore Jay’s most important things. I hope you enjoy hearing them too.

“I love Mondays.” Today we’ll hear from Ayo, who loves Mondays. Just like you, now that this podcast comes out on Mondays! But seriously, Ayo didn't just wake up loving the first day of the traditional working week - listen to this episode to hear about her cultivation of happiness via routine, companionship, pride, and the ocean.

"Some people close the door in your face; some people hold it open for you."

Listen to Helena for thoughts on cups of tea, the value of politeness, the joy of watching others succeed and “body flow”!

The #happydaysproject will hear from 100 people on what makes them happy. Focusing on joy, we are interested in exploring both what unites us and what makes us distinct from each other. I hope you find something in this episode to make you smile - and I hope you reach out to me if you want to tell me what makes YOU happy!

For a little more on the happy days project, please peruse this page filled with bananas.