Many parts of life are beyond our control. We cannot choose our childhood, our family background, or the unexpected storms that arrive without warning. Illness, loss, and difficult seasons may come when we least expect them. But even when we cannot change everything, we can still choose how to colour the life we have.

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For me, happiness is something we need to look for and create. It often lives in small, ordinary moments.

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One simple example is laundry. Most people wash clothes when the sun is shining. I do the opposite. On beautiful days, I would rather go outside, take a walk, enjoy the fresh air, or spend time doing something I love. I do not want chores to steal the best part of the day.

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When it rains, I stay home and do the laundry instead. I hang the clothes under the roof and let them dry slowly. If they are not ready by tomorrow, they will be ready the next day. That is perfectly fine.

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So in our home, the washing often begins when the sky turns grey or when the sun has gone down. On bright days, the drying rack is often empty — because everyone is busy living.

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Happiness can also be found in cooking a lovely meal, sharing a celebration with family, visiting a new place, walking into a small café, or reaching a quiet personal milestone that nobody else fully sees.

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After my treatment ended, I began to treasure time more deeply. I started filling each year with meaningful plans — a trip, a concert, a bookshop visit, or trying a new restaurant. Small things gave me something to look forward to, and hope began to grow again.

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Not every happiness needs money, luxury, or a perfect life. Sometimes it begins with one simple question:

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What do I want to do with today?

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