Welcome!

Last night, I was at the shops with my mum and, while waiting in the chemist for a prescription to be filled, one of her favourite songs came over thethe only customers!) and soon I was joining in. Mum and I definitely have form on that front. At a neighbour’s wedding a couple of years ago, we were first up on the dance floor and last off. We each have our favourite tunes that guarantee we’ll be up and dancing. Mum’s is ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling!’ by Justin Timberlake, while mine is ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire. It never fails to make me smile and feel happy. But, let’s face it, there are a lot of songs that make me feel happy. So I was delighted to read in this week’s Living Well (Page 62) that there’s science to back me up on why this is so. Research shows that listening to music can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and more. I did a bit more digging on the topic, and found that a neuroscientist has also identified the top 10 happiest songs. I’m sure it’s no coincidence that all of them, including Billy Joel’s ‘Uptown Girl’, The Beach Boys’ ‘Good Vibrations’ and of course ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’, were on my list, too. At this time of year, when I come to my Ed’s letter for our New Year issue, I usually write about a resolution I probably won’t keep. But this year, I’m going to declare just one resolution that is so easy anyone could keep it. Even me! And that’s to savour the joy that comes with the little things in life. Whether it’s hearing your favourite toe-tapping song in a store, melting at the sight of a giggling bub in a pram on the street, or just stopping to smell a flower. On that note, I want to wish you all a safe and happy 2022!