'I spent 30 years searching for secret to happiness - the answer isn't what I thought'

Prompted by Blue Monday, the BBC's special correspondent reflects on his struggle to find balance and joy in life - and a surprisingly straightforward solution

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I spent my childhood in the Palisades homes my mother cleaned. We're also grieving what was lost.

The daughter of a former Pacific Palisades housekeeper, author Yesika Salgado recounts the home and family that influenced her life and career.
Los Angeles Times - 3d
‘Not as dirty as I thought it would be’: Sydney opens a sandless new beach in the suburbs

It may have no sand, but Putney beach, which opens on Wednesday, gives residents far from the coast the chance to have a dip without the long commute. Follow our Australia news live blog for ...
The Guardian - 5d
UK's hierarchy of accents: 'I thought mine made me sound stupid'

Sociolinguists say accent bias is prevalent in the UK and affects how people are perceived by classmates, colleagues and friends.
BBC News - Jan. 20
What's the secret to Denmark's happy work-life balance?

The Nordic nation doesn't require staff to work long hours and has a generous welfare system.
BBC News - Jan. 16
'I got death threats when men thought I put feminist gesture in video game'

Young male gamers in South Korea thought it resembled a gesture used to poke fun at the size of men’s penises.
BBC News - Jan. 12
Nick Frost: ‘I’d like to say sorry to my mum. She was an alcoholic and I spent a lot of time hating her’

The actor and comedian on being a people-pleaser, the benefits of looking after himself, and his celebrity crush. Born in London, Nick Frost, 52, was working in a restaurant when he met Simon Pegg ...
The Guardian - Jan. 11
'I thought I was going to die': Jailed Venezuelan activist details brutality of prison life

Hundreds were arrested in protests after Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in last year's contested presidential election.
BBC News - Jan. 9
Ronaldo on 2yrs in Saudi: Happy, but I want more

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared on his two-year anniversary with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr that he's hungry for more titles.
ESPN - Jan. 4
I thought I could be a ‘cool mum’ – just strap my baby to me and keep living life as usual. I was so wrong | Tara Kenny

I’ve discovered new ways to be cool: rhyme time is my cocktail hour, the park my catwalk and I have a nappy bag that’s chicer than a Fendi Baguette. When I was six months pregnant, against all ...
The Guardian - Jan. 2

'I spent 30 years searching for secret to happiness - the answer isn't what I thought'

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Related

I spent my childhood in the Palisades homes my mother cleaned. We're also grieving what was lost.

‘Not as dirty as I thought it would be’: Sydney opens a sandless new beach in the suburbs

UK's hierarchy of accents: 'I thought mine made me sound stupid'

What's the secret to Denmark's happy work-life balance?

'I got death threats when men thought I put feminist gesture in video game'

Nick Frost: ‘I’d like to say sorry to my mum. She was an alcoholic and I spent a lot of time hating her’

'I thought I was going to die': Jailed Venezuelan activist details brutality of prison life

Ronaldo on 2yrs in Saudi: Happy, but I want more

I thought I could be a ‘cool mum’ – just strap my baby to me and keep living life as usual. I was so wrong | Tara Kenny

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