Count your blessings in tough times

WHEN the news is bad, it’s a good idea to stop and reflect on the positives in your life. These are blessings to be grateful for, as expressed by writer Kurt Vonnegut in my chosen quotation this week.

So, I shall devote this space to celebration — rejoicing in you.

You see, this month marks a special anniversary: ten years since I began writing this column. That’s 120 months of sorrowful or angry or despairing letters; 500 columns trying to deal with 1,000 problems. Phew!

Writing this page has changed me, as I say in my book, Lifelines: ‘I no longer weep at my desk — not through a hardening of the heart but simply because you have to get used to things and

bear them, or you couldn’t carry on.’

Interestingly, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve received a really angry (even abusive) email, while constructive criticisms can always be educational.

However, I don’t want to focus on negatives . . . but on all the good things I’ve learned through my dream job. So, I reach across my messy desk to grab a little pile of sweetness.

A beautiful hand-coloured card (showing a peacock) from Josephine. A card of blessings from Elizabeth. Get-well greetings from Marion, Paul, Jackie and Rosemary — and many more.

A wonderful ‘ essay’ of memories of the Sixties from 77-year-old Pat. Pretty thankyou cards from Allie and Sue. Books, poems, responses ( always so interesting) to letters published. Little jokes . . . the list goes on.

Over ten years, I’ve been lucky to receive countless waves of affection from the most generous readers in the world.

We all suffer sadness: reverses of fortune, disappointments, aching grief, regrets and guilt at things done and not done, broken hearts or anger.

But I’ve learned, too, just how brave and loving people are, and how hope never dies, even when clouds gather. For all you have taught me — thank you.

Bel answers readers’ questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, london W8 5TT, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. A pseudonym will be used if you wish. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.