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OPTIMISM & INSPIRATION

Our May issue was themed around joy – and we loved hearing that it left you feeling joyous.

Marie Whiteland wrote, ‘I had spent weeks feeling upset by a failing relationship and a fall-out with my housemate, resulting in an urgency to look into other housing options. Here I was at 36 years old, considering moving in with my mum and dad with only single, broke life to look forward to! I was feeling pathetic, unworthy and lost... that’s until I sat down for some much-needed me-time and turned the pages of Red!

Fearne Cotton’s article was the first to uplift me. I thought of all the times I’ve pretended to know something and then crucified myself for not being more intelligent or articulate. Her words ‘it’s okay to not know’ started to ease my relentless self-criticism. I went on to read Elizabeth Hurley’s piece and found comfort in the reminder that even the most glamorous women in the world experience relationship breakdowns. I began to think about what I do have in my life and I feel so grateful for my fabulous friends. To top it off, I read 11 Ways To Be Happier. Tip 11 particularly resonated with me: ‘Be your own best friend.’ I wrote down all the negative messages I’m persecuting myself with and replaced them with positive ones. And, to my surprise, every positive message was true. I wasn’t writing meaningless words but statements of self-acceptance.

My day started full of pessimism but, thanks to Red, it has ended with feelings of optimism and strength. It’s so nice to finally discover a magazine that celebrates everything we are rather then everything we are not!’

And @Dixonpepper tweeted: ‘Enjoying @Redmagdaily Joy issue. It’s wonderful to hear from inspiring women like @Oprah @Fearnecotton @elizabday that you don’t have to have the traditional career path, know all the clever words or change who you are to be successful.’ We agree.