Want to be happy? Then try to smile
INVITED to record an interview for Radio 2’s Clare Teal show (tomorrow, 9pm), I jumped at the chance to chat to one of my favourite singers.
Clare is a Yorkshire dynamo with a voice like salted caramel, equally brilliant with jazz standards and pop tracks such as Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars. For her big band and swing show, I chose four tracks in that genre.
Because I love lyrics (like poetry), I’m always drawn to songs. So I went for two orchestral and two vocalist tracks — both inspired by this column.
Sad Billie Holiday needs no explanation, then from the soundtrack to the 1978 TV serial Pennies From Heaven comes Painting The Clouds With Sunshine, recorded in 1929 by Bert Ambrose And Tis Orchestra. It reminded me, as I told Clare, of my frequent advice here that, yes, you can force yourself to cope.
Research shows how (for example) consciously making yourself smile can affect your mood. In the words of the song, ‘When I pretend I’m gay / I never feel that way/I’m only painting the clouds with sunshine.’ It goes on, ‘When I hold back a tear/To make a smile appear / I’m only … etc.’
There’s wisdom in those simple words. You could tell me that it’s glib to chirp (cue another song) ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ — because so much of the time it’s not possible. Life can be very bleak for many people and full of effort for more. I know that.
Yet tricks such as making a list of three things to be grateful for each day, remembering to smile at the person at the checkout, acting coolly confident at the reception when your ex arrives with his new lady (which I’ve done) …
Yes, such mind over mood strategies can work miracles. You won’t hear the whole song on Clare Teal’s show, but here’s the key: ‘Trying to drown all of my woes/Though things may not look bright/They all turn out alright/If I keep painting the clouds with sunshine.’
Bel answers readers’ questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Scottish Daily Mail, 20 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6DB, 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.