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In our October issue, author Elizabeth Uviebinené argued that hanging our happiness on achieving one goal won’t necessarily lead to fulfilment. Instead, she says, we should pay close attention to the parts of our lives that make us happy, every day.

This resonated strongly with reader Amy Keir. She wrote, ‘I’ve just read Elizabeth Uviebinené’s article and I could cry. It rang so true with me.

I went back to work part time last March after having my first baby. I love my daughter with all my heart and, at first, didn’t want to go back to work. I do love my job and it gives me confidence, but at the same time I was worried about being overlooked for opportunities and promotions because I’m now a mother, working less hours.

I’m not sure what my goals should be and have been beating myself up about that. I needed to read Elizabeth’s words: “Our goals are meant to complement the lives we have now… in the pursuit of them we must not neglect the people and parts of our lives that actually replenish us and make us whole. The parts of life that are happening right in front of us. Today.” Yes, my job is important to me, but this should never be at the expense of what matters most – my family.’

Marilyn Chapman also got in touch. ‘Achieving my greatest ambition to publish a novel several years ago left me feeling anxious and depressed,’ she wrote. ‘When I released my first historical novel in 2014, I waited for the joy to arrive, but nothing happened. I had put so much into reaching this goal that I felt lost without it in my life, and this, along with the fear of being unable to repeat the success, took its toll. I now concentrate on life around me and all the good that brings.

If I do take the author route again, it won’t be in pursuit of happiness or to convince others of my worth. It will be because I want to.’