I have a friend who swears by her adopted greyhounds. No, I don’t mean she stands next to them and curses, although I’m sure she does from time to time. But what I mean is that no matter how miserable she is, no matter how hard she’s been working, no matter how annoying life has been, no matter how fed up, cross, or what sort of a bad hair day she’s had, when she gets home and gets that incredible greeting from her rescued dogs it all then becomes worthwhile. The gloom is lifted and she is instantly restored, calm, happy and loved. It’s a bit sad but there you go (only joking).

For me it has to be my children and where I live. Although my kids drive me insane at times, there is still something incredibly magical about the way they view the world and how they grow. As for where I live, I only have to think about going home to feel lifted and invigorated.

For every one of us there will be something different that does it, that pushes our button in a very positive way. And I find the wonderful thing about this Rule is that it invariably isn’t the things that cost money that have this power. The things that lift us are usually magical in some way – a particular view or person, a pet or a child, a favourite book or film that we turn to, to help us recharge. It might be a state of mind that we arrive at through some ritual such as going to a place of worship or meditating. It might be a certain piece of music that lightens our heart. For some it will be reorganizing their stamp collection, for others it will be doing charity work or being a volunteer (there’s nothing like doing something for others or for a greater good to take you out of yourself). Whatever it is, make sure you have it, know it and use it. No good having a piece of music that always lifts your mood if you don’t play it occasionally.

I guess we all need something in our lives that takes us out of ourselves and, perhaps, stops us taking ourselves too seriously. Whether it’s a dog, a child or a chat with a lonely person at a day centre, there needs to be something that makes you realize that all the stuff that’s getting to you isn’t that important and reminds you of the simple pleasures in life.