Happiness is not a handbag

Oooh how exciting that the most shared story on the BBC online yesterday was none other than my mate Karen's research into women, emotions and spending. I played a bit part collecting and analysing data and what a thrill it is to see research moving women's minds because it's out in the public domain and not kept hidden in a journal or in some prof's satchel. Great! I was chatting to a (male) owner of an independent clothes shop in my town at the weekend and he said the fab spring weather made the women come out in droves. It seems when we feel good we shop good. Or maybe there was just a premenstrual hormonal surge in St Albans that week? I know when I feel good and the sun shines I want to buy everyone presents (and a little self gifting too). I was speaking at The Vitality Show on Thursday giving a talk I called "Happiness is not a handbag" which is ironic given all the shopping opportunities they had down there. The PR team and exhibition company did a great job putting the show together and I really enjoyed having a very funny impromptu ski and yoga session on a wii. The things modern technology allows you to do is incredible. My talk followed Rosemary Connoly and I have to say she's an absolute slip of a woman and knows exactly how to tell people what's good for them. I was rather impressed with her forthrightness and wondered whether that's what people like. I don't take that approach as a coach but think it definitely has merit. Perhaps I could do with her as a fitness instructor to get me to stop procrastinating about if/when I'll do a half marathon. Might have to think a bit more about that.