So many self-help ideas are like meringue - you take a big bite, and there's nothing there.

So for years I kept mum about my passion for needle arts.

Children may not notice the positive moments in life unless we point them out to them.

I was brought up Methodist, christened as a little baby and went to church every Sunday.

A thankful outlook smoothes the rough edges off life.

I now find magic in the mundane. I'm also more creative - better able to look beyond the obvious and come up with new story angles.

Certainly the research shows that grateful people are more innovative thinkers.