The Smiling Fanny Manifesto

I came across The Smiling Fanny Manifesto when reading a novel by Lucy Anne Holmes entitled “Just a Girl, Standing in Front of a Boy”.  It’s a lighthearted book but Jenny (Fanny) suffers from depression and her friend Phillipa gives her this list of things to do to keep the black dog at bay.

Even if you don’t read the book (I recommend you do) or suffer from depression (I hope you don’t), have a look at the list. I think we could all do with a little bit of smiling fanny in our lives!

THE SMILING FANNY MANIFESTO (text taken from the book with kind permission from Lucy-Anne Holmes)

Phone a friend
You can always call me. Just say, “I am calling you because I have to tick it off my list.” And then we can chat about the usual: what we shall name our future children, our top five sandwich fillings, what you would say to Robbie Williams if you bumped into him on the street.

Grow something
Not like something different every day, just always have something growing, like a plant! (Mould on an old cup of tea doesn’t count!!!!)

Count your blessings
Before bed you have to think of things from the day that were good and that you’re grateful for. One, very random, off the top of my head example, could be “my best friend, Philippa”!!!

Have a face-to-face conversation with somebody.
Skype doesn’t count, you actually have to leave the house – it could just be, “Lovely day, today, isn’t it? Do you know what the forecast is for tomorrow?” to the man in the corner shop.

Give yourself a treat
Doesn’t have to cost money – a nice bath, a trip to the charity shop to try out new outfits, that sort of thing.

Laugh
my favourite – see attached gift!!! (comedy DVDs in the story)

Exercise
can just be a ten-minute walk around the block.

Smile or say hello to a stranger
has to be a different person to number 4.

Do a kind deed
either helping someone or going out of your way to be nice to someone.

Watch no more than two hours of telly a day.

 

 

I thoroughly recommend giving this book a read if you’re a lover of chick lit and check out some of my other Recommended Reading.

If you do suffer from depression please check out my series of self help posts entitled Self Help for Your Mental Health  where I tell my mental health story and offer lots of tips to help you on the road to recovery.

What do you think of the tips?
Is there anything you’d add to The Smiling Fanny Manifesto?

If you’re interested in uplifting quotes you can sign up for a free Ebook by joining the mailing list at A Chronic Voice.