I SIMPLY love the Jamaicans way of viewing life: Don’t worry be happy.

Starting this week’s column, I’m reminded of individuals that are joyful giving off good vibrations.

Not everyone is a professional comedian or has diplomas in psychology.

Nevertheless, it is fair to say that those that smile with an open disposition willing to be of help to others, are usually the very ones that have endured persevered and sometimes overcome, tragic or life changing circumstances.

Such an amazing amount of people known to me personally have this kind of demeanour. Displaying warm engaging welcoming persona’s while suffering physical, emotional and unimaginable pain. I have the honour of knowing these souls.

So, you will understand that whilst I’m unable to identify them publicly they are undoubtedly my inspiration to carry on.

Often when I am at my weariest, I will conjure up a mental image of those close to me and can then continue with my walk for a substantial time longer.

It is often said that none of us know what is going on in other people lives, and we don’t necessarily see what personal struggles others, maybe going through.

I guess chatting to friends that work in hospices, funeral care homes, community nursing, and with chaplains, vicars, and priests, possibly gives me the perspective, on how much inward pain some absorb, whilst attempting to project an image of being ‘fine’ or ‘ok’.

As for me, I enjoy living here in Andover with its proportionally high percentage of residents, that are willing to put themselves out as volunteers in the community, filling in with the needs that are prevalent at any given time.

Those working at the Lights and Shepherds Spring Lane spring readily to mind.

With the clocks altering this weekend, the flowers now starting to bloom, and Easter just around the corner, there is plenty for us to consider being uplifted about.

Which incidentally is how I felt walking along the river side, with the new seating and matching bins newly installed.

So lovely to see Andover’s residents, enjoying the harmless pastime of admiring the scenery and so willing to chat whilst having their photos taken for the Andover Advertiser. I guess I’m known for seeing the good in Andover, but actually what I am attempting to do is share out the positivity that is so often given freely to me.