The purpose of our life is to be happy!

And last week, for my birthday, I was very happy to give £650 to 10 deserving people.

This weekend I have just returned from hearing the Dalai Lama give a series of lectures and question/answer sessions about important aspects of our lives - mainly about practising compassion, contentment, mental calmness, and being happy. As well as being an incredibly wise man he also had a real sense of pragmatism and a fantastic sense of humour as evidenced in his response to the audience question, "I am scared of dying - what should I do?" His answer, "Take care of your body - and avoid extreme sports!"

His equally pragmatic answer to the question, "How do I live an ethical life?" was, "Help others and, if you can't, restrain from harming them."

For me, maintaining my happiness includes helping others and encouraging people to make a difference - both for themselves and others.

What differences can you make that will help your level of happiness?

It's my birthday - have a present!

Happy birthday,

I tend to celebrate being alive and the good things in life pretty much everyday. So for me, birthdays are just another great day. However, having opened my birthday cards and presents this morning, I thought it would be nice to give a few presents, of £65, this week to people who feel they deserve it. So imagine it is your birthday and you received £65, what would you like to spend it on?

For this week only, you can nominate yourself to receive £65. Just tell me the reason why you feel you deserve it and how you would spend it.

Next week I will pick a few worthy winners.