Donkey on a Waffle

The term "Donkey on a Waffle" is from an urban phrase meaning to make something a priority or to get on with a task - "I'm all over it, like a donkey on a waffle". It's all about happiness, kindness and calmness. There are 52 topics focusing on areas of connection, awareness and fun. The reader can try a topic and task per week for a year, use it as an A to Z guide to pick up & put down, or read it over a weekend then refer back when they want. The topics have an explanation, scientific research, then mini tasks to try. Many are particularly meaningful since covid-19 hit, such as the importance of Resilience, Positivity, Community, Touch, Environment, Motivation, Relationships and Travel. I'm very aware that one size doesn't fit all so there are varied examples within the tasks. They are mostly simple, logical and free. There's also a mix of physical, mindful, and thinking outside the box tasks, but it's not telling the reader what they should or shouldn't do, or to change. Each reader will connect with the topics and tasks differently. For this reason and to add an interactive element, there is a space after each task to write any thoughts and ideas and a corner with "A, B, C, D" to make a personal quick reference: A- Already doing this. B- Bookmark for later. C- Someone else's Cup of tea. D- Get on it like a Donkey on a Waffle! The style is science-based but accessible, book-like but with a journal option, magazine-like but to keep for life, self-help but not too intense and an adult book but with added colour & pictures. This book began as me writing bits of advice to my daughters who are 4 & 6 years old. I strive to teach my daughters about the world, alongside them finding their own way. I started a book of notes and set up email accounts for them, and started sending things I wrote, pictures, articles, quotes - so collectively they'd be lessons in life for as and when they may need it in their lives. I found that there was so much advice, information and scientific research out there on how to be happy, calm and live a better life that it was overwhelming, with a lot of overlap. I also knew some of the articles, scientific papers and talks wouldn't be accessible in the future. I wanted to put it in layman's words, summarise it and condense it in one place, instead of them having to trawl through hundreds of sources. The book is a treasure trove of all the many tips, talks, quotes, therapies, books, groups and scientific articles that have inspired and helped me in adulthood so far. The idea is for it to be a beautiful, colourful journal, so the reader can write their own thoughts about each topic and come back to their notes. So it aims to be pleasurable, interactive and useful. It is especially for people interested in aspects of happiness, kindness and calmness. People who are open to new ideas or trying things differently, who want to make small improvements, or who are a bit stuck in areas of their life but don't know where to start. The subjects aren't heavy or career-driven, they're for everyday life, and are easy to implement. The aim is to get the reader thinking about various aspects of their life. And the hope is that it will bring something for everyone, increase areas of happiness, raise levels of optimism and deepen social connections. For added interaction, support & fun, there is also a Facebook group "Donkey on a Waffle" where topics are discussed every week, so feel free to join the community!