I have become progressively happier as I’ve got older. It’s to do with not striving as much.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 June 2022 source ↗
The question
What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy?Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
Asked in 52 of the 131 consecutive instalments of The Guardian's The Q&A harvested on 2026-08-29.
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Others on this question
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Toyah Willcox
English singer-songwriter, actress and television presenter
Between 2007 and 2016, I had a large white rabbit called WillyFred. I was happiest pressing my ear to his fur and hearing his heart beat.
Edwina Currie
Former British politician, broadcaster and writer
I am happy now.
Cybill Shepherd
American actress and former model
Visiting my children at college. I don't stay long, because their lives are so busy - the way they should be.
Carl Barât
English musician
The last time I held my children and every time before that. They’ve been my salvation.
More from Ardal O'Hanlon
View profile →I’d like a manoeuvre called after me, in the way Heimlich has.
People laughing at me, which is terrible for someone who makes a living out of making people laugh.
Lack of self-doubt.
My dog wanting to go out for a wee.
The day I had to stop playing football five years ago. I realised I couldn’t hack it any more.
Sharper knives.
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Doris Day, Sofia Coppola, David Schwimmer, Ted Danson, Toyah Willcox, Eli Roth
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