A brief recap: Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This is his review of September 2024:
September was a busy month. I had visits from twenty of my friends and family, I published my debut novel (more on that later) and I single-handedly managed to redefine the definition of happiness. When the dust has settled, September 2024 will certainly go down as a memorable month.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines happiness as ‘The state of pleasurable contentment of mind’. Whilst I do concur, I have every reason to make an addendum. Let me explain why. After witnessing hundreds of Ocean Villas guests enjoy yet another wonderful Luz summer, there is one overriding feature that occurs time and time again. I have noticed that we are at our happiest when we are free. When we are away from the stresses of everyday life. When we can live for the moment.
A case in point: holidays! When your vacation starts in earnest, your mindset is different. Sheila from the accounts department is but a mere memory. The gas bill that landed on the doorstep in the morning has been pushed out of your mind. The commute to work? Not even in your thoughts. Your head is free from worry and stress.
When we are free, we tend to smile more and do things that we would not normally do. At the airport, many of us choose to have a morning beer even with the taste of toothpaste still on our lips. Whilst at the hotel, we can choose to have a midnight dip in the pool or perhaps have an ice cream for breakfast. Freedom is about having the opportunity to choose.
Which is why, during my free time, I have been working on my debut novel. I am proud to say that, The Squirrels of Settledown Forest, has now been published by Amazon. The book is aimed at children between the ages of 5-11 but, if you’re anything like me (aka a big kid) then it’s fun for adults too. The feedback has been fabulous so far and, as you would imagine, I am over the moon.
The original premise for the book came from a trip back to Cornwall to see my family. Not far from my parent’s house lies a small woodland called Hustyn Woods. It is magical. Every time I go, it inspires me to write something. The book was born in the woodlands of Cornwall and finished off on the coast of Portugal. Not a bad combination, I’m sure you will agree.
Writing the book has provided me with my own happy place. Somewhere to escape to when I need a break from the day-to-day routine. Much like our beloved Praia da Luz, writing my book is something that I love coming back to. Like Luz, writing keeps me calm and, like Luz, writing allows me to feel free.
So yes, although I agree that happiness is contentment of mind, ‘complete happiness’ requires a sense of freedom. Freedom can come in many different forms, but for me the most important aspect is freedom in our minds. I see it on all the faces of people that visit this lovely town. This is why I have updated my definition of happiness to ‘The state of pleasurable contentment of mind – preferably on holiday in Luz’.
The Squirrels of Settledown Forest is out now from Amazon on hardcover, paperback and kindle. Search on Amazon or click the link below:
The Squirrels of Settledown Forest – Amazon link
More news next month.
David Lugg
@davidluggwriter
All photo images owned by David Lugg