Saying Yes to Joy: Lessons from My Chat with Sarah Hood

I didn’t know we’d end up inventing sausage and mash lasagna.

But that’s the kind of magic that happens when you invite Sarah Hood into your happy place.

Sarah is an estate agent, a leading voice in Women in Estate Agency, and one of the most refreshingly real people I’ve ever had the pleasure of chatting with. You might know her from her viral charity campaign earlier this year, where she recreated that Bridget Jones scene to promote her half marathon fundraiser. But behind the humour and the showstopping social media presence is someone who’s properly thought about what happiness really means – and how we can get more of it in our lives.

Here’s what I learned from spending time in Sarah’s happy place (which, for the record, is a Cornish pier with a scampi cone in hand – no notes).

1. Happiness isn’t passive – it’s a decision.

Sarah doesn’t pretend that joy just happens. It’s not a random stroke of luck or something reserved for people who own Pelotons and have a perfect morning routine. It’s a conscious choice – often a daily one – to notice the good and chase it down.

“I don’t want to be fine. I don’t want to just plot along. I want to choose happiness – and then act like someone who’s chosen it.”

That mindset shift hit me hard. Most of us default to ‘I’m fine’ and stay there. Sarah’s made a habit of choosing more – and it shows.

2. Say yes. Then figure it out later.

The half marathon? She couldn’t run for two minutes when she signed up. The fundraising campaign? She didn’t post about it until she could run five. And yet, she finished it – with a huge smile and an even bigger fundraising total.

“You can probably do anything you want – if you just decide to do it and give it a bit of attention.”

There’s a certain beauty in winging it. Saying yes before you’re ready. Having a go, even if your trainers don’t match. The results often surprise you.

3. Make a fool of yourself (strategically).

Let’s talk about that video. Running through the local park in her underwear to raise money for breast cancer in memory of Sarah Edmundson – it was equal parts hilarious and powerful. Sarah wasn't afraid to make fun of herself in a vulnerable way, and the response was overwhelming.

“Throughout every woman’s life, we’re made to feel self-conscious about our bodies. That video was my way of saying – I’m done with that.”

What looked like a joke was actually a statement. And what’s more – it worked. Because when we stop filtering ourselves to fit someone else’s comfort zone, we create space for real connection.

4. Plan your joy – don’t leave it to chance.

Sarah said something that’s still bouncing around my brain: too many of us stumble through our day hoping joy might cross our path. But what if we engineered it?

“If you get to 5pm and you haven’t found something joyful, go do something joyful. Don’t just wait for it to happen.”

Whether it’s lasagna, running, or rewatching Parks and Rec for the fifth time – plan it, do it, protect it.

5. Curate your inputs like your happiness depends on it (because it does).

From switching off notifications to banning work emails from her phone, Sarah has built firm boundaries to protect her mental space – and encourages her team to do the same.

“Would you let that person into your house? If not, why are they on your phone?”

This isn’t about digital detoxing for the ‘gram. It’s about knowing your limits, choosing your energy, and not inviting chaos in through your lock screen.

Final thought: I asked Sarah what she’d say to someone struggling to find joy right now. Here’s what she offered – gently, but firmly:

“Say yes to things. But also say yes to not doing things. Curate your life. Don’t just let it happen to you.”

She’s not wrong.

Thanks for joining me in my happy place. And more importantly – thank you, Sarah, for reminding us that joy isn’t always loud or perfect or Insta-worthy. Sometimes it’s just a moment. A choice. A plate of scampi. A laugh with someone who gets it.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now wherever you get your podcasts – and if you enjoyed it, maybe share it with someone who needs a little reminder to choose joy today.

We’re just getting started.

— Toby