In our brand new section - WISE WORDS - we ask our favourite personalities from all walks of life about some of the things they've learned along the way, how they de-stress from their busy lifestyles, and the things they consider the most important.
MORE WISE WORDS:
Today, it's Cecilia Ahern, bestselling Irish novelist, whose book 'Love, Rosie' has been made into a film starring Lily Collins and Sam Claflin as a pair of young pals, determined not to ruin their friendship with romance. Previously, Cecilia wrote 'PS I Love You', which became a hit film starring Gerard Butler and Hilary Swank. She talks to HuffPostUK about where she goes to 'disappear' and the things she holds dear...
Lily Collins and Sam Claflin in 'Love, Rosie'
What do you do to switch off from the world?
I disappear into my imagination, into my self. That can happen anywhere. I have young children now, and that was the biggest change to my routine. I can't disappear when they're around. When I travel, I don't speak to anyone, I blast music into my ears. So, it's a world of two extremes for me, either utter silence or very loud music, but it's the same outcome.
How do you deal with negativity?
I’m allergic to it. People can leave their energy on you, so I have to walk away at the first sign. I’m allergic to drama.
When and where are you happiest?
With my kids and husband, and when I’m looking after me, being creative. So one is me being on my own, and the other one is being surrounded by the ones I love.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My mum asked me when I was writing my first novel, and it was just for myself, 'Why don’t you try to get this published?' My mum didn’t push me, but she planted that confidence.
And she always says to look on the other side, to see the story from other people’s eyes.
What has been the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
People can let you down. If it's the first time, and you're a young age, it can be a horrible surprise. As I've got older, it still hurts but I expect less, and it's far less of a surprise.
What would you tell your 13-year-old self?
Mark Owen is not going to marry you.
Apart from that, I remember I always felt left out, but that’s the part that made me write. So I wouldn't tell myself to stop. I'd just tell myself, it will all be fine.
What 3 things are at the top of your bucket list?
I have a fickle list, but one thing's been constant. I’ve always wanted to go to the Oscars.
What do you think happens when we die?
My theory is we made of energy, our soul leaves, our body goes, but the energy stays behind, and is absorbed into everything. Our cells are constant.
When do you feel a sense that we live in the presence of something bigger than ourselves?
My eyes are always open. Everyone has their own belief, and that is something that keeps us going. Whatever it is, religion, nature, it's the force that is given the name god and it keeps us all going.
What do you try to bring to your relationships?
I have this belief, which is to let people be who they are, not try to change them. Once you get that into your head, it all gets a lot easier.
When I got married, I was adamant I didn't want us to join into one being. I wanted us to stay two good beings side by side.
What keeps you grounded?
Definitely my family and my husband. There's no chance of me getting above myself, it just wouldn't happen with my family around me, it wouldn't be expected, and it wouldn't be tolerated.
Living in a small Irish village, there's lots of support for me, but nothing silly beyond that.
What was your last good deed?
I got a homeless guy a cup of coffee. Sorry if that’s really boring.
'Love, Rosie' starring Lily Collins and Sam Clafin is available on DVD now. Watch the trailer below...