Eastbourne woman ‘putting smiles on people’s faces’ with positive pavement messages

Jane Guest, who lives in Meads, started writing the messages at the start of May ‘to do her bit’ for the community during the coronavirus pandemic and said the idea came about after seeing her friend do the same.

The 51-year-old strategic marketer said, “I was talking to my friend about ways to cheer people up. I absolutely loved the idea of writing messages on the floor.

“I just thought it would be really nice. I have had so much attention from people walking past. It just makes people smile.

“If I can share some of the things I have been doing – like having purpose is massively important and being grateful for those around you – then that might help.”

The messages, chalked onto the pavement outside of her home in Fairfield, say ‘I’m staying happy with: video calling loved ones, regular exercise, puppy playtime, Cari Bends, staying purposeful, learning new stuff. What are you doing?’

Cari Bends is a range of exercises which, according to the official Cari Bends website, are scientifically proven to stimulate the brain’s chemistry to make you feel ‘instantly’ better.

Jane said she people are welcome to add to her list using their own chalk and that she would like to see more messages pop up around the town and on social media using the hashtag #joysuperspreaders.

She said, “I’d really love to see other people doing this, especially if they have young kids as it could be a fun way of home schooling and teaching them how to spell, and maybe even subconsciously how to be more emotionally resilient.”

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