At MOOV Restaurant, Club and Art Garden in Koh Tao, Thailand enjoying $3 mojitos and deep house tunes from DJ Simmo
Time is definitely flying by for me in Thailand – I’ve already been here three weeks! If I had to choose one word for my experience so far, it would be EXPANSIVE. My mind is being stretched in such good ways from living in community with so many entrepreneurs who are running cool businesses, creating their dream lives and traveling all over the world. There’s so much I can tell you about how this trip is seriously changing my life!
If you didn’t catch the announcement on the HBW newsletter a little while ago, I now have an account on Soundcloud so I can share audio posts with you that go deeper than some of the articles I post here on the blog.
My first audio post is a brief, unedited reflection about my experience being in Koh Tao, Thailand. I’ve been feeling expansive and hopeful, as this trip has been an incredible opportunity to think about what’s really possible for me right now. At the end of the audio, I also encourage you to take some time to consider the possibilities for your own life.
Click here to listen to my first audio post on Soundcloud.
As I alluded to in the audio, this trip has definitely been calling me to consider the question:
When am I at my happiest?
For me, the answer has gotten so much simpler over the years.
I am at my happiest when…
- Enjoying warm weather, especially in summer – my favorite season
- Eating good food that was prepared with love by me or someone else
- Listening to music that uplifts me and makes me want to dance
- Connecting with like-minded people, especially those who are committed to a path of personal growth and enlightenment
- Experiencing art in any form, especially live music
- Being creative through my writing and teaching
- Using my unique gifts, skills and experiences to help people and impact the world
- Getting to know intelligent, compassionate men who have interests and values similar to mine
- Spending quality time with my family, especially in Florida on our annual holiday trip
I’ve noticed that when I focus on maximizing the conditions that cause me the most happiness, the happier I am. It’s a simple concept for sure, but a lesson that many of us still haven’t fully learned.
I’ve also found that it helps to remind yourself periodically of all the things that make you happy so you can be intentional about doing MORE of what does bring you joy and LESS of what doesn’t.
When are YOU at your happiest? Are there any conditions, places, activities or people that naturally bring out the best in you?
Rosetta Thurman is a nationally-recognized author, speaker, mentor and coach dedicated to helping women create their ideal lives.
It is a good reminder and I feel a blog post coming on. Very happy for you Rosetta. Looking forward to hearing more. When I come here, happiness permeates your space. Thanks for sharing it with everyone who takes the time to experience it. Be well.
Be Happy Where You’re At Today. Find Joy in the Midst of Chaos.
Today there was a Spring Season Celebration in Islamic Art. I was posted in the Ancient Near East section where they had a small pottery making station. There was an African American Mom doing her homework accompanied by her two boys, one about age 4 or 5 the other maybe 12 or 13. The friendly lady from the Education dept. asked the little fellow if he would like to try his hand at creating. Of course little man was very enthusiastic, carefully watching the teacher explain how to roll the clay, then perfectly imitating her, under the watchful eye of older brother and his Mom who would glance over to make sure he was okay. The boy was mesmerized. There was also a video of a teacher making pottery for the kids to look at while they rolled clay and added to the piece that was to eventually become a pot. This was an excellent way of creating a relationship with the pots and vessels on display in the Ancient Near East section and how they are actually made. That little brother happy to roll that clay and learn about pottery that his mother had to remind him that she had to continue with her homework further along in the museum. Along with the teacher and the student intern I made sure I gave him lots of praise. I told him Good Job and that he is a Great Artist!! His little face was beaming. We don’t get enough African American visitors. I wish more Sisters and brothers would bring their children and get them involved in the arts, especially young Black boys. We only seem to hear negative things about Black boys. Today a little Black boy had a wonderful creative experience that had him, his older brother and Mom grinning from ear to ear!! I felt Joy in my Heart for this family!!
And one day I will travel to Istanbul, Turkey, Egypt, Mozambique, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, and to various countries in the Middle East. In the meantime I absorb what culture I can from my job at the museum.
Everything you have listed would be the things that make me happy as well. However, i would change the “men” part to traveling more lol. I am def looking forward to summer coming, and this year being a year of opportunities. Great post!!
I’m learning that happiness for me is simpler than I imagined… but right now, it’s definitely the sunshine after winter that’s doing the trick!
Thanks for reading Erika! I love those first few warm days after winter/spring, too.