Throughout my travels, I have met so many beautiful, amazing women. When I look back on my journey, it wasn’t always the place that made my time there so memorable, but the people I was surrounded by making me truly feel at home. Whether it was hanging out with them for one night, or being roommates, I am genuinely grateful for everyone I met along the way.

Allowing myself to be open to new opportunities and immerse myself into the culture, is what enabled me to welcome in new friendships and like-minded travellers. Not everyone I met was my best friend, nor did I like everyone I met. Still, it’s the ones that I did create a connection with and share those memories with that make my trip so unforgettable.

Happiness, to me, is being able to be my true, authentic self around people. Looking back over the past seven months and everyone that I have met, I smile just thinking about all the memories and how truly happy I was.

I asked 10 women I met along my journey what happiness means to them, and these were their responses – 

Tuva, Norway

For me, it’s the small things in life that fulfil my happiness. Meeting up with a friend, listening to music and driving, or laughing until my stomach hurts – it can all make my whole day. One day it can be waking up late, going for a long walk with my dog, or enjoying my own company.

I think the times when I feel the happiest are when I can be myself one hundred percent, surrounded by the people I love. It sounds cliché, but I really appreciate the time with my friends and family, especially after a bad day and right now, when I don’t see them as much as I would like to.

I also have to add travelling into the list of what makes me happy. Some of the best memories I have made were when I was exploring new places and travelling around the world.

Emily, England

Happiness means the ability to live as a free spirit and achieve my goals while surrounded by the ones I love.

Michelle, America

I think happiness comes from within and is something we each project out into the world. The same way we can see the world through the lens of anxiety, or fear, or anger. It’s a mindset. Which means it’s something you can practice and get better at as you come to understand your thoughts and core values. An important factor in happiness is our sense of control over our immediate environment and perceived level of freedom. Anyone going through quarantine now knows how significant an impact that sense of control has on quality of life.

Attempting to align your environment with what brings you joy and reinforcing your values and sense of self, can create a positive feedback loop that makes happiness easier to practice. However, that’s not always a privilege we have. Ultimately it comes down to taking personal responsibility for your own mental and emotional health, being self-aware enough to honestly assess what issues need work. To understand what actions align with your highest potential.

Lailany, Mexico

I don’t see the word “happy” as a state of mind. I think happiness is small moments, which sometimes last very little, and sometimes last longer. It is when you feel so calm that you forget everything except for what is around you.

Ellie, London

I see happiness as positivity and gratitude. With everything I do, I try to find the positives – the silver lining in every dark cloud. This has changed my whole mindset and outlook on life, helping me find happiness every day. I recently started waking up and writing down five things I am grateful for. Whether it be my morning cup of tea, the job that I love, or being surrounded by people that bring me joy. These little things, and having friends and family that have such a positive impact on my life, is the key to my happiness.

Janne, Norway

Happiness, to me, has been about both small things and big steps. Little things like stepping outside to get the first glimpse of sunshine in the morning or meeting an old friend that you haven’t seen in years and picking up right where you left things. Or taking my skateboard out when there’s no snow or bad weather anymore. Big steps for me was coming out and finally feeling like myself and meeting people who love me for who I am. And I feel safe to say that when I left Norway to come to Australia, I experienced so much of that. Last but not least,  finding happiness with yourself is the most important. Being happy with yourself and accepting you for who you are.

Nicola, England

Happiness is a state of peace that is found in the present moment.

Erika, Italy

I have always thought happiness was something people chase for most of their life, frustrated when unable to find it. Throughout my travels, I realized that happiness should be found within yourself, no matter where you are or what you possess. It’s a state of mind, awareness, and self-love.

Teressa, Chile

Happiness is being able to see all the good in every situation you are going through, even when it doesn’t go as planned. Happiness, to me, is about being in the present, which is such a beautiful moment. Understanding that everything shall pass, good or bad, so to enjoy the moment and learn from it and become stronger.

Emily, London

Happiness, to me, can be loads of things. It could be a text from a best friend checking in on you, being on a beach, or even just having a beer. For me, it’s the people I’m around. I’ve always found my home and happiness in great people.

Recommended Personal Blogs:
Living Through A Global Pandemic: My Story
What I learned My First 3 Months Travelling Alone

Thanks for reading – What Does Happiness Mean To You

Rose x