A few months ago, a gorgeous friend of mine said to me “Life is about creating your own happiness and life path, once you have your own inner happiness, everything else is a bonus”.

For these last few months I have thought, many a times, about this. This certainly feels like a very peaceful quote, something that is positive and enriching. I have not only thought about it, I’ve pulled it apart and twisted it around, spent time understanding what it really means to me as a person and to life and the purpose we all want to live.

As simple as it sounds, life really is about making it what you want. Choosing how you want to live life, the person you want to be and the path you want to follow, is really all we need to focus on. When you focus on creating your own happiness each and every day, everything on top of that really is the bonus. Whether that bonus relates to certain relationships, goals that come to fruition, opportunities, unexpected coincidences.

It has been a mind blowing WOW to realise that life isn’t about having someone or something to be happy, that we can’t afford to waste time placing our own happiness on hold because we feel that when ‘such and such happens, appears, does this, does that’ that then we will be happy. Happiness truly is within, once you have happiness and create happiness, everything in life is therefore a bonus, an added extra to your already self-made happiness..

And what a wonderful and comforting thought that is. I’m looking forward to many bonuses coming my way!

This is a quote that I will carry around with me for the rest of my days. So extremely grateful for that friend, who shared such a thought provoking piece of wisdom with me.

“You don’t need a reason to be happy, just a choice”

Kx

Last month I had the privilege of devoting 5 blissful days of myself to a retreat. This retreat is named ‘Heartland‘, and so began my journey to the, rightfully named, land of the hearts.

In my year of journeys, I find myself wanting to focus and further understand who I am and determine the life I want to lead and what that would look like. So, my mission was to relax and focus on just being in the moment and allowing myself to ponder and think. This was a retreat for spiritual and personal growth and healing, and whilst I always knew I’d get here at some point in my life, here I was, ready to accept it all. I was determined to embrace every activity, every session, every ounce of Heartland.

Having never been to a retreat, I was not sure what to expect. All I knew was that I was excited and curious all at the same time. A little nervous about going this adventure alone, but I was completely at ease the second I drove onto the long dirt track to the retreat center.

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I felt completely in awe of the comforts and generosity of Heartland.

I received SO much more from my week at Heartland, then ever expected. The friendships, the stories, the creative arts, the chanting and dancing all made for an unforgettable week. I was completely myself, within my own thoughts and enjoyed every single moment. I meet some of the most amazing and inspiring people, and loved to listen to their stories and to collaborate on all different levels.

What did I learn about myself? That life really is more simple than we sometimes play it out, that I love who I am and I have the capability to be who I want and lead the life that I want, no matter the situation/challenges/events etc.

I learnt that we all live to a certain program and perceptions, that we have the ability to change these and really take hold of life and make it the life that we want to live. Life is full of choices, it’s a matter of choosing the right choice for you and living that out.

Everyone that I met at Heartland inspired me in so many different ways. I look back at those 5 days with the biggest and warmest smile, and am truly grateful for the experience.

Imagination gives you the picture. Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own – Robert Collier

Where do you start with determining your visions in life? Is it a matter of listing them all out or simply allowing it to naturally  form in your dreams and thoughts?

When I think about it, there are many things I would like to do in life. Are these things visions or goals?

Recently, whilst on my own little journey at a retreat last week, I learnt that there is a difference between a ‘vision’ and a ‘goal’. To be clear I researched the true definitions:

Vision: An aspirational description of what one would like to achieve or accomplish in the mid-term or long-term future.

Goal: An observable and measurable end result having one or more objectives to be achieved within a more or less fixed timeframe.

A vision helps you to pursue dreams and achieve goals. When well defined, a vision will open your mind to endless possibilities and is a way to help you stay focused when times are tough. When you do not have a vision of who you want to be or what you want out of life, then you start to lack drive and your life plays out as an order of events. Visions will help you to be successful in life and will provide you with the drive and motivation to live the life you want to live.

Previously, every year, come new years, I would write out my goals for that year. It could be anything from doing a renovation job around the house to planning a holiday, paying off a debt to how I want to feel throughout the year etc.. Very much varied! I always make sure I mix it up a bit and add something that MUST be done with things that are fun and that I want to do. I feel that doing it this way means that I’m not ignoring those pesky important things that need my attention.

Having been through the vision journey and becoming clear in regards to a vision and a goal. I can now concentrate on exactly what my visions are. For example: I may have a vision to travel the world, experience difference places, people, food, cultures and to dip my toes into as many calming and tranquil waters as possible. My vision may even focus on certain continents, countries or experiences I want to have. From the overall vision I can then set goals to assist with the vision coming to life. My goals could be based on the timeframe, activities and exactly where I want to go.

Understanding what a vision is and how important in life these are, asssits with knowing who you want to be and what life you want to lead.

So, from here, my journey of visions begin.

*Do not put limits on your dreams*

I thank spiritual teacher, Les Dyer, for teaching me the true meaning of a vision.

Kx

A world of complete wonder, constant change and awe inspiring personal growth.

All my life I had a feeling that 2013 was a special year. Having been born on the 13th, I also felt 2013 was my year for fun, excitement and adventures. What I didn’t realise, was that this was going to be the most important year for ME ever!

9 months into the year and I now realise the personal growth journey I have been on. A journey of learning who I am, where I come from, how I contribute and what I am capable of. And so begins the ‘Journey with me, myself and I’.

I intend to make the most of this ‘year of journeys’ and ensure that I carefully listen and keep in tune with my truth. Understand what I believe in, the life that I chose to live and what motivates and drives me to be the best person that I want to be.

I want my life purpose to be about what matters the most: To be a great mum, a loyal friend, valued family member and a loving contributor to all those around us.

I thank this journey for the path I am meant to be on and open my arms and my heart to whatever comes my way.

My motto ‘Live, Laugh Love’.

Life is fantastic

Kx