“Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.” Aeschylus’ words hold a profound truth, one that Leigh Coulson came to understand through a pivotal moment in her life. As her twenty – sixth birthday loomed, Coulson found herself at a crossroads, asking a question that would change the trajectory of her life: “Do I want this year to look like the last one?” The resounding “no” that followed was the catalyst for a journey of self – discovery, one that led her to uncover the choices that lead to a happy, fulfilling life.
Coulson’s twenty – fifth year was marred by unhappiness on multiple fronts. In her romantic life, she was in a relationship with a live – in boyfriend that was rife with lies, jealousy, and insecurity. Yet, she clung to the relationship, trapped in a cycle of “comfortable discomfort,” justifying her stay with empty platitudes about relationships needing work. Socially, she had become a recluse, replacing real – world interactions with endless Netflix marathons. Professionally, she was adrift, far from the picturesque life she, as a millennial, had envisioned for herself at such a young age.
Realizing that staying the course would only lead to more of the same, Coulson took a leap of faith. With some savings in hand, she ended her relationship, moved out, and within two days, bought a ticket to travel Asia. It was a bold move, but she was determined to learn the secrets of a meaningful and happy life.
During her travels, trekking mountains, living with monks, and embracing her new – found singleness, Coulson uncovered ten key choices that can transform our lives.
First, she learned to let go of worry. Whether facing small annoyances or major setbacks, like when her wallet, passport, and camera were stolen, she realized that worry was futile. For things beyond our control, acceptance is key, and for those we can influence, a calm and rational approach is far more productive.
Stepping out of our comfort zones is another crucial choice. While order and routine provide a sense of security, growth and discovery lie beyond the familiar. By exposing ourselves to new experiences, we increase the chances of finding our true passions.
Living fully in the present moment is a lesson Coulson learned during her time with Thai monks. By engaging all our senses and being mindful of the here and now, we can appreciate the beauty of life and gain insights that lead to happiness.
Gratitude also emerged as a powerful force. In Indonesia, she saw people grateful for clean drinking water, which put her own complaints about trivial matters into perspective. Taking the time to appreciate what we have and sharing our gratitude can create a sense of abundance and joy.
Coulson also noticed the impact of technology on our lives. In her observations of diners, she saw that those who put away their phones and engaged with others were happier and more present. By disconnecting from our devices, we can fully engage with the world around us.
Listening to our gut instinct is essential. Our intuition, often referred to as our “second brain,” can guide us away from trouble and towards positive experiences. By quieting our minds and tuning into our bodies, we can make better decisions.
Looking for similarities in others helps build connections. No matter where we go in the world, we all share common emotions and a desire for happiness. By focusing on these similarities, we can form deeper bonds and feel a sense of belonging.
Embracing our true selves, quirks and all, is liberating. Letting go of the fear of not being accepted allows us to be confident and proud of who we are, attracting the right people into our lives.
Taking time to reflect on our relationships and making necessary changes is vital. Life is too short to waste time on relationships that drain us. By being selective and nurturing the ones that matter, we can build meaningful connections.
Finally, Coulson learned that happiness is an inside job. A monk in Bangkok told her that no matter how far she traveled, true happiness could only be found within. By reconnecting with herself, appreciating the present, and loving fully, she discovered the key to lasting peace and contentment.
Coulson’s journey serves as a reminder that the choices we make in life can either lead us towards happiness or keep us stuck in a cycle of unfulfillment. By embracing these ten choices, we can all chart our own course towards a more joyful and meaningful existence.
