The Secret to Living a Happier & More Fulfilled Life

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It’s no big secret that we all crave a life full of happiness, health and fulfillment. It’s natural; ingrained in our subconscious, even. 

And while some chase this feeling by climbing the corporate ladder, driving fancy cars and buying expensive homes, anyone who has tried this route knows that the happiness fix it brings is short-lived at best. I know this first hand because I tried it myself and well … here I am talking about other ways to reach fulfillment and lead a happier life. In fact, some happiness experts believe that material possessions and superficial success is merely self-soothing, much like indulging in a cupcake (and I love cupcakes!).

I actually had no idea that material things and superficial success were like a bandaid. They made me feel good for a while, but then I needed more of the same … it really is exhausting and far from fulfilling. My emotions were giving me clues as to the unease of the short-lived happiness I was feeling, but I didn't listen, because I didn't know nor understood what my emotions were trying to tell me. That is, until the magic happened, and I learned to listen to my emotions. Finally, it made sense.

So, what’s the secret to a life that’s full of happiness and leaves you feeling fulfilled … for longer than a few hours, days or weeks? And how can you listen to what your emotions are telling you?

The truth is that I learned to listen while traveling, away from my everyday environment, away from the constant noise of my routine, away from my daily responsibilities and expectations. Away from everyday, I was able to hear, listen and see what I had not been present and aware enough to see in the first place. 

Travel

Not only does travel allow you to experience in-the-moment bliss by adventuring to new places, but it also leaves you feeling wiser and more fulfilled. It opens doors within yourself to infinite wisdom, things you know but somehow have forgotten. It clears space for you to listen, understand and be present with your wants, desires and dreams. It helps you figure out your purpose and it helps you remember as you contemplate the world around you and the world within you. 

Travel also:

  • Builds self-confidence.

  • Nurtures gratitude (a clinically tested and proven pathway to happiness!)

  • Expands your consciousness. 

  • Provides you with beloved and meaningful memories to draw on during difficult times.

  • Develops social skills and resiliency.

  • Strengthens knowledge and understanding of the self.

  • Stimulates the brain and offers new learning experiences. 

  • Offers you the opportunity to transform your life and open your mind. 

 

But the biggest (surprise) challenge? Well, as Jaime L. Kurtz Ph.D explains in her article on ‘Why Fulfilling Travel Is Harder than We Think’, “we shouldn’t be so quick to assume that appreciation, joy, and enlightenment are necessarily part of our all-inclusive package. Planning a trip is one thing, but planning one that fulfills the desire for escape, relaxation, cultural education, connection with loved ones, or just plain fun is quite another.”

In other words, there’s traveling and then there’s fulfilling traveling. 

So … how can you ensure that your explorations are more blissful than banal? Go with a clear intention to grow, discover and connect with yourself, others and the world around you. Setting an intention before we travel is important as it anchors us in our wisdom and allows us to create the space to explore regardless of where we are. 

I always put forth an intention whether I am traveling to a new destination or when I am crafting one-of-a-kind transformational journeys and retreats for my clients. Each retreat and journeys nurtures the mind, body and spirit, and some of the elements I consider when I’m planning them are destination, experience and opportunities for transformation.

I stumbled across this phrase from Buddhist author David Michie: ‘shiny eyes’. It’s when you travel to a new place and are overwhelmed with awe and wonder. Your eyes shine with excitement and widen with curiosity”. 

This, combined with ancient spiritually, nourishing destinations, inspiring experiences and ripe opportunities for transformation, I believe are the ingredients required for a fulfilling travel experience; one that opens the doors to your own authentic self and to the infinite possibilities that our world has to offer.

Transformational travel has changed my life and I am so grateful for the day I made the decision to go on that first trip. Which is why I want to share the amazing gift of transformational travel with others, so we can all benefit from it and leading happier more fulfilled lives. 

 

I'd love to hear from you! 
Let me know what you think or share your incredible stories
of transformations and travel in the comment section below!