We often believe happiness is something we need to hope and pray for. But it really comes from taking stock of the small and wonderful things around us and making an intentional effort to cultivate joy from it.
As a life and happiness coach, the first question I am always asked is: “Have you always been this happy and positive?” And the truthful answer is no. Plain and simple. I wasn’t born like this, I definitely wasn’t a carefree teenager, and even as a young adult, I didn’t let things go, and tended to overthink the smallest things. I envied people who were easy-going and content, and I always wished for happiness when I blew out my birthday candles.
Big surprise—happiness isn’t something you can wish for. The universe doesn’t control what falls into your lap, or how you react to situations. Only you do. Only you can make you happy. I wished that I had more awareness of that when I was a young adult.
As a life coach who advocates happiness, and a mother of two, I now feel truly grateful to be aware of what makes me happy, and can channel this as my purpose and work every day. It took a journey of hard work, intention and dedication to making certain changes in my life to get here. Which explains why I am so passionate about helping young people discover what makes them happy, so that they too can lead meaningful lives.
(Related: 5 Quotes for Living a Happier Life, Chosen by Oon Shu An)
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I created Getting to Happy SG, a movement that aims to inspire our community to live happier lives. Getting to Happy is a box set of 31 cards detailed with activities and ideas to boost happiness, as well as explanations of the science behind how they can increase well-being. These are designed to be used—one card a day—over a month so that an overall surge in positivity and well-being can be achieved.