Happiness is not a specific place; it’s a state of mind. I’ve heard the stories for countless times… people would travel… traverse the globe in search of that one place that would make them happy and blissful but failing to do so.
While I am sure that at the start, they would feel some kind of joy with the novelty of being in a new environment, which would quickly fade away. Happiness can’t be based on a tangible and actual place, person or thing… it’s starts from within ourselves (it is composed of whatever and whoever you allow in it) and once we get to that level… no one can take it away from us and we will feel that sweet serenity no matter where we go. You decide if your mind is full of regret, memories of the past, worries of the future and toxic individuals. It is up to you to decide if your mind is full of gratitude, excuses to smile and reasons to enjoy the only moment that matters- the present. You can focus on the people that show you love or the ones who don’t validate you the way you wish they would. Bad things will happen, some in your favor, most of them- not. How you handle that determines your level of happiness… not the event itself. Happiness is not a result of attaining something or going somewhere… Happiness is a choice and you are as happy as you choose to be.
I decided to talk about happiness on this entry because I took this photo at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan and for lack of a better way to describe it… I was happy. Correction: I am happy. I’ve been happy for quite some time now and I think it shows. It wasn’t just being in this beautiful resort (although trust me, the place is pretty magical) … it pretty much was within me. I decided on a Coachella-themed outfit because it was fitting and I wanted to be in an outfit that exuded my mood and the sweet disposition I am in and I think this white on cream ensemble achieved that. I frolicked, jumped about and lay down on the grass and I was happy. But don’t get me wrong, I could’ve been in Makati, working or vacationing in the beach and I would’ve had the same level of bliss.
Primarily, it is because I like the person I am today. I am finally doing something I like doing (which I never would’ve known to love unless I had taken the risk). I am surrounded by amazing people and I like the relationships I am establishing. I am satisfied with the road I am paving for myself for the future and while it took a long time to get where I am, the journey was worth it… because trust me… there’s no place I’d rather be than where I am now.
x, J
Sheer Boho Off Shoulder Top: Zara , Lace Shorts: Forever 21, Brown Gladiator Sandals: Zara, Bandeau Bikini (used under blouse): Glitterati, MIdi Rings: Pretty Little Blings, Gold Harness Bracelet: Topshop, Earrings: Cultus Chi Chi, Watch: Patek Philippe, Hamsa Bangles: Therapy