Finding Happiness in Mexico
Being self-employed has both its advantages and short-comings. When choosing to be a freelance consultant, I am fully aware that my income is not stable and no one is depositing a regular paycheck into my bank account. Contrary, there may not be a paycheck at all during a famine season! I remember when I first started out as a counsellor, my schedule was only 20% full. Creating multiple income streams which include speaking engagements, training gigs, and selling books help augment the unpredictable nature of my business. On the positive note, I enjoy more flexibility of when, where, and how much I work. Though taking time-off means a loss in income, I made it a priority to leave behind the cold and snowy Toronto and visit somewhere warm.
Making Play a Priority
I am among one of the 1.5 million Canadian tourists who visited Mexico in 2014. Counting myself lucky, I am pleased to have made the decision to stay here for one week. I am having a great time here with my husband and two daughters. We are staying at Club Intrawest in Zihuatanejo. The mile-long La Ropa Beach is covered by silvery fine sand. Among the sounds of the glassy sea, splashing 1- to 3-foot waves, and seagull-screams, I can also hear children’s laughter and giggles from the young-at-heart while writing this article at the beach-view balcony. I feel blissful!
The Beach is for Everyone
Both the local Mexicans and the tourists, young and old, enjoy the beach. When you are in the water, life gets real simple. Just you and your bathing suit, whether is a Gucci bikini, or a hand-me-down one-piece, you are entitled to float, swim, or trod freely in the salty sea. It doesn’t matter if you are rich, poor, optimistic, sad, cheerful, moody, strong, weak, big, or small, the gentle breezes and crashing waves welcome everyone and leave out no one. You just need to show up and the ocean embraces all of you.
“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” ~Charles Spurgeon
Happiness Happens from Within
Surgeon got it right! We cannot find happiness by owning stuff, or buying this, or selling that. Happiness has to do with our ability to fully grasp and appreciate what is happening in this present moment. For me, I am thankful to be alive having my dear family around, accepting who I am, and allowing my loved ones to be all that they are without the desires to change what they have to offer this world.
No more, no less. No pretense, no hide-out. Just as you are!
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi’s quote reminded me once again about the importance of cultivating harmony in:
- Loving who I am without apology and guilt,
- Living by my core values without fearing rejection,
- Communicating my thoughts without fearing being judged,
- Committing to activities that are aligned with my deepest interests, and
- Carving out time to nourish my body, mind, and spirit.
2014 is filled with meaningful memories and lessons. I do hope to return to colorful Zihuatanejo and soak in another glorious Mexican sunset by La Ropa Beach in 2015!
How about you, what brings you happiness this holiday season?
Life is filled with precious moments. I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2015 with many meaningful moments!! Love to hear your comments below 🙂