Hello dear readers,

One of the most common questions many of us ponder is, “What activities bring me the most joy and fulfillment in life?” This question delves into the core of our happiness and satisfaction, but finding the answer can be challenging amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, societal expectations, or simply because we haven’t had the opportunity to explore different experiences.

We often get caught up in our routines and responsibilities, making time for activities that genuinely make us happy feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. There’s also the challenge of distinguishing between activities that provide temporary pleasure and those that offer deeper, long-lasting fulfillment.

For some, joy comes from creative pursuits or spending time in nature. For others, it’s about connecting with loved ones, engaging in physical activities, or dedicating time to personal growth and learning. It’s a deeply personal journey, and what works for one person might not work for another.

My Source of Joy and Fulfillment

For me, sketching and painting bring immense joy, particularly when I start a new piece. I also find great pleasure in listening to beautiful piano music, and I especially love combining these two activities. This combination allows me to immerse myself in a creative and soothing environment.

Moreover, nothing feels more fulfilling than checking off boxes from my to-do lists, ensuring my house is in order, the closets are tidy, and the fridge is stocked with food. Knowing that my kids are happy and there is a calm, organized vibe in my life brings a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Handling Stress and Maintaining Well-Being

Handling stress and maintaining a sense of well-being is a challenge many face daily. It’s crucial to find effective ways to cope with stress for our mental and physical health. Many people struggle to find the right balance between managing their stress and maintaining their overall well-being.

When I feel overwhelmed or stressed, I draw back and prioritize essential tasks, leaving less urgent chores like laundry. I take care of myself and my kids, calm down, and cancel non-urgent appointments. Watching a series or comedy and listening to talks by personal growth, esoteric, or mindfulness experts helps me replace dark thoughts with positive ones. Painting also serves as therapy for me, allowing me to enter a flow state where all my problems seem to dissolve.

Living in the Netherlands, where we have many grey and rainy days, I make it a point to soak up sunlight whenever it appears. Sunlight significantly impacts my mood and overall well-being. Additionally, I regularly book massages with a therapist to relieve muscle tension, which I find both meditative and healing.

Important Life Lessons

Reflecting on the most important lessons I’ve learned in life provides deep insights and wisdom. One valuable lesson comes from a Buddhist saying: “Do you have a problem in life? No? Then why worry? Yes? Can you do something about it? Yes? Then why worry? Do you have a problem in life? Yes? Can you do something about it? No? Then why worry?” This perspective helps me significantly during hardships, reminding me to act if I can change something or let it go if I can’t.

Balancing Work and Personal Life

Finding a balance between work and personal life is a common challenge. My working life and personal life blend seamlessly since I live and work from home. I balance painting, household chores, and welcoming guests interested in my art. My daughter’s return from school at 2 PM marks a transition where I engage with her briefly before she retreats to her room.

To manage this balance, I rely on scheduling, managing expectations, and planning ahead. I use a digital calendar to leave enough space between appointments for unexpected changes or delays. When I have appointments with my special needs son, I block half a day to ensure I have ample time for preparation and travel. This approach allows me to run a one-woman business while managing two kids and a household.

Defining Success and Happiness

Defining success and happiness is a deeply personal endeavor. For me, true happiness comes from within, feeling that the things I do make a difference and impact others’ lives. This could be helping family members or neighbors, engaging in community service, or participating in clubs like the Lions Club, which I had to leave due to time constraints. Being part of a community brings happiness and a sense of purpose, aligning with my belief in contributing positively to others’ lives.

The Role of Relationships and Community

Relationships and community play a vital role in our overall well-being. As an introvert, I value spending time alone but also appreciate quality time with people who match my energy. Meaningful interactions with friends and family are essential, even though I need more time to recover after socializing. I carefully select the people I spend time with, ensuring our interactions are enriching and enjoyable.

Setting and Achieving Goals

Setting and achieving personal and professional goals is crucial for growth. I envision where I want to be in a year, five years, and even when I’m much older. Writing down my goals in various notebooks helps me stay organized and motivated. I regularly review and adjust my goals, ensuring they align with my evolving aspirations.

Beneficial Habits for Mental and Physical Health

Starting my day calmly, enjoying a healthy breakfast, and scheduling appointments after nine o’clock to avoid stress are essential habits for me. I also enjoy going to the gym, swimming, and spending time in the sauna for relaxation. Regular massages from a therapist are crucial for relieving tension and maintaining my physical health. Balancing social interactions with ample alone time ensures my mental well-being.

Staying Resilient

To stay resilient, I analyze my thoughts and feelings, identifying triggers that cause stress or sadness. Reflecting on Buddhist teachings helps me decide whether to act on or let go of problems. This practice has been effective in maintaining resilience and clarity during challenging times.

Cultivating Creativity and Innovation

I find inspiration in colors, patterns, and everyday visuals. I capture these moments through photos or screenshots, which I revisit when I need a creative spark. This method works well for both artistic and writing endeavors. Starting a project without worrying about the outcome often leads to the best results, emphasizing the importance of creativity over perfection.

Personal Growth and Self-Improvement

Reading books on personal development and listening to audiobooks and YouTube channels about positivity, manifestation, and goal-setting are integral to my personal growth. Continuously seeking new insights and revisiting valuable books helps me stay motivated and evolve further.

Guiding Values and Principles

Integrity and honesty are core values that guide my decisions and actions. I believe in earning trust and providing value without exploiting others. My choice to live as an artist aligns with these values, as it allows me to offer something people enjoy without taking away their essential needs. This reinforces my commitment to integrity and honesty in all aspects of life.

In conclusion, discovering joy and fulfillment, handling stress, learning life lessons, balancing work and personal life, defining success, valuing relationships, setting goals, maintaining health, staying resilient, cultivating creativity, pursuing personal growth, and adhering to guiding values are all interconnected aspects that shape a meaningful and satisfying life. Each of these elements contributes to a holistic approach to well-being and personal fulfillment.

I hope you loved this read and also watch my youtube video!

Take care, love,

Wendy