Aren't we all after the same thing - to be happy? To be the best version of ourselves - not a copy of someone else but the best version of us. What does the best version of you look like? What does happiness look like to you? Not what societal norms or the media or social posts say you need to be or need to have to become happy, but deep down, what does that mean to YOU?

Big questions, I know, and it will take time for you to answer as it's an exploratory process. To go within and to discover what truly makes you happy. Truth is, we require very little to be happy and research has shown that once our basic needs have been fulfilled and we have a level of comfort, anything that is acquired beyond that, doesn't add greatly to our happiness. I talk about this in my previous blog about finding your "enough".

What I've found to be absolutely true for me and for many of you out there that already do this is that, just by shifting focus on the beautiful life that you already have, the joy that is already there for you to experience and the incredible nature that exists all around you - this will change your perspective and bring forward more joy into your life.

How do I shift focus and change my mindset to a happier life?

The answer is Journalling.

Have you heard the saying “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” The same goes for journalling.

There are a myriad of ways to journal. You may choose to write about:

  • your day
  • your memories from a time in your life that you'd like to explore further
  • what item/s or experiences bring joy and happiness into your life
  • what and who brings you inspiration
  • quotes that resonate with you
  • your bucket list
  • your goals, dreams, ambitions

What's worked for me

Gratitude has completely changed the way I see myself and the life around me. By focusing my writing on what I already have and the joy that I already experience, I changed my mindset from a space of lack, to abundance.

When I speak about gratitude I don't mean being grateful for only the "big" things that come into your life - I mean being grateful that you have eyes that you can open and see the beauty around you; for the conveniences that you have; for the ability to just flick a switch and have electricity. Gratitude doesn't just belong in the realm of the big, it belongs in every aspect of your life.

Once I started to write 3 - 5 things everyday for which I was grateful, I saw my life through a different set of eyes. A more meaningful, kind and centred lens.

Now, don't get me wrong, I still have days where I feel stressed, worried or anxiety comes over me but because I've grounded myself and try and work from a space of gratitude, I don't dwell very long in that space of disturbance. I change the narrative in my head or I just lean back and let thoughts that serve no purpose other than to cause disturbance, pass right through.

It's made me realise that abundance, happiness and joy is within me and I don't wish to keep the keys to my happiness in someone else's pocket - it is in my hands.

Law of Attraction

The law of attraction is a universal principle that states you will attract into your life whatever you focus on. Whatever you give your energy and attention to is what will come back to you.

When you focus on the abundance of good things in your life, you will automatically attract more positive things into your life. What you choose to give your energy to will expand in your life.

If you begin to make journaling a daily habit, especially where you write about gratitude, joy, love and happiness, this is what you will begin to notice rippling throughout your life. It is a transformative process which will change your energetic vibration and in turn will change the way the universe responds to you.

Our Journals - steeped in compassion and kindness

The header image in this blog is our soon to be released Leaf Leather journal. You can read about this amazing material here.

Why is it steeped in compassion and kindness? Because this leather is made entirely from Fallen Leaves. No trees, animals or people were harmed in the process of creating these beautiful journals. The pages are refillable so it's coming from a re-use concept which is kind to our environment.

Each journal is completely handmade and has the stunning imprint of the leaves, making every single one truly unique. We support rural and village communities, who are engaged in making these products, providing them employment and opportunity and allowing them to stay and practice their traditional craft in their traditional environments.

So start journalling today - I promise you it is truly transformative and powerful.