What are you living for if not for radiant health, lasting happiness, and inner fulfillment?

Traveling to Costa Rica is a trip I will never forget.  The people I met and the experiences I gained will forever live within me.

The most life changing lesson that I took with me is simple.
It is this:
To simplify one’s life. 

As of today, I can list a handful of things which bring me happiness.
Sunrises and sunsets, playing with my puppy, writing in order to help and inspire others, meditating, being with nature, spending time with my loved ones, exercising, reading, listening to music, gaining knowledge from my peers, horseback riding, and laughing:).  
All of which cost nothing, yet provide me with pure happiness inside and out.

Before this trip, I was only talking the talk without walking the walk.  

I told myself I wasn’t concerned with the materialistic “things” in life, yet you could find me obsessing about the newest designer handbags and shoes. 

I was happy, yet I was continually asking myself questions concerning my future. Questions like, shall I move and if so, where? What would I do if I left my current job? And what should I be doing with my spare time? Although these questions are sometimes helpful, many times they cause me and others stress and anxiety. When I exist in the present day, I feel happier and I am able to leave my worries aside.

Society tends to influence us into thinking a certain way. It’s as if we have been programmed to believe that happiness is reached once we have obtained the “American Dream”. This is so silly! Each of us can reach our own happiness and inner fulfillment if we stay true to ourselves without allowing society to influence our views and beliefs.

It is the simple things in life that bring us everlasting happiness, rather than momentary happiness.

After I returned from Costa Rica, I had a clearer outlook on life. I felt as if layers had been stripped away, revealing a new essence of my true self.

Rather than saying I was going to live a certain way, I have now been able to apply “living in the present” by simplifying my life on a day-to-day basis.
This was not an over night change. Working on bettering myself has taken a lot of time, practice and dedication. However it is the most rewarding feeling in the world! Once you decide that you want to live a happier and more fulfilling life, and you make the first initial step, the universe will follow your lead and your life will begin to change.
You must first change your way of thinking, before transformation begins.
Either your mind controls you, or you control your mind.

I may not know what my next move will be or what I will be doing tomorrow at 1pm or in the coming months. However, what I DO know is that worrying or questioning myself about these concerns only causes me to feel sadness and frustration.
I am learning to live each and every day as though it were my last, because let’s be honest, no one really knows when their last day will be.

When I simplify my life and live in the present moment, I am filled with greater peace and happiness.

So rather than talking the talk, try putting your words into action, and live the best life you can live! It starts NOW:) GO!