A soulful reflection on what it means to truly feel joy and how to cultivate it from within.
A Moment of Reflection
There was a moment a few years ago that stirred something deep in me.
I was asked a simple question: “What makes you happy?”
Without hesitation, I responded, “My children.” It was a heartfelt, instinctive answer—because they are my joy, my teachers, my heart.
But the reply I received stayed with me: “That’s a big responsibility to place on someone else.”
At first, I felt misunderstood. I wasn’t saying they caused my happiness—I was acknowledging the joy they bring into my life. Yet, this moment cracked something open. It invited me into a deeper reflection:
What is happiness, really? And where does it come from?
Understanding Happiness
As a spiritual teacher and Licensed Thrive Factor Archetypal Coach, I’ve come to understand that happiness is not a fleeting emotion or a state we reach once life is perfectly arranged.
Happiness is a cultivated way of being. It is rooted in meaning, connection, presence, and alignment with the self.
From a psychological standpoint, happiness includes:
– Pleasure (simple joys and experiences)
– Engagement (being fully immersed in life)
– Relationships (authentic connection)
– Meaning (a sense of purpose)
– Achievement (small or large progress)
From a spiritual lens, happiness is a soulful remembering—a return to our true essence. It’s the deep inner peace that arises when we feel connected to ourselves, to something greater, and to the present moment.
The Problem with Outsourcing Our Happiness
So often, especially as women, we’re taught to associate our happiness with roles we play or the people we care for. While love and relationships are vital, placing our entire sense of fulfillment in the hands of others can leave us feeling ungrounded, reactive, or lost when circumstances shift.
True, sustainable happiness begins within. It is our birthright. And it is something we can learn to nurture through daily practice.
10 Practices to Cultivate Inner Happiness
As part of my role as a Self-Discovery Women’s Coach, I support women in reconnecting with themselves and uncovering what truly lights them up from the inside. Below are 10 science-backed, spiritually aligned practices that can help you feel more grounded, connected, and joyful—no matter what’s happening around you.
1. Practice Daily Gratitude – Shifts focus to what’s abundant. Ask: What are 3 things I’m deeply grateful for today?
2. Align with Your Core Values – Ask: What do I stand for—and am I living it?
3. Nurture Meaningful Relationships – Who do I feel safe and seen with?
4. Be Fully Present – Let this moment be enough.
5. Offer Kindness – Give freely and authentically.
6. Move Your Body Joyfully – Dance, walk, stretch. Let your body guide you.
7. Cultivate Awe & Spiritual Connection – Watch the stars, light a candle, invite wonder in.
8. Reframe Your Thoughts – Is there a more empowering and compassionate truth?
9. Set Inspiring, Achievable Goals – What excites me right now?
10. Let Yourself Feel – Let emotions move through you with compassion.
Journal prompts to support you further
- What is one simple thing I often overlook that brings me joy?
- Where might I be out of alignment, and what gentle shift could bring me back into integrity with myself?
- Who in my life supports my growth, joy, and authenticity
- What distracts me from presence—and how can I lovingly bring myself back to now?
- How can I intentionally share kindness this week—in a way that feels authentic and effortless?
- What kind of movement feels joyful or sacred to me right now?
- When was the last time I felt a sense of awe or spiritual connection? What did it open within me?
- What story am I telling myself that might be limiting me?
- How will I celebrate myself for showing up, even imperfectly?
- What emotions have I been avoiding, and how can I hold them with compassion instead of judgment?
The Benefits of These Practices
When we begin incorporating these practices into daily life, we shift from surviving to truly living.
The benefits ripple into every area:
– Greater emotional resilience
– A stronger connection to self and others
– More energy, clarity, and peace of mind
– Decreased anxiety and overwhelm
– An increased sense of purpose, joy, and spiritual fulfillment
Coming Home to You
Happiness is not outside of you. It doesn’t wait for the perfect conditions.
It lives in the small, sacred moments you create. In your breath. In your presence. In your truth.
As a spiritual alchemist, a women’s self-discovery coach, and someone who’s walked the path of healing and awakening—I know that happiness is not a destination.
It is a practice. A way of being. A sacred remembering of who you truly are.
And I’m here to walk beside you as you come home to that truth.
Ready to Journey Deeper Into Your Happiness?
If you’re ready to reconnect with your inner joy, release what no longer serves you, and awaken to the woman you’re here to be—
I’d love to walk beside you.
Book a Self-Discovery Session – discover yourself through the lens of your Thrive Factor Archetypes®, receive intuitive, personalised support on your spiritual journey
Explore My Retreats & Programs – powerful, immersive experiences to nourish your soul and transform your life
Visit my website here to learn more and take the next step
https://holisticessentials.com.au/holistic-therapist/
Your inner joy is waiting. Let’s unlock it together.
