Hey hey, fellow dreamers! Happy Fri-yaaaaayyyyyy!!!
Mr. C and I just returned from an impromptu mental wellness escape to Bali, leaving behind the chaos of everyday life and diving headfirst into a sanctuary nestled in the heart of Ubud. It was just the two of us, along with BabyCoconut. The older Coconuts were having a staycation with their Uncle and didn’t miss us for a second! Kids aside, let me tell you, this trip had us completely and absolutely rejuvenated. It also reignited our long-standing dreams of moving to Bali and living life at a more relaxed pace.
We were in for a bit of weather on arrival, and for the 2 days after, with torrential rain pouring down, which added its own charm to our gorgeous place. It was good that we had no plans but to immerse ourselves in nature, so this was a real bonus! It was in those moments that we felt an incredible sense of peace wash over us. We started pondering the age-old question: What truly brings lasting happiness?
With the backdrop of Bali’s beauty inspiring us, we delved into two possible paths that could unlock the most amount of happiness: permanently moving to Bali or embarking on frequent trips to this magical island.
Option 1: Permanent Move to Bali
The idea of making Bali our forever home has always been incredibly tempting. We could imagine a life immersed in the island’s natural wonders, surrounded by warm-hearted locals, and embracing a slower, more meaningful lifestyle. Research has shown that finding a sense of belonging, building deep connections, and pursuing activities that align with our values are essential ingredients for long-term happiness and fulfillment. The children can be children longer without some of the high-paced demands of local schooling here in Singapore (although that has its own merits!!!).
Option 2: Frequent Trips to Bali
On the flip side, we couldn’t ignore the power of those unforgettable Bali getaways. Planning for the trips with anticipation and excitement, where Bali becomes our happy place, a refuge for joy and rejuvenation. We could go 2-3 times a year, stay in a different place each time to have that discovery aspect. Scientific studies suggest that novel experiences and the thrill of anticipation can ignite our happiness meters, leaving us with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for Bali’s treasures.
Now, let’s sprinkle in some scientific wisdom to guide us along this maximizing-happiness journey. The hedonic treadmill theory reminds us that humans have a knack for adapting to new circumstances, gradually returning to our usual happiness baseline. Then, there’s the duration neglect phenomenon, where the length of an experience doesn’t necessarily determine our overall happiness. Instead, it’s the peak moments and memorable endings that have a greater impact on our subjective well-being.
But hey, at the end of the day, this decision is as personal as your favorite Bali sunset 😉 Our mental wellness escape provided a tantalizing taste of what could be, rekindling our dreams and setting us on a path of self-discovery. We find ourselves reflecting on our desires, priorities, and the needs of our growing family. Sometimes the mental exercise in itself can be rewarding as you then once again settle in your chosen choice, but with reinforced reasons. Does that make sense?
So, dear readers and fellow adventurers, what do you think? What would truly bring happiness to your soul? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. If you were just focused on getting the most amount of happiness in your life, would you do Option 1 or Option 2? (be it Bali or your own dreamy sanctuary).
Until next time, keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep chasing that Bali bliss with all your heart!
With love,
Mr. C, BabyCoconut, and Yours Truly
