Happiness Project: A Breath and Whistle in the Sun.

Hey there! I'm a certified Mindful Meditation Facilitator, thanks to a fun 9-week program at UBCO. I've been meditating since I was just 10 years old, and my brother, who's seven years older, even taught me how to astral project!

Just a heads up: This isn't for those who aren't open to spirituality and metaphysics!

My Journey

So, I used to be that super cheerful kid, always whistling or singing and probably driving my brother a bit crazy! But even though I seemed happy, my mind was often filled with a lot of noise, making it tough to focus. I went through a rough patch and started feeling anxious about being outside, which led to some not-so-great habits.

It was a bit of a rollercoaster! While it added some flair to my art, it was a scary ride. Funny enough, I actually wished for it. I wanted to experience pain and suffering so I could understand what true happiness felt like—maybe I got that idea from movies or stories I heard in Catholic school.

My family, who are atheists and hotel owners, always expected me to be cheerful and grateful to everyone around us. If anyone ever suggested I wasn't grateful, it really hurt me. I just wanted to understand what it felt like to struggle and still feel worthy of happiness.

I always pushed myself to go to school, but it took every ounce of strength to find my way back to that happy, clear state.

Finding Moments of Bliss

Do you remember a time when you were super happy as a kid, before life started feeling overwhelming? If you can’t recall, that’s okay! There’s still hope! You can totally find those little moments of joy.

Is there something you love? No? That’s totally fine! Because happiness can come in small slices, and with a bit of practice, those moments can grow longer and brighter.

Life is all about trying things out. If something isn’t working for you, you can always switch it up! You can find happiness from outside sources, but the most magical kind comes from within.

If you're feeling really down, talking to someone can help. There are free helplines and counselors out there. Feel free to reach out if you want some recommendations for people who have helped me on my journey!

Helpful Tips

If you're just feeling a little blue, I recommend nature walks, sunshine or 850nm infrared and some big deep breaths, holding it at the top for as long as possible then breathing all way out for 8 seconds. Also, check out my friend's book, 'Repair Toolkit' by Deborah Small, available on Amazon. She's a wonderful friend and a Bikram Yoga studio owner who helped me rediscover my happiness. And hey, I also love YouTubers like Teal Swan and Infinite Waters!

'Heal Your Life' by Louise Hay is another fantastic book for gentle healing.

Health, spirituality, and fitness are my passions, and I've been diving into them for ages!

If you're up for a challenge and can handle the heat, come join me for Bikram Yoga! You’ll be feeling amazing in no time with all those endorphins!

If navigating toxic environments in a salon or work space as a new young worker I recommend my new book, "Beauty and War" here: https://www.amazon.ca/BEAUTY-WAR-Thrive-Throat-Industries/dp/B0DQ17QRS7

My Story (But really who cares about the past..what do we want to do now?;)

My journey had its ups and downs, especially when my kayaking club ended and I felt lost without my routine. I learned that pot isn’t for everyone, especially during high school or those crazy teenage years.

I’ve always been visual, whether it’s through art or dreams. I wanted to understand what it felt like to experience hardships so I could appreciate the good times even more. And you know what? I’m so grateful every day that I’ve found my way back to happiness since I was around 19! With each lesson learned, I can keep it there longer. Now I find it lighter the older I get and depression for the most part a distant past. I have seen that it doens't last forever. I came out of it. So now I can trust myself and I can just relax more.

Before my kayaking club ended, I was on cloud nine. Then, everything changed, and I found myself in a dark place, feeling like I had to give myself two years to figure things out or else. It was like living in a chaotic storm of negativity in my mind.

But guess what? I pushed through! I’ve learned to replace those harsh words with love and positivity. It’s amazing how much our thoughts can shape our reality. And if you’re someone who struggles with negative self-talk, I encourage you to swap those words for kinder ones!

Finding Your Voice

In high school, I meditated for just five minutes a day, which helped calm the chaos in my mind. It’s not all bad; it actually made me appreciate my health and realize that nothing is too tough to handle.

No one knew I was struggling with anxiety because I kept pushing myself to be out there. I faced my fears, even when it felt overwhelming. I learned how to communicate better with my family, and now they respect me for who I am.

Even though I struggled academically compared to my brother, I never gave up on myself. I’m proud of my journey and my plans for the future!

Embracing Growth

I’ve realized that happiness is an inside job. Sometimes it just takes a little whistle or a smile to spark that joy. I’m so grateful to have found a deeper, more fulfilling happiness.

For anyone feeling down, even just five minutes of mindfulness can help. It’s all about being present and practicing gratitude. Maybe try new things, make new friends, or just add a little routine to your day!

I truly believe that gratitude is directly tied to happiness. It’s all about looking within!

So, why not give that little whistle a try? It worked for me when I was feeling low!

Remember, if you’re struggling with something more serious, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You deserve to reach your full potential, and taking baby steps is all it takes. Make that call, journal, paint, walk—find something positive to focus on!

So from my own little hell, I've found my own version of heaven. It’s not perfect, but I embrace all the ups and downs. I teach my little girl that it’s okay to cry, but it’s also important to find joy again.

Stay strong and never give up! You’ve got this!

#happinessproject

#seeksomeone

#seekfive

Thanks for reading!

g,

Jessica Tesar