HappyStepz

Happystepz.com launch

2016-01-31T17:53:00.000+01:00

It is finally time to turn this caterpillar into a butterfly, to let the wind blow and take us to more beautiful places. In December this little blog of ours had its very first birthday. Time really does fly when you are having fun. As we have mentioned a while back we have big plans for our little one. We always say may your dreams be big and your manifestations even bigger. Therefore, with a little hard work behind the scenes and determination, we are now ready to present you our next adventure. The happystepz blog is all about stepping forward by focussing on the joy in life. We would like to share as many of these moments with you as possible. Today we proudly present our own website Happystepz.com.

This is a place where you can get your daily happiness boost. Where you can escape to when you need some much needed LOLs. Happystepz.com is more than just a blog. It is a platform filled with happiness where we will continue to share our thoughts and stories, but also give you daily doses of must needed joy. Happystepz.com launches on february 1st. YES, that's tomorrow!

Need some inspiration to get you through the day? Check out our quote of the day. Need a break? Look no further and join us at our coffee corner for a relaxing moment. Feeling a bit under the weather, maybe our picture of the day will make you feel better. We hope to see you soon at Happystepz.com

Be happy and with love,

Ilona &Ana

Explore your hometown.

2016-01-13T10:26:00.003+01:00

How well do you know your city or hometown? We all have our favorite hangout places. If anyone asks for directions we usually know the way, but how much do you really know about the place you live in? When visiting other countries we are spending time looking, tasting and discovering the beauty of that place. We are checking latest reviews and to-do lists, but when it comes to our home town we are generally very clueless about what it has to offer. Let's change all that!

After December's hustle and bustle, January usually gives little excitement in our lives. Its the perfect moment to do things we usually don't have time for. Here are a few ideas to help you to discover all there is to know, see and do in your place of residence.

1. Let’s start with an easy one. Visit three new potential hangout places. Look for unusual coffeehouses or new cafes where you can lounge for days on end.

2. Time for some fresh air. Instead of taking the same route to the store or to visit your friends take the 'sightseeing' route. Better yet, partake in an official walking tour with a tourist organization. Many cities offer free walking tours. Who knows what you will learn while taking a walk through town.

3. Today is all about looking up and around. Have you noticed all the interesting architectural structures? Get your camera ready and let’s go find remarkable graffiti, historical buildings or beautiful landmarks.

4. Check out your local paper for interesting events or upcoming concerts by local bands. Have you heard or read a review of museums or galleries but haven't got the chance to visit yet? This is the moment to do it.

5. We all notice statues and monuments when we visit an unknown place. What about the statue you pass by a dozen times on your way to the shops? Do you know who that bronze figure is? Any clue why it's there? Google it or ask someone who might know. You may be surprised to learn something new.

6. Speaking of learning, why not read up on your towns’ history? Go to the library or Google to your heart’s content. Learn more about the origin of your town, the historical figures whom lived in your region and so on.

7. Every place has an iconic landmark, city skyline, monument or traditional dish. Every tourist wants a picture of this particular place or meal. Now it's your turn to take that over the top cheesy selfie. Go ahead. You know you want to.

8. It is time to find those hidden gems. Ask your neighbors, friends, relative or coworkers what their favorite secret places are. The places the other tourists haven't discovered yet. A secret park, a little bistro with traditional foods, art house or shop that you can add to your own list of little hidden gems.

9. If anyone asks you where to go in your city you probably have a list of places you would recommend. How many of these places have you actually visited yourself? The mandatory fieldtrips in high school do NOT count. So what are you waiting for? Go check them out!

10. What is your favorite outdoor place in the city? Get yourself a warm beverage to go and spend an hour or two simply enjoying the atmosphere.

Have fun exploring your home base, send us your cheesy pictures or leave a comment below, we would love to hear about your adventures.

With love, Ana

What if negative feelings take over

2016-01-08T08:48:00.002+01:00

Let's be honest. We can't always float around in a happy bubble pretending the world is nothing but one happy place. Oh dear, wouldn’t that be lovely, but then there is daily life. It's called reality. In reality there is a combination of emotions that can be found. It's the contradictions that make life, isn't it? As there are highs, there are lows and as there is happiness there is sadness. If your life is well balanced, those ups and downs are perfectly fine. You will never be able to experience joy to its maximum if you haven't known sadness.

Sometimes life is not as balanced as hoped. Things are causing you stress, worry or anxiety and getting back to a happy state of mind is more difficult than you would want it to be. You'll be knocking on the door of your happy bubble screaming to get in while staring at a door sign that says "sorry we are closed for today". Or worse, when you are truly out of balance there is the scenario where the happy bubble is taking off to the next station without you. Leaving you in stress, worry or anxiety for an awful long time.

The last time that happened to me I tried to fight it with calming music, contrary thoughts, petting my cat. You name it, I did it and if not, I invented it. I am aware of thoughts creating reality. Stress, worry and anxiety will attract more of the same feelings. That's the reason I always try to fight these negative thoughts. However it's the fighting that causes the ongoing cycle of the same feelings. It's only when you have come to terms with your feelings and you observe them with ease, that they will dissolve by themselves. Negative feelings arise out of negative thoughts, just let them be. Don't give them undeserving attention. You are not your mind. Detach from your mind and its clutter. As a result the negativity will lose its meaning.

I always find Teal Swans videos on Youtube very helpful. If you really can't detach yourself from your negativity watch her video called How to stop worrying. I hope it works as well for you as it did for me.

Be happy,

Ilona

Starting 2016 with a splash. Tales of surviving the New Year’s dive.

2016-01-04T08:20:00.000+01:00

First of all, happy New Year to all you happiness frontiers out there. Hope you've had a wonderful New Year's Eve and a smashing beginning of 2016. How did you spend the first day of 2016? Do you have a tradition how to spend the first blank page of your 365 page book? This leap year gives us an extra page to write wonderful new adventures. Most of us spend New Year’s Day recuperating from the night before, barely making it out of bed. Some visit family members, others make New Year’s resolutions mostly containing the resolution never to drink again. Then there are a few traditions that are a bit out of the ordinary.

We Dutchies have a little crazy tradition on New Year’s Day. On January 1st at precisely 12 PM we jump into the North Sea. Obviously not everyone does this. Only the ones who are brave enough and a tad insane dare to face the freezing cold. This may sound absurd. Why would anyone in their right mind get into their swimsuit and dive voluntary into freezing water? The benefit out ways the cold downside to this event and it is actually a great way to start the New Year. The dive into the North Sea started in 1965 when only seven people dared to participate. Today tens of thousands of people venture into the sea. Running at full speed and taking a dive into the sea gives a fulfilling and proud feeling that will last all day long. It is both refreshing and adrenaline pumping. All those endorphins jumping through your body making sure you receive a wonderful happiness boost to start the year. It feels like a new beginning while washing away any remnant of bad memories.

If this isn't reason enough for you to join the other crazy Dutchies, for only three euros entrance fee you also get a lovely goodie bag filled with a orange beanie, a can pea soup, and a ribbon. One euro out of every three is donated to a good cause. There is no better way to start the year. Just remember to bring warm socks for your frozen feet to wear afterwards. Maybe next year your can start writing your 365 page book with a splash as well and join us with a dive into the North Sea.

With love, Ana

One year of happiness blogging

2015-12-31T09:43:00.000+01:00

We have been bad parents. How can we’ve possibly let December pass without celebrating our blog child's first birthday! Exactly one year ago, and a few days perhaps, our Happystepz child was born. We could not have been more proud! Our blog baby, ready to be born and raised. Ready to be nurtured and loved. After her first hesitant steps, she went full speed ahead towards her future. Skipping on the happiness road, while sniffing on some delicate flowers along the way. We can’t be happiness bloggers without adding some cheesiness to the story of course ;).

Like any other parents we have big plans for our child. Maybe she can write a book someday, or become a famous Vlogger. Whatever the plans, we have always educated her that some things are more important. If you talk to people inspire them. If you make a plan, go through with it. If you have some thoughts share it with the world. Joy will always be our base to start. It has been this past year and it will be this upcoming year. We would like to encourage you to do the same. If you want to achieve something today or attract your desires into your life don't wait. Good things come to those who take action.

Taking action will be our theme this upcoming year. Join hands and take those steps forward with us! Thank you for your support us this past year and lets make 2016 a party we will never forget!

Happy New Year!

Ilona and Ana

Ode to December

2015-12-09T07:50:00.000+01:00

Dear December,

Thank you for all the lights during these dark days and for all the songs that get stuck on repeat.
Thank you for giving us delicious treats and a smile to keep.
Thank you for keeping us warm and fuzzy on the inside during these cold winter nights.
Thank you for teaching us that sharing and giving is a precious gift.

These are just a few reasons why all the other months are jealous of you.
December you truly are beautiful.

With love, Ana

How to deal with feedback attack

2015-12-04T09:27:00.000+01:00

Feedback comes in many ways, but not often in a way we like to perceive it. Even positively intended, it can hit you like an unexpected punch, right in your face, knocking you out, leaving you unconscious. By the time you regain consciousness the time for a proper reaction has passed. Maybe you can take the hit better in round two. It does make you wonder, why do we always feel the need to defend ourselves when under "attack"?

I personally admit I can feel offended by feedback when I didn't ask for it. Feedback is like looking in the mirror on days you know you have a bad hairdo and you don't want to be reminded. Unwanted feedback is a happy state destroyer. Let's face it, the delivery of a message either negative or positive is an art form not mastered by many. I want to look into that mirror by choice, on days when I feel like it. When I don't like what I see and change is needed, I decide when I take matters into my own hand. Unfortunately, I also have to wake up and smell the coffee sometimes. If you have never taken a hit, you wouldn't ever have known how strong you can be.

So how do I take feedback? I use the what I call filter system. Perceive the things that seem useful even if I don't like to hear it, and toss all the things that I think are useless over my shoulder. This is a skill that can be mastered by everybody, but it has to be trained. When the feedback that is given goes over and over in your mind, write it down in key words. Subsequently divide those key words in two groups. One group that matches your personal process and that you'll find useful. The second group that matches your shuffle it up your ass standards and that you find useless. Write the keywords on two separate piece of papers, tear the useless (shuffle it up your ass) paper up, toss it over your shoulder and let it go. From this point on stop thinking about it. Life is about whatever brings you joy and brain racking insecurities will never make that work for you.

Be happy,
~Ilona~

Sunjoy

2015-11-29T09:04:00.002+01:00

The ultimate ten to do's on a relaxing Sunday

1. Sunday is THE day for sweet sins. At Gracy's the perfect pancakes and waffles are being served for everyone's cravings.
2. Sniff fresh air whilst slow pacing your morning run. Endorphin is like a tequila shot without a hangover, all the good without the bad!
3. This day is the best day to be the coolest whilst looking your uncoolest. Say goodbyes to your make up, casual clothing and perfect hair and embrace the sloppiness.
4. There is a reason Sunday is called lazy! Cuddle up with a good book on the couch and embrace your inner sloth.
5. Sunday is the perfect day to let your creative energies flow. Pick up that paintbrush and paint your masterpiece, start writing your memoirs or continue your guitar lessons. Let creativity be your guide today.
6. Meet up with good friends and spend your day catching up on the latest gossip, while warming your hands on your favorite hot beverage.
7. It doesn't matter if you like blockbusters or indie, action or romance, get yourself a huge bucket of popcorn and some sweets and settle in for a good time at the movies.
8. Before Monday gets here with all her demands, have some alone time and pamper yourself. Take a bubble bath, meditate, hug your pets, do whatever helps you to reenergize.
9. Every town or city has activities you can enjoy on Sunday. Check out the local paper to find out what your hometown has planned and you might end up strolling the local Sunday market or visiting an art gallery for free.
10. The most important thing you can do is to take it slow, maybe you are recuperating from a hangover or a busy workweek. Sunday is THE perfect day to slow everything down, be in the moment and relax.

Have a great Sunday!
Be happy and with love,
Ilona & Ana

Take off your blinders

2015-11-25T08:42:00.002+01:00

If I would tell you that you have won a small uninhabited island. What would you think or imagine? Do you see yourself relaxing on a tropical beach with a cocktail in hand having Johnny Depp as your neighbor? However, what if I would tell you that this island is a very remote island of the coast of Alaska somewhere in the northern hemisphere. What do you think now? Would your perception change? Are you still happy about this or do you feel disappointed and would you rather not receive this gift? Let me ask you another question. What if you've just booked a ski trip, are you excited about the thought of sliding down the mountain? What if you get there and there isn't any snow for you to slip and slide your way through? What would you do now? Would you stay indoors all day long sulking or would you see other possibilities for you to enjoy yourself?

I ask this because we create expectations and in doing so we create blinders. We only see one or two outcomes to a future we are yet to encounter. When things do not go as imagined we are left in the darkness we have created for ourselves. We have gotten lost because we have turn off the lights not allowing ourselves to see all the other possibilities to a bright future. Let us all keep the lights on, because only in the light we have the opportunity to see all there is. A small island in the northern hemisphere has endless possibilities, a cabin in the woods can be just as relaxing and fun as a house on the beach. A mountain site without snow is still a beautiful place to hike and wonder off. Take off those blinders and be open to all possibilities. That doesn't mean you cannot have future expectations or desires. I only encourage you to keep the lights on, making sure you will always find your way.

With love, Ana

Kiss many frogs

2015-11-18T07:55:00.000+01:00

Sometimes you have to kiss many frogs before you get the prince. Once you have gotten what you wanted, the previous is all forgotten.

Have you ever had the feeling you have gone through a whole lot of obstacles and your goal is still nowhere in sight?

You have done everything right. You have set your goal and your extreme focus and optimism defines you. YOU are focused, YOU are determined and YOU are in joy about it. However, your reality hasn't caught up with YOU yet. By setting your goal, the kiss-the-frogs-to-get-the-prince-process starts. The optimistic you starts kissing those frogs with your optimistic passion hoping your kiss will turn this frog into a prince immediately. That first step is the hardest one, since you don't know how that frog will taste. After nothing has happened the first time, you might be slightly disappointed but still optimistic. I mean, come on, how hard can it be to kiss those frogs to get that gorgeous prince, right? After those first twenty something frogs, your optimism slightly fades away. After fifty something and a whole lot more, you are done with those funky tasting frogs.

What do I mean when I say once you have gotten what you wanted the previous is all forgotten? It means that if you are in the middle of the process of attracting something into your life, it can feel like a burden. That optimistic YOU can lose sight of the goal quickly if the road towards it feels endless. However when you do reach your goal, all those previous obstacles seem less troublesome then before. A perfect example of this is the story of my brother. It is not a shocking story in any way, but he is one of the reasons I came up with the kiss-many-frogs-process. My dear brother bought a house two years ago. The house had a good price but much work had to be done in order to make it viable to their standards. He started optimistically, but the joy turned into a task when there seemed to be no end to all the work that needed to be done. Two years later, the place is meeting up to their expectations. The frog had finally turned into a prince! Over diner, my brother enthusiastically talked about his prince and it seemed that he had forgotten what a burden it had felt at times.

I was actually amazed. I had witnessed his exhaustion and despair many times and I didn't expect him to ever be happy again about it. Maybe it is the way the brain works. The struggles are filtered into the background once the hard times have passed, giving you the chance to fully enjoy the outcome. That is however my own hypothesis, but I would like to encourage you to not give up on anything you desire, whether it is a new house, a new job, finding love or new friends. Kissing the prince wouldn't taste so sweet if you hadn't kissed those funky tasting frogs before him.

Be happy,
~Ilona~

State of mind

2015-11-11T08:43:00.000+01:00

The mind is a powerful thing. The mind can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. When in a positive state of mind you have the power to process anything that comes your way easily and you will find the necessary solutions to any problem or obstacle. However, when your mind is filled with negative thoughts you open your mind to fear and doubt. Creativity and insight gets blocked and it is much harder to find your inner strength and happiness. A negative mind can be very stubborn, making it hard to change direction.

How to change your state of mind when you are in a train not towards happy town but towards the train station of doom? The answer lies in the way you look at your brain. Your mind is nothing more than a muscle and muscles can be trained into a powerful positive force. I have recently read an article about Philippe Petit, the man that walked on a high-wire across the Twin Towers in the 70s. The article mentioned how he manipulated his own mind by eliminating negative thoughts. He focused on repeating certain positive thoughts over and over again. It helped him getting rid of his fears. Philippe was not manipulating his mind. He trained his mind to stay focused on positive and powerful thoughts that gave him strength. You can also train your mind to be a strong and powerful tool. Find yourself a positive mantra you can repeat infinitely. For every negative thought, fear or doubt you have, create a positive counterpart and repeat them as many times a day as you can until it becomes your reality. Every time your mind wanders off to the dark side change tracks by repeating your mantra.

Your first few attemps might feel awkward or even unsuccessful. However, the importance of training any kind of muscle is patience and repetitiveness. Remember the first few times you visited the gym or started a new training? Afterwards you felt like you have been put through the wringer and you doubted you could ever get in shape, BUT eventually you got stronger. The benefit of training a muscle is that once it is trained, even if you don't use it for while, muscle memory kicks in when you need it again. Making it easier to get back at the same level. It is easier for a trained mind to stay on the happy train track. A world of positive vibes will open up to you. To help you get started here is a mantra: A happy mind is a strong mind.

With love, Ana

When life gives you flowers

2015-11-10T13:43:00.002+01:00

A short note

"Don't wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul"~ Unknown. Stop the waiting. Many people spend their lives by thinking IF I have this or that I will live a happy complete life. Your life is NOW. You decorate your life with the plants and flowers you have planted in your own garden. If you wait, you will never reap what you sow. Happy planting!

By changing nothing, nothing will change

2015-11-03T09:28:00.000+01:00

Are you one of those people, like me, who have taken procrastination up as a hobby? It is not even a hobby you wanted in the first place, but you have just gotten so skilled throughout the years, it is hard to give it up. I am with you all the way. Having a mind filled with hopes and dreams, but going from A-THE MIND, towards B-THE REALITY can be a task instead of a pleasuring JOurneY, if you take the D tour from A to, E to Y, to Z, ending up a bit hopeless wondering if you are actually at B. Only to discover you have become a marathon runner running in circles.

There are all kinds of reasons you are taking the procrastinated D tour, and most of the time, it is not even on purpose. It is like wanting the other job, but fear is preventing you from taking a step forwards, or wanting to lose weight and go working out, but the action seems exhausting. Not to mention the all day consuming things such as, work, kids, a household and social contacts. If we don't prioritize, our hopes and dreams fade into the background and our daily tasks make us run on autopilot. That can be perfectly fine if you are content with driving an automatic car. I am, however, a procrastinator who likes a sports car, driven by a hopes and dreams engine. I use the stick, I call the shots.

How do you drive a sports car? You need to take the action to learn how to drive. It is always a matter of getting out of your comfort zone, and taking the first step. "By changing nothing, nothing changes,"Tony Robbins said. Once you get the hang of it, and you get into some kind of flow, things will go easy and you will wonder why you didn't take that step before. The procrastinating itself is more all time consuming and exhausting than the actual step. Therefore define what you want, give if all your focus, take that step forward and persist. From that decision making point the Universe will present you events and the right people to guide you along the way. All our role models didn't become great by sitting on the couch wondering about life, they were living life by taking the right actions.

Be happy,
~Ilona~

A healthy body and mind

2015-10-29T08:14:00.000+01:00

Like most people I have a busy life and a job that requires my full attention. It can be quite stressful at times. If I am not careful it consumes most of my energy, leaving me feeling too drained and tired to have happy adventures. I can only be on top of my game if I take care of myself. Eating healthy and exercising are important elements to a balanced life. However, I believe that this is not enough. Everyone needs alone time every once in a while. A moment when you can let go of everything else and just be, reenergizing your mind to find complete balance.

I often hear people say I don't have time. They find it a struggle to do everything in their life AND find time to reenergize. When you find life a struggle, you lose your balance. When you find balance, there is no struggle to be found. Take a step back, look at your schedule and prioritize. The people around you will understand if you need a moment to reenergize and in the end they will be grateful for the happier and healthier you. Remember there is a reason you have to put your oxygen mask on first before you help a child on a plane that loses pressure. How can you help others or do everything you are dreaming of if you are out of breath? The answer is simple, you can't.

To help you along the way I compiled a list of a few of my favorite ways to keep my mind healthy.

The morning ritual:
I start my mornings with a little ME time. I have issues leaving my soft comfy bed in the morning. Don't we all? So I take my time. I deliberately set my alarm clock earlier so I can snooze till I finally come to terms with having to leave my bed. First I catch up with the world and do a little social media browsing. After that it's finally time to say goodbye to my bed and start my day. For 20 to 30 minutes I do yoga and meditate, making sure my energy flows through my body and my mind is calm and peaceful. I listen to the soothing voice of Deepak Chopra while I let go of all thoughts and empower myself. When I am done I hop into the shower and start my singing and dancing routine. Reenergizing my mind and body only takes 60-90 minutes of my day.

Breath in, breath out:
If I feel stressed or jumpy throughout the day I take a few minutes to concentrate on my breathing, slowing down my heartbeat and emptying my mind. The good thing about breathing exercise is that you can do this anywhere.

The road to nowhere:
When the weather allows it I take a walk and let my feet decide where I will end up. This way my mind can be at peace and wander off to happy places. Just make sure you don't bump into any lamppost or cars on your walk to zen paradise.

Let your body take control:
Doing things that require your hands to take control is a good way to let your mind rest. Muscle memory will be activated and this way your mind doesn’t have to think about doing anything. Your body decides and your mind will simply follow. Gardening, cooking or painting are perfect examples of these types of activities that let your mind rest for a bit.

With love, Ana

Fall happiness

2015-10-26T10:21:00.000+01:00

Saying goodbyes to a warmhearted summer logically gives sadness to many, since it is the season where sunshine paints the world in bright and shiny primary colors. It is blunt, it is out there. There is no way to deny it, this in your face style of painting wraps us all in her blanket of happiness. When fall sets in, she changes her style to soft pastel colors and gentle strokes, which is more subtle but just as beautiful if you learn how to appreciate it.

Every season has its own charm. In spring we are greeted by the most beautiful flowers, but in fall it are the leaves that wave in the wind to say hello. The rain can be brutal, but it can also leave the world in a moist of mystery. This season brings so much joy, that we have put our favorite ten must do's in random order for you:

Photographers are going out of their minds, there is so much beauty to capture.
It's the season of the hot chocolate and marshmallow comeback.
Put your boots on for a long fall stroll without having your toes freezing off yet.
In China men invite women to watch the beauty of the red leaves together. (They 一起看红叶) or with other words, bring the romance back alive.
It's the perfect season to look adorable in knits.
Summer heat is no longer an excuses to procrastinate running.
Spending more time indoors, means more time to pick up a new hobby, do a meditation course or any other thing you have been wanting to do for a long time.
Fall is a good excuse to be seen in a onesie again.
Go pumpkins! Nothing says fall happiness more than eating homemade pumpkin soup, drinking a pumpkin spice latte at your favorite coffee house or carving pumpkins to decorate your house.
Just a few more days till All Hallows Eve, the night of the horror and the dead, the trick or treats and dressing up without anyone calling you crazy. Pure scary bliss!

Share your fall happiness with us! Leave a comment below or find us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Have a joyful day!
~Ilona~

Mind overload!

2015-10-22T10:28:00.000+02:00

It is the fifth day of me sitting by a pool somewhere in tropical south China, staring at water, thinking of "nothing" when I realize I needed to travel 5000 miles to empty my mind. 5000 miles! Not to mention it took me eighteen days of my twenty one vacation days to get to that point. Give it up for the quiet mind guru! I am of course by no means a quiet mind guru, but it is a personal topic of interest and I talk about it often, if not all the time. It is even written on a post-it at my "all I want for 2015" wall (I firmly believe it is good to be driven by the things in life that you want to achieve instead of all the things you don't. Dream big, change your can not’s into can do’s, therefore one New Year’s resolution later my post-it wall was born).

How come we get so distracted in daily life that we forget about ourselves and the things that matter? Walking around with a mind so packed it feels like an average commute to work on the subway in Japan. Thoughts keep on bumping into each other and are on a high level of irritation. They have no intention hopping off, and don't give other thoughts the opportunity to hop on. It is a cramped mind on the verge of explosion!

Walking around as a ticking bomb is not my ideal lifestyle. I have just let it happen without realizing it has come this far. If you think about it, I am not the only one. Many people have a high blood pressure, isn't that just our body telling us the mind is too packed and too stressed? The only solution to an overloaded mind is to empty it. Meditation is a perfect way to do that. Take some time everyday to sit down and let your roaming thoughts that don't serve you any longer go. Imagine them floating away in a bubble or on a cloud to useless thoughts graveyard. If you’re not a person with a wild imagination, you can listen to guided meditations on YouTube, or the pyromaniacs amongst us can write their thoughts down on paper and burn them. Letting thoughts you no longer need go will make space for new and creative ones. Your mind will no longer be an overcrowded subway in Japan but a calm pool in the tropics. Why complicate things if it can be that simple?

Be happy,
~Ilona~

If monday is a flower

2015-10-12T14:48:00.001+02:00

This is not a Dandalion, but a lovely flower anyway

If everyday of the week would be a flower, Monday would not be the prettiest kid on the block. It can not beat the flair of a Sunday rose, nor has it the sexy curves of Saturday nights' Orchid. Monday is nothing but an ordinary Dandelion, trying to be loved, while being disliked by so many. Trying to fight the bad image of being weed, even though she is actually a wild flower. When it is time for her seeds to leave, she has the ability to brighten up your day when those seeds are taken up by the wind and you watch them choosing their own path while flying away. The Monday flower can make your heart filled with joy like any other day.

If you suffer from Monday morning blues, like most of us, you are forgiven. It is probably because you were looking for Saturday and Sunday things on a Monday. Naturally Monday can not deliver, it is hard to cope with so much pressure. Like the Dandelion she fights a bad image all the time, whilst she has so many to offer. Before you tune in on the Monday morning blues, think about all the things this day brings you like any other days; the love of family and friends, waking up after a good night sleep, enjoying the sunrise while sipping on a cup of coffee, doing a dance of joy because of your good health. These things are given to you on a daily basis if only you could see the beauty of it.

Be happy,

~Ilona~

Happystepz steps up

2015-10-01T07:50:00.000+02:00

Dear happiness practitioners!

"The music is not in the notes, but in the silence within" (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart).
We have been playing music for a while before we went silent. Ana and I would like you to know that the silence is a good thing. The silence is a moment of creation.

Now that August and September have passed us by and October is here to happily greet us, we realize it is time to break that silence. You must know that it has been a summer filled with happiness and laughter. Fun activities gave us the inspiration we needed to continue the blog. Many new ideas came to pass leading to the creation of our own happystepz website, a platform for happiness. A place you can visit whenever you need a happiness boost.

Right now we are both enjoying, what we both believe to be, a well deserved vacation. We can not wait to update you with all our new plans. Until then, stay happy!

With love,

Ilona and Ana

The joy in flying.

2015-09-27T12:40:00.000+02:00

The happystepz duo is on the road this month and we will be sharing our adventures whenever we can. One of the things about traveling is that it can take up a lot of your time and sometimes you can lose site of the joy around you when you're stuck on a plane for endless amount of hours. I'm not talking about those short flights you take for a quick city trip or getaway. No, I'm talking about those 14 hours or more flights where everything starts to annoy you after a while. When you read the in-flight magazine and see that they're screening that new movie you're dying to see only to find out that it's not showing on your tiny screen. When everything around you smells like feet and the airplane food looks like something your cat threw up. It can be a challenge to find joy in those moments, however there is joy to be found.

To help you through these lonely hours of torture I compiled a few joyful tips how to survive those dreaded intercontinental flights:

- Make up silly nicknames for your surrounding passengers and flight crew. This at least will give you a couple of moments of laugher coming up with names like Sally Scarecrow, Chinless Chris or Smelly McFarts. And it's okay if you get less creative and end up calling some of them Mr. Bouncy chair 1 and Mr. Bouncy chair 2. You will be happier for spending time observing your neighbors than you would be just staring blankly into space.

- Reading is a great way to make the time pass by quickly, but here is a crucial detail about reading books in the air. Start reading them a day or so (depending on your reading speed) in advance. Once the airplane boredom and annoyance has set in, it's really difficult to get to know your new story. Concentration is easily lost up in the air unless you already got to know the story your book has to tell. Once you know your characters or storyline you'll be quickly motivated to continue reading their tale.

- Don't make the rookie mistake and dress to impress. We all know you will end up like a pretzel shape in your chair, trying to find the perfect position to sleep in. How are you going to do that if you're wearing uncomfortable fitting clothes? Obviously comfort is an important element to your outfit. This doesn't mean you have to look like a hobo. Choose something shabby chic, casual hipster or bohemian. You will be grateful and joyful for your clothing choice once you have found that perfect position where you have one leg bent in an awkward sideways position and the other somewhere near your nose while your arms brace your body like a warm blanket.

- Try meditating. If you're a nervous flyer or just plain agitated from having to sit in one spot for hours on end it's good to calm down your nerves. Close your eyes put your hands on your lap and concentrate on your breathing. Choose a mantra to repeat. Breathe deeply in and out while repeating words like calm, relax or peaceful. If you like you can listen to a relaxing playlist you compiled beforehand while meditating. If you don't have a playlist ready, the on board entertainment is surely to have some classical or lounge music that you can choose from. Meditate for a few minutes and repeat whenever you feel like punching Mr. Bouncy chair 1.

- Say cheese! Spending loads of time in the sky taking pictures is a perfect way to distract you from the time slowly ticking by. From taking sneaky pictures of your travel companions sleeping to crazy selfies compilations, clicking away is a perfect joy/ memory maker.

- Write down whatever comes to mind; don't worry if you end up with only weird sentences or words. Your mind is full of thoughts that need to escape. Putting pen to paper or (finger to touch screen in most cases) will make sure you empty your head, resulting in a clear and peaceful mind once you arrive at your destination.

If nothing works remember: "The Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Or in this case a single flight.

With love, Ana

Freedom 2.0

2015-09-08T08:53:00.000+02:00

Do you ever feel like sticking your head out of a car window letting the wind blow your hair? I get why dogs love to do that. It is actually quite relaxing. Let me explain myself before you think I lost my mind. Today, after a long day at work, I got stuck in traffic and on top of that my car started to get overheated. I usually just put on some music and sing loudly along with whatever song is blasting through my car stereo. Letting go of all the negative energies of the day and letting the good vibrations in. Yes, I just made a Beach boys reference. Unfortunately, singing to my heart's content was not enough. As the smoke was coming from under my car hood and I was being surrounded by grumpy fellow drivers, I felt that singing and doing my best car dance moves was not going to cut it. I needed something more. I needed to feel completely free, free from today's boredom, free from literally being stuck in one spot. I stuck my hand out of the car as I usually do and felt a cool wind blowing gently. As a few lonely raindrops started to fall an idea started to form. If dogs can do it, then why oh why can't I. So ladies and gentlefolks, I stuck my head out the car window. Believe it or not, it felt absolutely wonderful! In a world where we are often submitted to situations that are out of our control, like traffic jams, bad weather, broken down cars or simple boring work meetings we need to find a way to feel happiness in the smallest of things. Therefor if sticking your head out of the car window and feeling the wind blowing makes you feel joy, I say go for it.

With love, Ana

The path of the least resistance

2015-08-21T10:50:00.000+02:00

Desires are a part of human nature, but there is a difference between wanting and actually receiving. Sometimes there is hope and there are many dreams about things without ever drawing it into our reality. This doesn't mean the law of attraction isn't working, it means that even though you've had an intention towards your desire, you weren't on the receiving frequency.

As mentioned before like attracts like, therefore it is important to get on to the same frequency as your desires. Wanting often comes with doubting. You want something, but you can't believe you can actually draw it into your reality. That creates resistance towards the desire and blocks it from coming in. People often manifest the things they want when they have forgotten about it. Why? As soon as they can forget about it, they release the resistance creating a free path for it all to come to them. This can be a long process.

The way to manifest without losing the focus that is needed is to monitor our feelings. Happiness is the path of the least resistance. We often don't know how the Universe is going to bring us the things we want. The easiest way to tab into the receiving frequency is to feel good and trust the process. We preach happiness for a reason. Every happy vibe you send out comes back to you, putting you in a state of receiving all that you want and more.

Be happy.
~Ilona~

Every day is a gift

2015-07-27T10:09:00.001+02:00

Dear Monday,

It's okay.

Even though you are blue,

we are still grateful for you.

Outdoor activities are a happiness booster

2015-07-16T07:44:00.000+02:00

Weather circumstances force Dutch people to be indoorsy most of the year. Personally I am an all season girl, but weather complains are not unfamiliar to a lot of us. I do not blame people for complaining. For at least 6 months out of every year our beautiful country looks like a grey painting, where the painter forgot to add a little bit of color. By the time spring arrives, we literally go all out. There is no stopping us. Spring flowers, fresh air, blue skies and a sun that is finally smiling upon us, is a happiness cocktail I get addicted to every year. The taste is so good it keeps me craving for more. On top of that, the cocktail is served with so many outside activities I sometimes need a reminder I have a home. Since happiness is contagious and to give you some ideas I made a list of all the fun outdoor activities that are a must do this summer.

1. Festivals

2. Every type of food event

3. Outdoor/ rooftop movie nights

4. Floating parties

5. Sunset picnics

6. Beach days

7. Nothing beats a bike ride

8. Jump in every pool you can find

9. Roadtrip!

10. Go cultural

Ten Dalai Lama quotes

2015-07-06T10:32:00.001+02:00

Today His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is celebrating his 80th birthday and we would like to congratulate him by posting ten of his quotes that we find most inspiring.

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions."

"When you generate a reasoned desire for others to be happy, your humanity increases in strength."

"Our prime purpose in life is to help others. And if you can't help them at least don't hurt them."

"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves."

"Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend, or a meaningful day."

"I find hope in the darkest of days and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe."

"The more motivated you are by love, the more fearless and free your action will be."

"The seed of goodness is found in the soil of appreciation."

"Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of love."

"The mind is like a parachute. It works best when it's open."

Making memories

2015-07-02T08:52:00.000+02:00

"The mind replays what the heart can't delete." - unknown

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say summer? Beaches, sun, parties, flip flops? The first thing I think of is crickets. I just love to hear them chirp. Do crickets chirp? They might, but that's not the point. My point is that ever since I was a child I have had a wonderful association with the sound of crickets. During summer vacations I would always walk back to our vacation house after a day of fun and I would hear the sound of crickets. So if I hear crickets today, I smile and feel warm and fuzzy inside. It brings back so many memories.

Sounds and smells are powerful memory triggers. We all have them. It can be a song making us remember how we danced the night away or the smell of burning wood reminding us of summer campfires and so on. These pleasant memories are intensified by our senses.
Our busy schedules often push us to live our lives in haste. We multitask even when we are relaxing, unconsciously blocking our other senses. At a concert we are taking pictures instead of really enjoying the music. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for taking pictures, but don't let that be your only reminder of that moment. Listen, feel and really live in the moment, otherwise life will pass you by in a blur and you lose the opportunity to really enjoy it.

My summer challenge for you is to fully live happily in the now and reactivate all your senses to create new blissful memories. You can do that by following these simple stepz:

- Let's start with a little reminiscing. Reconnect with the happy memories you have when you think of summer. Is it collecting seashells at the beach, bubble gum wrappers or eating ice cream? What song makes you jump up en down of joy when you hear it? What perfume reminds you of your summer love? If these memories give you the nostalgic and joyous feelings we are aiming for it's time to move on to the next step.

- Let go of your plans for a while and let life surprise you. An unexpected moment of joy is just around the corner if you let it happen. Don't compromise on happiness because you are too busy.

- Simply take the time to enjoy the moments you have this summer. Let all other thoughts go and take pictures but don't spend all your time behind the camera or on your phone. Take all the goodness in life in and really feel the moment with all your senses.

Now go and make new memories that will last you a lifetime.

With love, Ana