How to focus on happiness one day at a time

It’s absolutely amazing that my dream of studying abroad is finally coming true. In just a matter of a few weeks, I will be landing in London to pursue my masters in Fashion & Luxury Brand Management. I’m filled with excitement for my upcoming journey. 

I was eagerly waiting to go shopping with my Mum and Friday was finally there. I couldn’t contain my excitement, shopping was like therapy for me. I could spend hours in the mall without getting tired, even if I didn’t end up purchasing anything. Whereas this time, something was different. 

Initially, as I was walking across the mall stores, all I could feel was chaos. It was weird that I didn’t feel at ease in my forte. I couldn’t understand what was happening. I purchased some clothes and shoes in a blind haze. Even crossing the Nike Air Force ones off my list didn’t fulfill me. The old me would have celebrated it, but this time, all I could feel was an empty pit in my stomach. I was exhausted in just two hours. On the way home, I was extremely frustrated, I wanted to understand what was going on inside me. 

I was reflecting upon the emotions running haywire in my mind, when I had this Eureka moment-I was scared and anxious about having to live alone in London. My independence was overwhelming me. I have wanted this for so long that now when it is finally coming true, the reality of it is making me nervous. Whenever someone else pointed out that living alone, in a different country and managing everything by myself is difficult, I used to brush it off saying I was determined to pursue my dreams and further my career. I can do it, I’m sure but as the day of moving keeps getting closer, so does my self doubt. I knew I had to do something to rid myself of this and strengthen my self-belief. I want to be more self-assured before even reaching London. 

In the last month, I’ve learned 3D modeling and the array of products that can be created using that. From the medical industry to fashion, 3D printing is widespread. It’s extremely futuristic and awe-inspiring. I knew I wanted to make something too. And so the search for a product began. It was in a meeting with a mentor and colleague that we decided to make something that would be useful to artists since we shared the passion for art. Just from a picture we saw online of a paint brush holder, my colleague and I, 3D-printed a paint brush holder. We created a design on Blender, figured out dimensions that would work well for the product, collaborated with an entrepreneur and brought an image to life. 

I’ve even managed to understand the importance of e-commerce websites and create one by myself. With the guidance of a mentor and entrepreneur, I challenged myself to learn how to design a website for a paint brush holder. Earlier I used to think that creating a website on Shopify was something I couldn’t do. It took me just two hours to successfully build the landing page for the product. I genuinely felt proud of myself for doing it and it truly strengthened my confidence. 

Furthermore, I even completed the entire visa application process by myself and was thrilled when I received my approval letter last week. I think doing these small things are making a huge impact on my life. Now that I think about the uncomfortable emotions that I was feeling while shopping with my mum, I have so much clarity. Upon conversing with some peers, I stumbled upon the idea of celebrating little moments of happiness everyday. It could be anything— taking time out for self care to the smile on my best friend’s face. I challenge myself to look for happiness every day. Instead of being consumed by anxiety, I want to focus on the good things and live in the present. 

Hence, I’m taking up the 100 days happy challenge. I want to celebrate my little wins and land in London as a more secure person so that I can make the most of my time there. I want to be ready to take on opportunities and if my belief system is strong enough, I know I can create a wonderful life for myself.