October 13, 2015

Looking Forward




Have you ever had an out of body experience in the middle of a moment and realize that one day you're going to look back on this day and pinpoint it to the start of a new beginning? Well this weekend was just that kind of moment. I've been giving happiness a lot of thought lately. If money can't buy it and you're unhappy when you don't have money, then how are you supposed to "get" happiness in this consumerist society that we live in? If happiness is in the journey and not the destination, then what are we headed towards? There've been countless articles written on the "keys to happiness" or on the "secrets of a happier lifestyle," but I'm not sure anyone really has the answer to these questions, especially not I. But after this past weekend, I've felt happier and calmer than I have in months.













It all started with a $27 accent chair that the thrifty Asian side of me almost ended up keeping just cause, but the minimalist side of me decided it didn't fit with my style. As fate would have it, we ended up at Ikea to soak up some free air conditioning and the couch I had wanted was on sale. Finding this couch was the catalyst to me finally taking the next step in making my apartment home. With a new couch, a new coffee table, and some fresh flowers, it did sorta feel like I bought my happiness. As I sit here on my new couch, admiring my apartment and the boy playing his hip hop music too loud for my liking, I am realizing that happiness starts and ends at home. I'm also realizing that it doesn't take much to make a happy home.

If I knew how much more at ease I'd be just by adding a few slabs of wood and cushions from Ikea or by finally spending gift cards I had received from Christmas, I would've bit the bullet a lot sooner. For a long while, I was stuck in my bad habit of comparing myself to others. I spent countless hours watching apartment tours on YouTube and scrolling through home inspiration on Pinterest, but all that would leave me feeling even more hopeless, coveting an unattainable home. And while pieces from Crate and Barrel and Design Within Reach will always be a part of my someday, as of now, I'm totally content with the pieces of my present. This accounts for pieces in my home and the pieces in my life. I just have to remember to pull inspiration rather than disheartenment from social media. There's happiness beyond window displays and endless feeds, like weather below 90 degrees, reassuring emails from coworkers, and afternoons at the museum--all of which are free, by the way.

102 comments:

  1. Interesting that you address this topic! I have been considering writing a post about happiness and how I have found the key, or at least the key that works for me. Too often people think that it's external factors (people, stuff) that will bring happiness, when in fact it's already inside us but the focus on these external things blocks us from feeling it.

    LUXESSED

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  2. Love this post, very interesting!! Nice photos!
    Hugs,
    Love from www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

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  3. I love love love the patterns so much!

    x, Kat of Nested Thoughts

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  4. great look

    http://carrieslifestyle.com
    Posts online about Amalfi, Amsterdam, Rio...

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  5. I'm so glad that you're at a good place right now :) I've been feeling a little stressed out from school, but I've just gotten off for fall break and I'm already feeling so much better. I have a copy of Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project and I'm curious to see what it'll do for me. // I'm planning to go shopping with my friend for a coffee table to fill the empty space in our dorm rooms! I'm all for having open space, but it's so weird when my friends come over and I don't have a place for the to sit at :P -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's

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  6. Wonderful place with a great pictures :)

    whitehoneyr.blogspot.com

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  7. wow you make idea look so chic
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  8. Happiness is definitely something tricky to balance, but it's epiphanies like this that make it a breeze to do so. Like you comparing your home to online homes, I've been comparing myself to people and that left me in a very dark hole for a very long time. I spend time, spend money, spend everything on trying to become other people that I only sank deeper. It's only when I got of my arse and stopped being sorry for myself, started receiving assurances and love from people around me that I've put the cover on the hole that's bee drowning me.

    All the best to you, by the way, good luck with building your dream home, and, also, stunning photos. <3

    May | THE MAYDEN | Bloglovin'

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  9. molto interessante questo post

    http://bellodiesseredonna.blogspot.it

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  10. Happy Wednesday Jasmine! I completely agree with you! Happiness starts and ends at home and you don't need to compare yourself to others in order to be happy :) You're unique and so is your home :) Love your chairs and the couch looks absolutely beautiful! xo Vivian

    www.twoward.com

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  11. I love those kinds of feelings it really gets you motivated I find :) Lovely photos x

    Florals&Smiles

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  12. Ah. It looks so great! Loving the chairs! I'm super thrifty you too! I'm actually picking up some chairs today that I found on craigslist to give them new life! I love projects! And decorating!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  13. I love your new couch! I totally know what you are saying about home being a place of happiness. Ever since we moved to our current house, I think of it as my little oasis. Once you find your decor style and are able to make it come to live, it just helps you settle and enjoy.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  14. Great post :)

    http://the-newone.blogspot.ru/

    INSTAGRAM - hellodashi

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  15. I so agree with you about happiness. It really does start with your home and it doesn't matter how much money you have. I have been in my house now for 8 years. I still love to decorate it for the different seasons, especially since I can't keep buying new furniture over and over. I just put up my outside Halloween decorations which always makes me happy. Thanks for sharing this with us. I love the new couch!

    Kathy
    http://www.glamsimplified.com

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  16. Wow great big words from you babe :)
    I think people don't have such contentment and there is still few.

    I remember back then when I was a kid, when everything is simpler.
    Love that chair btw

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

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  17. Looking sooo beautiful in the casual look! Happy Wednesday gorgs!
    www.lenparent.com

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  18. Awesome photos as usual!! Have a good day!!
    Xoxo

    http://www.sweetsimpleday.com

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  19. I think happiness can be found a lot of different ways for different people. We just all have to find our own happiness :)

    P.S. I love all the decor inspiration in this post!

    http://elementsofellis.com/

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  20. I really love you :)

    Can you follow me? I follow you :)
    If you comment my post, I will comment your five posts! :)
    http://www.sandrakopko.com/2015/10/blue-dress.html

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  21. happiness..honestly i'm searching for the key to happiness too. but sometimes i found it funny that i will be happy and smiling towards the smallest things surrounding me. for example, i bought a bouquet of flowers on sunday at the market. and as a newbies, i have no idea how to put the bouquet of flower..but i ended up finding a solution though. and this small success gave me huge satisfaction on that day..i can;t stop admiring the flowers as if they were smiling back at me too. i think happiness is beside us..just the way we define the things. you rocks, girl. lovin' you as usual here from singapore :)

    xo joselovincolors
    www.joselovincolors.com

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  22. Great photos! I love the black and white vibe you have going on!

    http://www.theaisleofstyle.com/

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  23. What a beautifully honest post. I appreciate your sharing this side of yourself. You are so introspective and smart. :) Not to mention incredibly inspirational!

    XOXO
    http://www.kellmenow.com/blog/
    https://www.facebook.com/kellmenow?fref=ts
    https://instagram.com/kell_menow/

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  24. These exacts thoughts have gone through my mind so many times. There was a point where I was comparing myself to others and focusing on what I didn't have, and I was just so unhappy! I have to constantly remind myself to live more in the moment and, like you said, take inspiration from social media instead of disheartenment. Have a great week!

    -Helen
    Sweet Helen Grace

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  25. I agree! Happiness really does start and end at home :) X

    THEFASHION-JUNKIE

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  26. This was such a fantastic post and I think it is great that you are so thoughtful and are thinking about these things. No, no one has the magic recipe for happiness, but that is okay. As long as we individually figure out what makes us happy, we can get by. There are big and small ways to make ourselves happy and I think we need to find joy in both. Small ways - buying a bouquet of flowers and putting them on your table - big: getting a big ticket item like that sofa or a beautiful bag. Money should not buy happiness, but often we need money to get the things that do make us happy - whether or not it is something tangible or an experience like travel - sadly that is the truth but we can also still do much without money as well. I think you hit the nail on the head too - comparing ourselves to others will only make us unhappy - so while not comparing may not result in us instantly being happy, it will prevent us from feeling down and over time as we focus on ourselves and improving ourselves we will become happier.

    Rae | Love from Berlin

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  27. Amazing post..Well done! I really love your blog. Keep going.
    Many kisses
    Lady Fur

    Please check my last post blog www.welovefur.com

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  28. They say, If u find happiness in ur own house u don't look for it anywhereelse and that controls restlessness! Glad u have found it.
    Much love
    Chichistashan,blogspot.in

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  29. Amazing photos! Thanks for sharing!

    xx,
    www.mellowyellowblog.com

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  30. They say if u find happiness in ur home u become calm. Glad u liked it!

    Much love
    Chichistashan.blogspot.in

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  31. Yup! happiness and charity begin at home. its so wonderful to read about someone finally finding a place to call home.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  32. Loved reading this. Thank you for sharing with us!

    Diane
    www.mychaneltaste.com

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  33. Interesting photos! Great post ;) thanks for sharing..

    Best, Albert | Palming Pebbles
    Palming Pebbles FB

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  34. This is really great blog post!! in this day, i am so stressed out about money~~ i know, Money can't buy happiness, but it can make me awfully comfortable while you're being miserable. =)

    would you like to follow each other on google friend connect and google plus? If you follow me,
    I will follow you back after it. ^^
    www.tomntins.com



    www.tomntins.com

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  35. I can relate to this post! Great photos!
    Dora
    www.BangsBang.com

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  36. Happiness certainly starts and ends at home. I am in the same boat right now, total renovation of my home, so I feel you here, Jasmine. I have the very same throw pillows, btw, how cool is that, lol. Great pics, girl.
    xox
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

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  37. Nice blog and interesting post
    We could follow each other in G+, GFC and Instagram?
    www.travelera.es
    Instagram: @travelera.es

    ReplyDelete
  38. Totally agree with you that "happiness starts and ends at home".
    Awesome pictures!

    jointyicroissanty

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  39. I agree with your statement and also think that happiness is a state of mind, but going home and feeling safe, relaxed and comfortable always makes me happy)

    Tanya
    www.StripesNVibes.com
    BlogLovin

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  40. I have been happier this month and hopefully it will last! I have moved myself away from a group of people who I felt like were always bringing me down and I feel a lot better and less self-conscious about myself!

    http://emmasworld31.blogspot.co.uk/

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  41. Love the way you expressed these feelings. I think everyone struggles with it, but it's so hard to pinpoint and put into words.

    www.frommarin.blogspot.com

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  42. This is such a beautifully written post with gorgeous photos!

    http://roadesque.com
    http://ourruins.com

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  43. your thinking definitely speaks of the kind of maturity level you have right now and for that I'm so proud of you and happy for you! :D here's to happiness (whether it's from simple material things or from the essence of true relationships). much love to you, Jasmine! :D


    Have a great day!
    Animated Confessions

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  44. Being happy is a tough one. I find I am much happier now that I don't compare myself to others as much and meditate daily. Great post.

    Sarah
    sarahjustinestyle.blogspot.com

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  45. Love your honesty in your writing. It's always so refreshing to read -xx

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  46. wow great post

    http://carrieslifestyle.com
    Posts online about Rio, Amalfi, Egypt...

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  47. I totally agree with you; home is the real place of happiness. I love your new couch! These pillows are a great touch! Have a nice day!

    Danielle
    www.spring2spring.com

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  48. All the pictures are great! Love that they're all pretty much with black and white things!

    xx

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  49. This is a great post, Jasmine! Something that I've thought a lot about in the past couple of years! What your'e saying is something I completely agree with. Happiness always begins and ends with home and who you surround yourself with (all the people you love and care about and vice versa). It was so refreshing to read this and I'm glad that someone else shares the same views as me! Love it!!

    Syd
    The Style Roll

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  50. It's crazy how personalizing your space and making it feel like home totally changes your outlook + mood, and definitely boosts your happiness. I went through a very similar experience this summer- it's lovely!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  51. Lovely pics! Have an amazing day!

    Danielle
    http://www.blushblossom.com

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  52. what a neat place to explore! looks like fun!

    kelseybang.com

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  53. Honestly some of the pieces I've had the longest have been ones from less expensive brands and thrift stores - ain't nothin' wrong with it!

    District of Chic

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  54. What a fun place to visit!

    God bless,
    XO, Claire
    Http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.com

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  55. Your apartment looks so good! Glad you're feeling happier lately <3

    Tina
    www.justatinabit.com

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  56. I think the key to happiness lies within ourselves and what makes us smile and feel content. I don't think there can be one simple answer to that question because we're all such unique and complex beings. I personally hold the belief that money buys me happiness. Not so much for the "material things" but for where it can take me, like places and countries. The majority of my family is on the other side of the world and I feel most content when I'm on that side of the world. I've also been stuck in a rut of comparison. It's hard not to these days with social media blasting how perfect everything is and can be. We make such a point of painting perfection while masking our pain. I feel so sad for younger generations who know no different.

    Sxx
    www.daringcoco.com

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  57. great photos and post! X Laura www.mixtfashion.com

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  58. it's the simple, meaningful things that makes a happy home :) lovely curation of photos! x

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  59. Gorgeous selection of photos <3 and that couch is stunning!

    xo,

    Emma
    http://www.sassystreet.com/

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  60. great post dear! I love your blog:)

    www.theprintedsea.blogspot.com

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  61. Preach. A MILLION TIMES PREACH.

    I've stopped looking on Pinterest for apartment inspiration and I've embraced just going with my own gut, otherwise it's going to drive me crazy. Plus, Jeremy isn't much of a minimalist so I'm meshing our styles together in order to make it a home for both of us, because ultimately if you're happy at home that's all you really need.

    YOU OWN THAT COUCH, and hopefully I'll be crashing on it sometime next year. ;)

    JennifHsieh

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  62. I really enjoyed reading this post!! Thank you for sharing.

    Diane

    www.petiteinparis.com

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  63. I think you hit the nail on the head there - we should be inspired by things we see online and in social media, not comparing and feeling down about it. Everyone is different and has their own things that makes them happy. And once we know what that is, we should continue to pursue it :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  64. I love the idea of happiness coming from the little things. We need to take more time to appreciate the simplicity around us! Great post :)

    Best,
    Christina

    Looks by Lau

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  65. Beautiful post! I can definitely relate with all the edited and perfected images circulating social media. I love that the simple things brought you back happiness and I hope it continues to do so :) Hope you have an amazing week xx

    www.tongue-in-chic.com

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  66. this is really such an intressting topic and post :) happiness is one of the most important things in life :3
    http://www.youtube.com/c/MissLovelyAttitude
    http://lovelyattitude.com

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  67. Wow everything looks so artistic! Love <3

    xoxo, Christina

    Stray Birds and Lavender

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  68. What a great post! I totally agree with you that happiness starts and ends at home. Love the couch you picked.
    http://doreensstylediary.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. What a beautifully put-together post! I'm so pleased to hear you're finding yourself in a happy place and that it was achieved through something seemingly simple! It must be exciting building on your apartment and making 'a house a home' :)

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
    x

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  70. I'm glad that you're feeling better :) Sometimes it's worth it to splurge some to make yourself happy :) Hopefully you can continue making your apartment a home!

    Mili

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  71. Happiness is just being able to be yourself I guess, without caring about what others might think ;) Great post dear :)
    http://www.theavantguardian.com

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  72. Great post! Social media really makes things hard doesn't it! Love your shots and your minimalist house, it's so beautiful~

    Gina
    Pink Wings

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  73. Loving the couch and table! Such a great addition for making your place feel more like a home. Glad you're feeling happier.
    Rachael
    http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com

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  74. Words so true.... happiness is key. But yes sometimes it's okay to splurge a little :)

    Hope you have a great week love x

    Erica
    www.eggcanvas.me

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  75. Sometimes life is tough and decisions aren't easy for sure. Glad you found the couch you wanted. It's a new start, huh? A happy home is still the first step in getting outside again.

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  76. ah a very thought provoking post. it is a struggle sometimes to figure out what happiness can be or where we each find happiness. I'm glad you found it! :)

    xoxo,
    Winn | ♥
    winscribbles.blogspot.com | Instagram

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  77. beautiful photography as always! love your photos and writing style
    http://dayinmydreams.com/

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  78. Beautiful minimalistic pictures! I love your style and photos! Great sense of style and I'm really happy for you!
    xx
    cvetybaby.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. Such a beautiful read, and inspirational photographs
    So pleased to hear that you're taking the steps to make yourself feel calmer and happier
    A cosy home, fresh flowers and hip hop sounds like a dream!

    What Raj Wants

    ReplyDelete
  80. Hey guys, haven't seen your post for a while.
    I nominated you for the liebster award! Check it out:
    Palming Pebbles: The Liebster Award

    Best, Albert | Palming Pebbles
    Palming Pebbles FB

    ReplyDelete
  81. so happy to hear you've had such an incredible week... let the good times continue to roll! loved the photos. your blog is always such an inspiration
    http://dayinmydreams.com/

    ReplyDelete
  82. I agree with you, that hapiness starts and ends at home, such a true words! Thanks for sharing this post, love Ikea style, I own very cute black&white door carpet from them, love everything bnw)
    xx,
    Nataliya
    www.ndudlagirl.blogspot.com
    www.instagram.com/ndudlagirl

    ReplyDelete
  83. I agree with you, that hapiness starts and ends at home, such a true words! Thanks for sharing this post, love Ikea style, I own very cute black&white door carpet from them, love everything bnw)
    xx,
    Nataliya
    www.ndudlagirl.blogspot.com
    www.instagram.com/ndudlagirl

    ReplyDelete
  84. I agree. Love this post!! Your photos are so awesome! Hope you're having a great weekend!
    www.lenparent.com

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  85. I think about happiness often too. I am happy to hear you've been happy lately :)

    xoxo Emily
    http://www.ditchtheheels.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I totally agree, happiness at home is where true happiness lies, great post X

    http://www.leopardandspice.com/

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  87. Hey Jasmine! I just popped in to say hello. I hope things are going well and that you're enjoying a nice break from the blogosphere.

    -Helen
    Sweet Helen Grace

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  88. This is such a beautiful and important sentiment Jasmine! I think social media is driving everyone a bit crazy, so it's nice to see that perception change. It's liberating to stop comparing yourself to everything you see online. I'm glad you feel calmer and happier, haven't talked to you in a while :)

    Kosta // Cool Gear Cavalier

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  89. I am one with you when it comes to your thoughts and sentiments. I am dying to go see the Broad with my own eyes but, the earliest I could go is in December :( Boo!

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  90. Awesome photos. You are such an inspirational person
    $200 Gift Card Giveaway on my blog
    http://www.mimosasandme.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Some inspirational post yo have there! As for me, Definition of happiness to each one is different and has a unique interpretation. One's happiness is not created equal because really depends on the person right? But if someone's outlook in life is just positive no matter what, then I guess one would be able to acquire the positive elements that he or she wants to get or achieve.
    Xoxo,
    Jaimie | THE MERMAID IN STILETTOS

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  92. Fantastic! An inspiring thought on happiness. It's all in the individuals ideals of what happiness is. I agree so much with Jaimie Felix above... That if someones outlook is positive, well that's all that counts. x


    Louise
    http://louiseplace.com

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