The second exercise invites me to reflect on the old moments of happiness I cherish and let them guide me into a vision of my ideal life. When I close my eyes, I can see it clearly—like it already exists, just waiting for me to walk into it.

I see us living in Europe, surrounded by nature. The forest is never far, and the air carries the scent of trees and fresh earth or grasses. Our home sits quietly with a small garden where I grow vegetables, and a balcony with a cozy armchair—like a POÄNG—where I can read while overlooking the greenery.

Inside, each corner of the house feels alive with love and creativity. There’s a room just for painting, crafting, and all the “messy” joys that fill our hearts. It’s a place where Nasa can scatter his toys and puzzles, invite his friends over, and let his imagination run free. Another room holds space for dance—a mirror-lined studio where music plays softly. It’s where I can practice, but also where we can move together as a couple, or simply lie side by side on the floor, talking about life. From the large glass wall, the forest stretches endlessly before us, like nature’s own painting framed in our home.

The kitchen is warm and welcoming, filled with the smell of home-cooked meals. It’s where friends gather around the table, where laughter lingers late into the night, where our parents visit in the summer and feel at home. Guest rooms wait with soft beds and bathtubs, ready to give visitors comfort after long journeys. In winter, the fireplace lights up the living room, casting its golden glow as I curl up with a book from a large BILLY bookshelf by the window. The house is big enough for pets too, because joy often comes with wagging tails and soft purrs.

Work, in this vision, is not just a job. It is meaningful, creative, and fulfilling. Even on long days, I return home with a light heart, carrying that energy to my family. Our home is not just walls and rooms—it is a place of connection, where voices are soft, conversations flow, and love is louder than stress.

The location feels just right—close to Nasa’s school and to work, so we can walk or cycle together, saving time for moments that truly matter. Life here is safe, simple, and deeply connected with nature.

Living in Europe also allows us to travel more easily, enjoying longer vacations in summer and winter, whenever we want to experience new things. We can also return to our home country and continent with fresh perspectives.

I recently learned from Jade Bonacolta that the six true luxuries in life are TIME, HEALTH, A QUIET MIND, SLOW MORNINGS, THE ABILITY TO TRAVEL, and A HOUSE FULL OF LOVE. This also reminds me of a manager I met in my current organization who once said, “My money is for buying experiences, not things.” I now have a life routine in place that allows me to use my time more wisely. I spend more of it on my health, my son, and my parents—both physically and mentally. I used to carry a busy and restless mind, but now it feels more mindful and quiet. My mornings are slow, filled with affirmations, reading, writing, and enjoying my drinks. I can plan and manage solo travels and have the freedom to go when I want. And my house is full of love. It may look incomplete to others, but to me, it is already functionally fulfilled—and one day it will be complete in every sense.

This is my dream life. And the more I see it, the more I feel it moving closer to me.

Thank you.