PODCAST HOST AND AUTHOR

Happiness doesn't mean being happy all the time. There will be sacrifices, tough days, moments where you question whether your life would be easier if you didn't care so much. But when you know your purpose, you can be happy even when it's difficult. Happiness isn't necessarily chasing pleasure and comfort, but rather chasing meaning and purpose.

EXECUTIVE COACH AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

The best thing I have learned that has contributed directly to my happiness is: Knowing, planning for, insisting on, and fighting for the kind of life you want to live. Define and create your own destiny and make intentional life choices because if you don’t live your life the way you want to, it might just live you.

FOUNDER OF COLOURETTE COSMETICS

It really is choosing myself. I had this situation before where I had to ask myself, “Do I really want to be happy? And what actions do I need to take for me to ensure and guarantee my happiness?” And I had to choose myself, reevaluate all my relationships — everything that I was doing in my life. [I had to] prioritize myself, my happiness, and enforcing my boundaries above it all.

FOUNDER OF SKIN POEM

[It is] acknowledging my weaknesses and embracing my limitations. Knowing that there are things in life that I can’t do or can’t be and being genuinely okay with that, as well as not allowing these things to define my worth as a woman or the person that I am now.

Never questioning the value of what I do despite how simple, ordinary, routinary, boring, or plain it may seem. I have come to learn how much impact I have in the lives of others, too.

I learned that the things that I can't do are also the reason I can do other things, and do them quite well too.

I no longer believe in having to do and be everything all at once. I now appreciate and value choosing very carefully the things in this life that you can give your 100% to. It can’t be a lot or you’ll spread out yourself too thin. And it’s only you who can truly know what these are. Give it some time and one day you will also be able to see and enjoy the results of the things that you chose to give your 100% to.

CO-FOUNDER OF LA DAI AND LARO KIDS

First, realizing that it’s a journey, and that journey is a long road that zigzags and stops at odd unusual places. I’m at the stage where I’m living career five and six. When they tell us to choose a course, okay we do it and assume this is it, this is the rest of my life. But not really. Skills and learning and growth and new avenues are always around and should always be.

Second I feel strongly about balance. I take time to take care of myself - I love to work out, I do this pretty much every day. I love to read so I indulge that. I think if you don’t take care of yourself you’ll have nothing to give, and women often miss putting importance in that.

Third is to remember it’s important to be unhappy too. We learn a lot from imperfection. We grow a lot from trial. It’s never fun during it, but it’s part of the journey.

CO-FOUNDER OF DERMTROPICS

One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is the power of gratitude coupled with maintaining a positive mindset. I make it a practice everyday to acknowledge the things I’m grateful for, which transforms my outlook and helps me find joy in everyday moments.

Additionally, visualizing my goals every morning when I wake up, and every night before bedtime has been a game-changer, giving me a clear direction and keeping me motivated.

It all starts with changing your outlook on life and transforming your negative thoughts and fears into positive and happy ones through visualization. It has helped me, and I hope it helps you too.

BEAUTY BRAND GENERAL MANAGER

I think my level of happiness changes - in different aspects, different facets, different phases of life. Having to wear different hats allows me to also define my happiness in different ways.

Everyday, we keep on finding ways to better ourselves. So the best thing I’ve learned is to just keep going.

PRESIDENT OF BEAUTY BOX CORP.

What I have learned so far is that gratitude is the secret to happiness because it shifts my focus from what I lack to what I actually have. When I am more appreciative, I become more aware of the positive aspects in my life, it allows me to find joy even in day to day simple moments and enjoy the experiences that I tend to take for granted. Gratitude also helps me to be more content and it strengthens the relationships I have. For me, to be happy is to be more grateful.

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF SHE TALKS ASIA / FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MANO AMIGA

Something that has helped me to be happier about life is to keep reminding myself that everything is temporary. Whether it’s a good thing like a work accomplishment or something challenging, I try to remind myself that nothing lasts and what is important is I use these opportunities to grow and become a better person. This mindset has not only allowed me to be more “present” in these moments, but also to focus on what I need to learn from life’s various seasons.

SOCIAL IMPACT ENTREPRENEUR AND ACTRESSS

I always say that there is no greater joy or empowerment than being able to empower or give joy to others. However, we cannot pour from an empty cup. We cannot give what we do not have. And it’s inevitable that sometimes we may feel depleted, unsure if we have enough to offer others.… So paano na?

One thing that I recently learned that had a direct impact on my happiness is the understanding that it is better to have an empty cup than having one full of the wrong things. So if you find yourself in that phase feeling drained or empty, I hope you’d realize that what truly matters is the mindful process of intentionally refilling your cup of the things you genuinely deserve and need. And by doing so will armor you to fully embrace and become the best version of yourself.

CHIEF SALES & MARKETING OFFICER OF EVER BILENA

Letting go of the need to constantly "earn" happiness has been very freeing. I tend to push myself constantly, and it's a habit that's still very applicable to me today. However, I am being more intentional about simply enjoying being present, allowing myself to relax and discover what makes me feel good, which has so far been a joyful process.

FOUNDER OF ZEN ZEST

[It is] just to be happy and content with the NOW. To treat each day and everything I have as a blessing. Things may not always be perfect, things may not be as I want them to be all the time but I have so many things to be grateful for. My greatest blessing is a day where everything is just as it should be. Actually, the best part of my day is before I sleep with my son and my husband beside me and we are all healthy and happy and well. Everything else that comes my way is a bonus.

ENTREPRENEUR

The importance of self-care and prioritizing one's well-being can directly contribute to one’s happiness . Taking the time to engage in activities that bring joy, practicing self-compassion, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are all crucial aspects of self-care that can enhance overall happiness and fulfillment. By investing in self-care practices and making your mental, emotional, and physical health a priority, you can cultivate a greater sense of well-being and contentment in your life.

MANAGING DIRECTRESS OF CASTRO PR AND TRANS ADVOCATE

Among my many sources of happiness, family and loved ones are still the ones that directly and largely impact my disposition in life. I've learned that for as long as I'm with my family and they are happy, I am happy.

ENTREPRENEUR

Somewhere in my forties, I learned to let things go. I’ve felt more peaceful and this has made me happier.

Letting go is a hard thing to do, especially when you’re passionate about something or firmly believe that you’re on the right side of an argument or situation. I’ve learned to step back and look at the bigger picture - will I die if I am wrong? Will I suffer if I hold onto this? Will it matter to me three days from now? A year or ten years later?

I learned that I have no control over other people’s thoughts, intentions and actions. I learned that not everything has to be perfect. This is how I was able to let go of the need for perfection and accept people as they are and the circumstances as they present themselves.

We only have control over our own reactions, our speech, our innermost thoughts. Stop trying to control all outcomes.