Join the conversation at What Happiness Looks Like: Loukia.
This post is part of a series of interviews with happy people.
Loukia has a smile that lights up a room. That’s one of the first things I noticed when I met her a few years ago at a BlogHer conference. I also noticed her shiny blonde hair and kickin’ curves. It’s hard not to notice what Loukia looks like, because she is stunning.
But then she opens her mouth, and kindness and warmth inevitably come flowing out. It didn’t take me long to figure out that this Canadian blonde bombshell was much more than a pretty face. She’s also a dedicated parent, a loyal friend, and a savvy business woman with a big heart.
She shares a piece of that heart with you in this interview.
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What makes you happy?
The number one thing that makes me happy is my children. When I see my children happy, laughing, and healthy, my heart feels like bursting from happiness. When I cook a meal for them that they enjoy eating, I’m happy. When they’re smiling, I’m happy.
What else makes me happy? Good laughs with friends, vacations, a good book, dancing, music, and movies. I love having things to look forward to. Staying happy during the long, cold and dark winter months is a struggle for me. I do better when the sun is shining! But I can definitely pinpoint what makes me happy.
How and when did you figure that out?
Becoming a mom continues to be the scariest thing I’ve ever done, and it’s changed my life in good ways and bad ways (I worry so much more now.)
It is important for me to remember that I’m lucky and blessed every day. Remembering people who have suffered or who have gone through tragedy is a good way to keep things in perspective for me and to remain thankful.
I am certainly not happy every day, and often I think too much about the negative, but I try to stay happy. I know there are things I can do to help shift my mood to happy, too—if I’m down, dinner and drinks out with friends or a loved one will help lift my spirits. Or getting in my car and driving while listening to my favourite songs also helps. Dancing is a great release, too. It’s hard to not smile when you’re dancing!
How do you fit what makes you happy into your day-to-day life?
I love alone time in my car so I can listen to my music and get some thinking done—this makes me happy and helps clear my head.
The best part of my day is when I’m with the kids at home, relaxing, talking about our day, or eating dinner together. I also love bedtime and snuggles with my boys. This is happiness for me in my day-to-day life. I also love the routine of taking my boys to school and picking them up. I still get emotional sometimes when they walk away from me and run towards their friends. But inside, I’m smiling.
Are there any “shoulds” you’ve had to let go of in order to pursue your happiness?
Pursuing my happiness is still an ongoing challenge… or battle… for me. I hate change and get depressed when things I love come to an end. A trip, a conference, a special event. It’s getting back up and stopping myself from thinking of what I should have done differently that can be challenging for me.
It’s sometimes hard to do things that I want to do for myself because I often think about what other people’s reaction will be, and that can stop me for pursuing things I want to do.
Thank you, Loukia, for your honesty and vulnerability!
If this post made you think or made you smile, I hope you'll share it!