Back

Choose happiness: Always | Day 61 of my 2023 Journal

Cecilie Conrad·Mar 2, 2023· 2 minutes

I am always happy. And if I am not exactly happy, I am happy to know I am learning something important.

That is always how it goes.

Yet, it happens, I forget.

We have been sick for a week now. Taking turns to vomit and running for the bathrooms. Each time one of us got better, we truly believed it was over. Only now, after eight days we seem to accept we just have to take it slow, wait and see, and take time to recover.

It has been chaotic. Vomit in the streets, literally while parking in new places. In and out of Airbnb. Lost a lot of sleep.

Had to cancel great adventures.

It is not always Instagramable, the nomad life. It felt like the culmination when we had a flat tire in pouring rain.

But here is the rub. Here is what we are learning.

Here is why I am happy anyway, always happy and grateful.

You see. Within this week of sickness and low energy, we did have the crazy experience of the random place and the running cows on the beach. We also did a beautiful walk to the Venus pool, breathtakingly beautiful. And we observed the volcano Etna, beautiful with snow and steam and clouds.

We also learned, that we can handle even this while on the road with no tears, no fighting - just a steady doing of what needs to be done, solving each problem one by one.

When we had a flat tire, just like always, there were people to help immediately. It was not fun, but it was not too bad either.

It is a question of mindset, again.

Choosing to be happy even in this situation.

When tired, it can be challenging, but I accept the challenge.

It is a good one. 

Love and light

Cecilie-Underskrift-300x133

Cecilie Conrad


Thank you for reading

I would love to hear from you. Listen to your thoughts and reflections - or praise :) It is often emotional to share our lives like this, and we get very happy when we get feedback from you. So feel free to share a comment below 😋 

See more images on Facebook

Unschooling and Parent consulting, conversations, blogposts, and podcasts on family life and learning

Hi, I'm Cecilie Conrad. I'm a trained psychologist, mother of four, radical unschooler and full-time traveller. I have lived with unschooling for over a decade and help other families find their own path – whether it is about homeschooling, unschooling, or the bigger question of how you want to live as a family.

I offer guidance, conversations and talks. I call my work grandmothering – not coaching in the traditional sense, but presence, professional insight and concrete help navigating motherhood and finding your way home to your own values.

Am I the right person to help you? You can book a free discovery call, and we'll talk and figure it out.

Listen to my podcasts

I share my knowledge and curiosity about family life and learning in my two podcasts.

Read my latest blogposts

Birds. Sugar. Jesus. Balance. The simple joys of life, like sharing a cup of coffee with loved ones. Discover how a mundane moment can hold profound …Read more
Delve into the heart of cultural immersion as we navigate the delicate balance between observing and participating in local traditions. Join us in re…Read more
Explore the profound traditions of Dia De Los Muertos through our personal journey of remembrance and cultural discovery. From sacred altars to vibra…Read more
Join me on my personal journey through Mexico as I navigate writing a book with a lifelong friend, unschooling my children, and embracing the vibrant…Read more
Join our family adventure as we discover the untamed remnants of Mayan culture in Playa del Carmen's exclusive community—no tickets, no crowds, just …Read more
The moon's mystique enhances the tranquility of our daily routine. From the simplicity of a beach walk to the profound beauty of a moonrise, discover…Read more
Dive into a day of introspection and cultural exploration as I navigate through moods, art galleries, and local festivities. From the subtleties of i…Read more
From exploring local cenotes to movie nights featuring Frida Kahlo, our family navigates the challenges and joys of settling into Mexico. Discover ho…Read more
Struggling with jetlag, a virus, and adjusting to a new life in Mexico, my family found solace in a local vegan, organic restaurant. Discover how sim…Read more