Paradise is Here and Now

When it's a lovely day outside, my thoughts often turn to Thailand.

Memories of lying on a beach under a palm tree, sipping coconut cream cocktails and listening to Jack Johnson playing softly through headphones. Ah, those were the days.

But why do we place such importance on holidays? Why do we feel the need to "get away from it all"?

Surely if we're not happy in our current lives, we shouldn't wait for the one or two weeks in the year when we can relax and be happy. Life doesn't need to be stressful, no matter what the characters on Coronation Street or Wisteria Lane might portray.

If you're counting down the weeks 'til you can escape the office and get out into the real world for a break, then why not think about changing things? It is possible to be happy most if not all of the time. 

Believe it or not, there are jobs out there that will make you feel like you're on holiday every day. And they're not the same job for everyone - we all have our individual likes and dislikes.

For me, the job that would give me the greatest feeling of relaxation and freedom would be writing for a living. Tapping away on my laptop with my cat curled up at my feet and my son playing with his toys on the floor in front of me. That's my simple dream. That's why I'm becoming a freelance copywriter.

I've also considered being a travel writer, a photographer, a university lecturer and an astronaut. But for one reason or another - such as the lack of a space programme in this country and my extreme travel sickness - have put me on a different track.

For you, it might be something completely different. Whatever floats your boat, as they say. 

If you can think about it, and if you can imagine doing it, then there must be a way to achieve it.

I know deep down that if I had really really worked at becoming an astronaut, then there's a chance I could have been successful. Just as I know now that by learning the craft of copywriting, and putting in strong foundations, I can build a successful freelance business, and I can achieve my simple dream.

It's up to you to get started. Noone's going to come along and kick you if you stay in your safe boring job. But lots of people will cheer you when you make the effort to succeed at your dreams. I'll cheer you too!

Good luck, let me know what your dream is and how you're going to make it a reality.