What she learnet on her happiness journey

Live life with a positive frame of mind

"I learnt that life has a funny, strange way to humble, uplift and inspire you, just when you think you won’t ever make it through (in certain situations). Then, it somehow shows you the way, reminding you that it’s okay to take it easy.”

Don’t get sucked into the rat race

"Take things one step at a time. Do not rush and, most importantly, never compare yourself to anyone and keep going at your own pace. It’s good to stop for a moment to take a breather if you need to, and enjoy or tackle any situation as it comes.”

Let go of negative things. Don’t look back and move on

"I learnt to choose myself first because I deserve better. To love and respect yourself means having the ability and strength to walk away from any toxic environment, situation and relationship. Don’t let anyone dim your light or hold you back! Focus on the things you love to do instead. For me, I’m slowly in love (again) with the idea of meeting someone new as well as finding new opportunities."

A new language "Living in a small town in Europe to learn French had always been a dream of mine. To be able to stay in Nice in France to do that, even for the short time of two months, was a really a dream come true for me.”

Be grateful for all the good things in your life "One may not always know what comes next in life. Don’t overthink and stress over things unnecessarily as it will make you unhappy. I’ve learnt to be thankful and grateful that my blessings are more than my problems.”

Make new friends and you’ll be surprised how they can inspire you "Keep an open mind – one can learn from people from other cultures and backgrounds. The strangers whom I’ve met on the road have showed me a great deal of kindness. They took care of me and taught me valuable life lessons that money can’t buy.”

Don’t give up. Conquer your fear and you’ll get to where you are "Don’t give up easily and be defeated by immediate thoughts of failure such as ’I can’t’ or ’I cannot do this anymore’. Instead, tell yourself that you have got this far and you are capable of reaching your goal – even if it means taking slower, smaller steps to get there.”

Gyscha's year-long journey of selfdiscovery took her to places such as (clockwise from top left) Inle Lake, Myanmar; Sumba in Indonesia; Sintra resort town in the foothills of Portugal's Sintra Mountains; Hanoi in Vietnam; Granada city in Spain; and Angkor Wat, Siem Reap in Cambodia.