How to Find Happiness by Changing Your Scenery
Many people dream of a life filled with pleasure and satisfaction. But what does it really mean to live a life you enjoy? I recently met a Frenchman who disliked his life in France so much that he decided to move to Thailand. Now, more than ten years later, he runs a restaurant there, is married to a French-Thai woman, and absolutely loves his life. His story made me think about how our environment and choices shape our happiness.
Of course, moving to a country with a lower cost of living can be tempting. But it’s important to remember that the local currency is often weaker, and your earnings might be lower too. If you want to travel to other countries later, it might be harder if your income is tied to a weaker currency. For some, staying in a place like Thailand or the Philippines is perfect, especially if you’re happy with a simpler lifestyle. But if you want the freedom to travel widely, you’ll need to think about how you earn your money.
Let me share another story. I read about a coworking space in Panama called Vivo Vivo, run by a British couple. The husband is a software developer, just like me, and he set up internet in their beautiful bungalows on a small island. It’s far from everything, but it’s paradise for them. Panama is right next to Costa Rica, and it’s a great example of how you can design your life around what brings you joy.
Personally, I love to travel. That’s why it’s important for me to earn enough in a strong currency, like the euro, US dollar, or Canadian dollar. This gives me the freedom to visit many countries. If you can work remotely for a company based in a country with a strong currency, you’re in a good position. For example, I work for a company in Sydney, Australia, and my salary is in Australian dollars, which is quite strong. I also know people who live in small French villages but work for companies in Paris, earning Paris-level salaries. The same goes for Australia—many people live in smaller towns but work remotely for companies in Sydney, earning higher wages while enjoying a lower cost of living.
The key is to design your life exactly the way you want it. If your dream is to live by the beach, maybe in Madeira or on a Mediterranean island, and work as a freelancer or video editor for YouTubers and influencers, go for it. It might start small, but it’s a step toward the life you want. Build your reputation, maybe write a book, and gradually shape your dream life.
For me, having a separate workspace is important. I don’t like working from my apartment, so I use a coworking space nearby. It’s especially useful during hot weather—right now it’s 40 degrees outside, and the air conditioning here is a lifesaver. Even though my company is based in Sydney, I like to visit the office and see my colleagues. Maybe one day I’ll move to Sydney, even though it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world. The same goes for London—salaries are higher, but so is the cost of living. Some people choose to live in Scotland and work for London-based companies, or find clients abroad while living somewhere cheaper.
Many people work remotely from places like Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, or Bali, but their clients are in Europe, the US, or Canada. They get paid in strong currencies, while their expenses stay low. For example, earning 200 euros might not be much in Paris, but in Bali, it can be a good monthly salary. This gives them the freedom to travel and enjoy life more fully.
In the end, it’s all about making choices that fit your own idea of happiness. Think about what brings you pleasure, and build your life around that. Maybe it’s a beach club in the evening, or editing videos from a sunny island. Start with small steps, and over time, you’ll create the life you’ve always wanted.
Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
— Dalai Lama
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Key Takeaways
- Design your life based on what truly brings you joy, not just what others expect.
- Consider earning in a strong currency while living in a place with a lower cost of living for more freedom.
- Start small—every step counts toward building your dream lifestyle.
- Think about your environment and how it affects your happiness.
Reflection
- What does a pleasant life look like for you?
- Are you making choices that bring you closer to your ideal lifestyle?
- How could you adjust your work or location to feel better every day?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Happiness #Lifestyle #Money #Nomad #Positive-Living #Selfcare #Tech #Wellbeing