• LAUNCH YOUR DREAM
  • BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
  • STARTING OVER MIDLIFE
  • HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM
  • TRAVEL THE WORLD
  • GET HEALTHY & FIT
  • BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  • BRAVE LIVING
  • WRITE FOR US

8WomenDream

Dream Big Stories

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONNECT
You Are Here Home » HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM » Finding Happiness in A Southern Journey

10/07/2014 By Lisa Graham

Finding Happiness in A Southern Journey

Finding Happiness in A Southern Journey in Charleston South Carolina

Sometimes, to find or grow your happiness, you need to expand your horizons and go somewhere you’ve never been before. Last weekend, I traveled somewhere new, and experienced more of my country’s history.

I spent the past weekend on vacation in Charleston and Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The South is still relatively new territory for me.

I am a Midwestern by birth, from Chicago originally, and have lived most of my life so far in the Northeast, with the exception of a few years in California and my various global travels.

I have only spent time in the South a handful of times. I was utterly charmed by Greenville, South Carolina when I traveled there last year.

The people are so friendly – I felt like everyone was so happy to see me. Everywhere I went, the baristas and waiters and concierges made a point of telling me they were delighted I was there.

It felt like everyone was my neighbor or cousin or long-lost friend. The South definitely made me feel like I was living one of my favorite sayings:

“A stranger is just a friend I haven’t met yet.”

I loved being treated like everyone’s long-lost cousin, so very warmly welcomed everywhere I went. I’m also a huge fan of accents of any variety, and who doesn’t love a sweet, honeyed Southern drawl?

Finding Happiness in A Southern Journey - Finding Happiness in South Carolina View

Finding Happiness in a Rich History 

Finding happiness was easy since the people of Charleston were also warm and welcoming. And it’s a beautiful historic city, right along the coast, with long stretches of beach.

Founded in 1670 as Charles Towne in Honor of King Charles II of England, Charleston is the oldest and the second-largest city in South Carolina. The architecture is glorious, and features Colonial and Antebellum mansions, with a kind of grandeur that just doesn’t exist in more recent building construction.

One of Charleston’s best-known events is Spoleto Festival USA founded by Gian Carlo Menotti, a 17-day art festival featuring over 100 performances by individual artists in a variety of disciplines.

Charleston features magnolia trees, old-fashioned street lamps, ornate and elegant mansions, and all the beauty one would expect to find in the South.

The meals were out of this world as well! At Magnolia restaurant, I got to sample shrimp and grits, and ordered an Ahi tuna dish, served with pea shoots and greens.

Finding Happiness in A Southern Journey - Kiawah Island Sunset

Finding Happiness on Kiawah Island

My destination for the weekend was Kiawah Island, whose motto is “the Happiest Seaside Town in America.” The island population is 1,163, and it is known for its golf courses and beaches.

I walked long stretches of the white beach, barefoot, letting the white foam of the ocean swirl around my ankles. It was sunny and beautiful, the perfect temperature.

You could see how someone could be happy here, in this ocean-side paradise.

It was a relaxing weekend, without anything that “needed” to be done. I could just be. 

That meant: leisurely meals, strolls by the water, time in the gym. It meant that I got to enjoy life without pressure to do anything or be anywhere else.

Everyone needs days like these, where you simply need to show up and enjoy the beauty of the world.

Interestingly enough, Kiawah Island reminded me of Kauai, and the time I’ve spent on that beautiful Hawaiian island.  On Kauai, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen, and remember mentally noting to myself:

“If I were born simply to praise God for the beauty of this sunset, and to truly appreciate the wonders of this world, that would be enough.”

Just after I had that thought, I stepped on a bee and got stung! I decided that was a sign to remember that moment.

Life contains both pain and pleasure, joy and sorrow. When we focus on the joys, we continue to attract more love, joy and peace into our lives.

I reminded myself to focus on all the beauty in this world. It is easy to do in such a beautiful place, and when we are given the gift of time to relax and reflect.

I am so thankful for the incredible beauty of this world, and for all of the stops and adventures on the journey.

Lisa

[fbcomments]

Lisa Graham
Lisa Graham

Lisa Graham is an inspirational writer, life coach, motivational speaker, and globe-trotter whose passion is to help others to find happiness and meaning their daily lives. A political activist at heart, Lisa would like to empower more women to run for political office as a way to create positive change in the world. You can find her on the Madam President Project.

Note: Articles by Lisa may contain affiliate links and 8WD will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link.

Related Posts:

  • Happiness Journey: Ask and You Shall ReceiveHappiness Journey: Ask and You Shall Receive
  • Finding Happiness Through Being Who You AreFinding Happiness Through Being Who You Are
  • Finding Happiness Even When SadFinding Happiness Even When Sad
  • Finding Happiness in Big Sky CountryFinding Happiness in Big Sky Country
Tell your friends!

Filed Under: HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM

Some of the posts on 8WD contain affiliate links or links to purchase products or programs from 8WD contributors. This means 8WD or the contributor may make a small commission if you make a purchase. The 8WD affiliate links help offset the cost of hosting this website and the contributor links help support the dreams of the contributor. Please check out the 8WD Legal Page for more details.

Thank you for your continued support!

« Top 18 Healthy Snack Ideas for Fitness
Take A Step Back »

Check it out

  • LAUNCH YOUR DREAM
  • BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
  • STARTING OVER MIDLIFE
  • HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM
  • TRAVEL THE WORLD
  • GET HEALTHY & FIT
  • BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  • BRAVE LIVING
  • WRITE FOR US

Buy The Dream Tote Today!

Buy the 8WD Dreaming About Tomorrow Tote

Recent Dream Stories

  • The 8 Best Books on How to Find Your Passion and Purpose
  • The Benefits of Female Education Makes the Best Valentine’s Gift
  • Starting a Photography Business? Avoid These 8 Mistakes
  • How to Negotiate Your Speaking Fees and Retain Respect
Story/Speech/Presentation Coaching and Consulting with Top Motivational Speaker Kelly Swanson

Catherine Hughes on Dealspotr
Catherine Hughes
@8WomenDream
Let’s collaborate
Powered by Dealspotr

Inspiration

More About 8WD

WE BELIEVE EVERYONE HAS THE POWER TO ACHIEVE BIG DREAMS.
 
IT IS OUR SINCEREST WISH THROUGH THE SHARING OF PERSONAL STORIES ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO TRY TO ACHIEVE A BIG DREAM THAT WE WILL INSPIRE YOU GO AFTER A BIG DREAM TOO.
 
YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT 8WOMENDREAM, HERE.

Categories

  • BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
  • BRAVE LIVING
  • BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  • GET HEALTHY & FIT
  • HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM
  • LAUNCH YOUR DREAM
  • STARTING OVER MIDLIFE
  • TRAVEL THE WORLD
  • WRITE FOR US

Copyright 8 Women Dream All Rights Reserved © 2019 • ADVERTISE ON 8WD • LEGAL/TERMS/PRIVACY • SITE DEVELOPMENT BY CATHERINE HUGHES

Welcome to 8WomenDream Where Big Dreams Are Shared
The 8WomenDream website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're OK with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. ACCEPT REJECT READ MORE
Privacy & Cookies Policy