I had it all—a beach workation, chauffeur service, and time to spare—But I wasn't Happy
Why the best day ever felt strangely hollow 😔
I was in Goa for a day, for work—yes, just one day. yes, for work. It was the shortest Goa trip I’ve ever had. Before this, I’d been to Goa twice for work and countless times for family vacations.
But this time, it felt different.
I had a 2 p.m. session with leaders. To make it in time, I had to fly into Goa early in the morning. The client gave me multiple flight options, and I chose the earliest one—6 a.m.
I wanted to make the most of the day, even if it was a work trip.
I reached the airport by 1 a.m., after the car picked me up at 12am. I even managed to catch a nap at the airport—a story for another day.
Long story short, I did a lot of jugaad (Hindi word for creative problem-solving) just so I could to squeeze in some extra time in Goa.
Yes, I am a beach person. And also, duh - it’s Goa.
So when my friend, who lives there, offered to pick me up from the airport and take me to one of his favorite breakfast spots, I was thrilled. We had been talking about meeting up for almost a year, and finally, it was happening.
But as we sat down at the café, something felt off. My heart wasn't entirely in it. All I could think about was how much happier I would be if my family—my parents, sister, and partner—were with me.
I imagined us at a larger table, being loud, laughing, and just enjoying each other’s company.
My sister would be snapping a million photos, my dad would keep checking on my mom, and my partner and I would be busy planning the rest of our vacation days. I missed them.
Even though I was having a lovely time with my friend, who had been so sweet to spend time with me on a workday.
Still, I felt a twinge of guilt for enjoying this moment alone.
After breakfast, it was time for my session. The client’s car came to pick me up, and I was greeted warmly by the security staff. The client was incredibly welcoming—they even treated me to a delicious Goan lunch.
The session went well, and I felt great about it. I genuinely love doing what I do.
But there was still a little time before I had to head back to the airport. The client, being thoughtful, suggested I make a quick stop at the beach. It was just ten minutes away and on the way to the airport anyway.
So there I was, at a beautiful beach café, with about 30-40 minutes to myself.
I ordered some calamari, prawns, and a lemonade. The sound of the waves, the smell of the sea breeze, the taste of freshly cooked seafood—it was everything I loved.
Yet, I wasn’t happy.
I missed my family. And in that moment, I understood something crucial about happiness.
Happiness is twofold. Part 1: It’s about getting what you want. Part 2: It’s about sharing that happiness with the people you love.
I ate a little bit of the food, but I packed the rest. I wanted to share this moment with them however I could. I went down to the beach and video-called whoever was available, trying to show them around, trying to make them feel like they were there with me.
After that, I felt a little happier. I spent the next ten minutes just soaking in the peace, enjoying my own company, and promising the beach that I’d be back—but not alone.
My final stop was the airport. My flight was delayed by 30 minutes, and I reached home very late. But I was happy. Happy to tell my family about my day, happy to fall asleep knowing I wasn’t alone, and grateful for being so wealthy in love and connection.
(That’s me, the only person without beach wear and flip flops…at the beach 😅)
This is your sign to slow down, to breathe, and to truly feel the moments that matter. Happiness isn’t just about having it all; it’s about sharing your world with the people who fill your heart.
H.A.P.P.Y. is a gentle nudge to:
Hold close those who light up your life.
Appreciate the small, sweet moments you share.
Prioritize time spent with loved ones, no matter how busy life gets.
Presence over presents—because being there is what truly counts.
You are loved, and that love is what makes everything worthwhile.
At the end of the day, it’s not the places you go or the things you have that make you happy. It’s the people you hold dear, the memories you create together, and the warmth you carry in your heart.
Let love be your guide, and let happiness follow wherever you go.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi there! I’m Sonali, professionally I speak for a living. I am an introvert turned who was once one of the quietest kids in class. Over the years, I’ve found my voice as a Speaker, Author, and Coach.
I have been featured on Josh Talks, where my session reached over 1,00,000 viewers across YouTube and Facebook. My speaking engagements have taken me to renowned events like the High Traffic Summit, E-Summits and other Business Summits. I have been invited as a Chief Guest to prestigious institutions such as NIT, ABBS, and Christ University. Additionally, I co-authored 2 books, one of which earned a spot in the India and Asia Book of Records.
Currently I’m thrilled to be writing my first solo book on insecurities, how they shape your reality, and how to break away from them. If you’re passionate about self-help and non-fiction, I’d love to hear your book recommendations!
I’m also honored to be a LinkedIn Top Voice in Public Speaking. If you’re interested in levelling up your presentation skills, my waiting list is open—just sign up through this link. I write this newsletter every week, so stay tuned and let me know what you’d love to see in future issues.
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