Following your intuition is the way to happiness

By Miri

20th April 2016

You might have seen my new logo and profile picture already but I thought I should share all of my excitement and the story behind it with you. A week ago I commissioned an artwork to represent me and my blog from Evviart. My wish was to have a logo which doesn’t hide my personality and expresses what I stand for and like. It was difficult to decide on a specific idea and I spent months (yes, months!) researching how to properly convert everything into one logo design. When I asked for advice about logos and blog designs in various Facebook groups, I always got the same answer: ‘use as much white as possible and only choose soft colours in the same colour palette’. The only thing I can agree with is that it’s always good to have a clear idea of which colours you like and want to work with. At first, I was tempted to go with the advice given and started making some drafts and sketches but quickly noticed that none of them were close to who I am or what I like. I realised that If I took the advice and changed everything about me, my blog and my style preference I wouldn’t be me anymore. A plain copy in the vast space of the internet. For some reason, I never liked white much and I don’t think I ever will. White always reminds me of hospitals – cold and impersonal. I can see the appeal of it for businesses but my blog isn’t, and will never be, a business for me. When I started writing I was looking for an outlet to share my thoughts and experiences with the bonus of enjoying the whole writing process (except for editing which always takes me ages, since I want my content to be close to perfect). No matter how much companies or everyone else might enjoy a clean, timeless and professional look, it wouldn’t make me happy to twist myself. I’m pretty sure that at some point I’d stop writing because I wouldn’t be able to identify with Move your Heart anymore but what is my advice and why am I telling you all this?

Why does my new logo make me happy?

Simply put, my style and outfits were always the easiest way for me to express myself. When I was younger I didn’t have the means or power to dye my hair as bright as I do now. Instead, I experimented with blonde highlights and extensions. Looking back now I always felt like something was missing but I couldn’t figure out why. It’s taken me my teenage years and the first two years of Uni to find my current style. I’m not limiting myself into a certain direction but now I’ve got a pretty good grasp on what I like and what I don’t like. The best style decision I’ve made has been my purple hair with pink highlights. I remember the time when everyone told me not to bleach and dye my hair a bright colour though. They said my hair’s ‘too damaged’ and ‘not thick enough’. Truth be told, I do have very thin hair but my hair structure always had a lot of frizz which is probably the reason it looks damaged to some even if it’s not. Does this situation sound similar to you? Stripped down to the basis it’s exactly the same situation as the logo decision! Over the years, I’ve noticed how often I restrained myself and probably missed out on many opportunities and experiences. Just because someone told me that ‘it’s not possible’ or wouldn’t ‘look good on me’.

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone

The solution for me is listening to myself. If I want to do or try something, I won’t let others stop me. Get out of that comfort zone that feels safe. If there’s a restaurant or exhibition I want to go to but don’t have anyone to go with me I’ll go by myself. Currently, I’m mainly focusing on achieving my happiness. It doesn’t mean that I forget about my family or friends, it means that by working on achieving my dreams I make it easier for them. By caring about myself they don’t have to worry or try to help me out anymore unless I ask for help. In general, I feel like being happy with yourself and your life is a great basis for any type of relationship as it balances a group. In conclusion, there is one piece of advice I’d give my younger self and it’s also the reason this post has gotten longer than I ever anticipated: Always listen to your inner voice and what you think feels right for you. It’s okay to listen to advice given by others but nobody except for yourself knows what’s best for you. I wish someone had actually given me this piece of advice when I was younger. It would’ve saved me a lot of trouble and make me reach my goals quicker.

So, this is something that’s always been nagging at the back of my head. Do you have any tips for being happy? What would be an advice you’d give your younger self?