Have you got a 'Happy Place'?

[Taddda]

Following a convo today, friend of mine described 'a warm sunny day in a field, smelling the grass etc..' achievable 'happy place' .

Mines more wishful I think, 'if I had a few million quid, buy the perfect house, decorate it in my mind, stables, horses for the DC, cinema room,.... '

Immediate 'de-stesser' was go to films...randomly both Harry Potter- read the books, not a big fan of the films, but possibly the music, fantasy thing, just a 'take away' film...

Have you got mind 'go to' that just makes you feel better?

Banderas Beach, Punta Mita, Mexico.

Also Frida Kahlo’s garden at Casa Azuro in Mexico City.

Never felt so at peace as I did in both those places.

Oh, and Salthouse in North Norfolk. Blissful.

Anywhere that's quiet and I can just stare at the sea. It has such a calming effect.

Walking in the woods in any season, but particularly autumn with all the amazing colours, or in spring with the smell of the bluebells.

A wood cabin by a huge lake at the edge of a forest. A bookshelf with loads of books. Comfortable sofa, cosy throw, brand new pyjama and slippers. Unlimited coffee and Lindt chocolate. Perfect.

Bed and book
Home in the peace and quiet
Holkham beach

Hollins Cross in the Peak District.
I retrace the route in my mind and stand at the top...feeling relaxed and peaceful.
Going for real again soon!

Anywhere on the moors at Dartmoor, Devon (except Dartmoor Prison of course).

Mine is watching Escape to the Chateau and crocheting at the same time. lt's unbelievably relaxing. l find it almost like meditation.

The Isle of Wight
Coming of the ferry at Yarmouth I breath a sigh of relief, feel the tension leave my body and know it's just me my hubby and our son for a whole week. I will retire there one day ☺️

I have one for every season

Florida in Summer
Cologne at Christmas
London in the Autumn
Devon in the Spring (the beach where DH's ashes were scattered)

At least 3 of them are easily achievable, Florida not so much but we are going back later this year.

Theres been a few places mentioned I've been, its quite an eye opener for me that I didn't take in the beauty so eloquently described- too trapped in my own head maybe...
There's a built waterfall in the middle of the city I live, I sat down next to it on a bench with a coffee chatting to a friend, and I remember this girl, headphones in, took off her shoes, sat at the top of the waterfall, dangled her feet in the water, took a book from her bag and just looked completely at peace....I could never do that, I'd be to busy to 'switch off' to it...I really wish I could!
I feel like I'm missing out....

@greeentopmilk also I think your description of black out blinds, closed door, comfy bed sounds the most appealing to me!

A specific hotel in Cornwall that overlooks the sea. Beautiful gardens with a spectacular view and the whole place is relaxed and friendly but top class. I go every year in person and very frequently in my mind.

A spot in West Cornwall where my parents were scattered. The rocks, the sea far below, the bird life. Last time I was there a robin joined me. And Nepal. I go most years and I visit more often in my mind. Traveling through the busy Kathmandu streets in a taxi, sitting on the roof a a building watching the sunset behind the Himalayas, lying in bed listening to the bells of passing yak trains. It completely calms me.

From memory < I love to drive late at night > rising up on a storybook view on Bodmin Moor a veritable carpet of stars in an inky navy sky, lit by partial cloud slinking seductively over a hunters moon, only vehicle on the road, wildlife frolicking on the fringes of the road verges, it was magical.

My favourite night of the week is when I am able to slip open the sash windows and allow the house to fill with the sound of the Village’s Church bell ringing practice. I especially love it if the weathers a bit teasy, as you can hear the waves roaring onto the beach as a baseline for the bells.

We have a field near us that is like catnip for photographers. Visualising it in full bloom whilst backlit by the dying day’s light is very calming too.

The Outer Hebrides. Soothes my soul. And Glencoe. Our trips always start and ends there. We love it so much that we eloped and got married next to the river there last June.
I am getting itchy feet and when March comes we'll be there on the way for van adventures.

My house, I escaped an abusive marriage. The house is all mine, backing onto woodland and overlooking fells. I love it.

Mongolia
The lady that ran the hostel was surprised to get a return guest two years later ( most people pass through once for a few days while doing the Trans-Siberian from Moscow to Beijing.

Iceland (not the supermarket )

Any hilly countryside has a good chance of hitting the spot. Dovedale on a summer evening when the crowds have gone is divine. I go running through the hills on the edge of town a lot and it really feeds my soul.

The sea is also brilliant, something that's logistically tough to get enough of. Rivers and lakes too.

The beach where I live.

I live on the edge of the Lake District, so have lots of beautiful places to sit and absorb the surroundings, but a place I like to imagine myself in to feel happy and calm is an arboretum we used to go to near where we used to live. I imagine walking in it on a summer morning barefoot with dew still on the grass. I particularly remember the smell of grass and trees in blossom. Plenty of imaginary happy places from books too.

Without sounding cringey, being in my Fiancés arms. I can have the shittiest of days and as soon as he holds me I feel amazing. He gives the best hugs so that helps.

Majorca

I have 2. A coastal place in Wales and a place in Swaledale surrounded by sheep

Riding a horse in my head. We are usually trotting, carrying the perfect constant rhythm, feeling that wonderful floaty "ping" you get from the hind when they are truly between hand and leg. Contact is light but constant... In my head, I can "feel" circles, loops, shoulder in... So when I'm stressed I channel my inner Dujardin and do dressage

It certainly only occasionally feels like that in real life though!

Probably Holkham beach too, first walking in the pinewoods then onto the beach, amazing large skies and not many people. I can go there anytime of year and just feel a sense of peace and that I can breathe again. I love it!