Vindy Teja - YOLO: Essential Life Hacks for Happiness

YOLO: Essential Life Hacks for Happiness

Vindy Teja, LL.B.

www.vindyteja.com

2019 Vindy Teja. All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or otherexcept for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

ISBN: 9781-9990985-0-6

e-ISBN: 9781-9990985-1-3

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019915106

If you would like to publish sessions of this book, please contact the publisher for permission.

Editor: Tom Waldenfels

Book Cover Design: Kris Kovak

Interior Layout & Formatting: Ronda Taylor, heartworkpublishing.com

Author Photographer: Ronald Lee

The Unapologetic Voice House

Scottsdale, Arizona

www.unapologeticvoicehouse.com

This book is dedicated to Kiran, my daughter, who is a daily inspiration to be my true and best self to Karan, my father and unwavering supporter, and to Raminder, my grandmother and best friend throughout my formative years.

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they dont have any.

A LICE W ALKER

W hen Vindy told me she was writing a mindful living book, and in particular one called YOLO: Essential Life Hacks for Happiness, I was not at all surprised.

Vindy and I met almost three decades ago, when I was a Social Work student. She was in the 12th Grade and was selected by her mentors to co-lead a teen support group for her peers who were bridging Western and traditional cultures. We both shared a genuine belief in empowering others. It was apparent that Vindy was a natural leader, and I was drawn to her empathy and compassion, as well as her openness to hear ones story and affect change.

Over the years, Ive seen Vindys commitment to profound professional and personal growth through self-reflection, critical thinking, and challenging herself to master resiliency in the face of serious life setbacks. Vindys book reflects who she is. Whether its with her coaching clients, friends, or family members, she consistently demonstrates an ability to assess situations, help illuminate issues and empower others to create their own goals and develop clarity.

Vindy is intelligent and open-minded, with a well-rounded world view developed through life experience and her professional legal training. She is able to connect with diverse individuals in an unbiased manner coming from a place of curiosity and humility. Her resourcefulness, creativity, interpersonal skills and flexibility are characteristics she embodies and uses to help those in need. This uniquely positions her to share her knowledge and wisdom with you in this book.

Everyone seeks happiness. But how do you achieve it, sustain it and share it? So many life circumstances and obstacles can frustrate your desire and ability to be happy. We all experience setbacks from time to time, be it death of loved ones, illness, divorce, or financial loss. While its true that some outcomes are beyond your control, this book will teach you that happiness is still something you can do, and become.

As a Social Worker, Educator and Facilitator, I have learned happiness comes from connecting with yourself and others. This leads to healthier communication and relationships overall, often starting with those closest to you. No matter what the situation, the common denominator is our basic desire to be happy. Vindys book shares impactful information that will help its readers facilitate happiness. Her book teaches us that happiness is not about avoiding problems. Its about being intentional about your whole life and what it has to offer.

She offers a practical and upbeat approach in YOLO: Essential Life Hacks for Happiness. She reveals the life hacks you want in your back pocket as you steer your way through lifes complexities. Whether its trying to get through the last semester at school, managing delicate relationships at home or work, or trying to silence the persistent inner critic, theres a hack you can use. I have no doubt you will find Vindys book extremely useful in your everyday life as you develop your purpose and goals for happiness. Step into your vulnerability and enjoy this book.

Lucki Kang, RSW, MSW

Sessional Faculty Member

University of the Fraser Valley

University of Northern British Columbia

Co-Founder, CREATE Consultancy

H ow do you express your gratitude when youve finished writing your book, especially when you know many of the ideas and philosophies expressed might never have crystallized the way they did if it werent for certain events taking place or certain people having the impact they did?

My late father, Karan, handed out chocolates to friends and family when I was born. This was at a time when the birth of daughters was not typically celebrated in my culture. He was an anomaly, and I was a beneficiary of that. I am grateful to you Dad for setting me on a path of lifelong learning and active living. Together with my mother, Inderjit, he immigrated from India to Canada to pursue a better life. I am forever grateful to them both.

Bibi (pronounced bib-ee), the name reserved for my late grandmother, Raminder, was my roommate and confidante throughout my youth. Thanks to her unconditional love, I had the freedom to play, learn and discover many of my passions. Special thanks to my anchors, Mom, Raj, Kiran and Arv. Thank you to all of my family and friends for their unwavering love, support and curiosityand for being my sounding boards during tea time, walks, and just about anywhere I could corner you! I appreciate your patience.

Thank you Mr. Booth, my late mentor and high school teacher, for supporting me on my path to critical and independent thinking. Thank you Professors Constance Backhouse and Albert Oosterhoff for opening doors and gently nudging me through them. Thank you Madame Justice Eileen Gillese, former Dean at Western Law School, for being an unforgettable boss and mentor. You encouraged me to lean into my strengths, as well as maintain balance and purpose while pursuing my goals.

Thank you Jonathan Michael for your mentorship and for sharing your excitement and ideas when I proposed this project. Thank you Garrison Duke for your well-timed tips and words of encouragement.

In addition to the many people whose work or advice is cited, much appreciation goes to everyone who agreed to be interviewed as well as those who participated in my focus group. Your unique stories and insights are invaluable. Contributors include: Dr. Rupinder Toor; Lucki Kang; Peter Mwariga; Jonathan Michael; Mara St. Onge; Karima Bawa; Anna St. Onge; Suzanne Pelletier; Larry Beryar; Angie Chik; Sim Sandhu; Estrellita Gonzalez; Brinsley Stewart; Candace Plattor; Bill Inman; Farzana Logan; Kel Good; and Catherine Pulsifer.

Thank you to Saheli Circle and Chai & Chat, my amazing book clubs. You keep me thinking, discussing, and laughing. Thank you Neeti Jessa, Ronnie Sidhu, Ronald Lee Studios, and Ramzie Mach for making the photoshoot smooth and fun.

A special thanks to Tom Waldenfels, my editor, for his hand in this project. I especially appreciated your amusing and educational blue font commentaries. And to Kris Kozak for his book design, editorial input and technical support.