Be Like Salia: Say Goodbye to Stress and Hello to Happiness Teaching in Thailand

Have you ever woken up every day filled with complaints? Not knowing what to do or where to start. Well, I recently reached a point in life where I constantly woke up feeling dreadful and pessimistic, and every day, I had the feeling that I was not living up to my purpose in life. Tired of the overwhelming, overworked sense of living life, especially in America.

The idea of waking up just to survive and pay bills was depressing and beyond stressful. So I decided to stop complaining about the problem and find solutions. It didn’t take long for me to decide to move and teach in Thailand.

Seeking Peace, Calm, and Happiness in Thailand

Yes, there were other countries, but I wanted and needed something different. I was looking for a change. A change that included less stress, peace, calm, and complete happiness. Oh, let’s not forget the cheaper option. I found myself working two or three jobs to try and keep my head above water in America.

Thailand seemed to check off all the boxes. “The land of smiles,” a place that I felt a longing for without ever visiting. From everything I knew and all that I read, it felt like a place where I could feel at home.

Finding Cultural Comfort Through Familiarity

Even though I was born in America, my family is of Trinidadian descent. Trinidad and Tobago is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea. It borders South America. From what I know, there are many similarities between Trinidad and Tobago and Thailand.

Foods like curry and rice are available at every shop and are typically served with every meal. The climates, of course, are very similar, with both countries having the hot and rainy seasons. One of the biggest similarities I enjoy and look forward to is the numerous culturally celebrated holidays and festive events that occur throughout Thailand.

Trinidad is also a place where most people don’t stress about life and live it day by day, being grateful for the little things. No one is ever in a rush, and things around you flow stress-free. That’s the life I am seeking in Thailand.

Festivals, Dreams, and My First Full Moon Party

I’m not much of a partier these days, but I’m looking forward to enjoying my first full moon party. Just the thought of being on the beach, feeling the sand under my feet, and hearing the waves crashing as I dance the night away puts a smile on my face and rhythm in my heart.

The Songkran Water Festival is the next holiday, festival, and water party I am excited and eagerly anticipating. I imagine it is just like Carnival in Trinidad. Carnival typically occurs in February, preceding the start of the Lenten season. It usually lasts a couple of weeks.

However, the two biggest days are Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. There are parties, dancing in the street, bodies covered in oil, paint, and powder, elaborate costumes, and various competitions.

A Fresh Start and Emotional Renewal

Everything that I read, every YouTube video I watch, and all the things I imagine and dream about just make me feel like the next chapter of my life will be filled with so much excitement, optimism, enthusiasm, and happiness.

The place where I will not only achieve a proper work-life balance but also rediscover myself and immerse myself in new traditions and cultures. I see Thailand as my happy place, my land of opportunity.

First Impressions: Warmth, Smiles, and Support

As I boarded the airplane, I could feel my complaints lifting off of me. My smile, which seemed nonexistent for so many years, immediately returned and became brighter. Every part of me was oozing with delight intertwined with thrill, anticipation, and wonder.

Mentally and emotionally, I could feel the shift. I had no idea what to expect or if anything would be different at all. What I did know is that no matter what, I was looking forward to moving from complaints to compliments. More importantly, I looked forward to peace, calm, happiness, and sunshine.

Within minutes of landing in Thailand, I was greeted by smiling faces. Everyone was smiling and giving off an aurora of happiness. No one was talking loudly, upset, angry, or aggressively. However, I did hear laughter and saw a new level of happiness from the bulk of people I encountered in such a short period.

More importantly, no one seemed to be in a rush or stressed out. I truly felt the peace and calmness I had been seeking so desperately. Of course, my smile got brighter. My soul felt at peace. Everyone I encountered was so friendly and willing to help. The most amazing thing was that language wasn’t a barrier.

Through hand gestures, signs, being led to customs personally, and those who spoke English, I had no problems at the airport in Thailand, and I have none now.

A New Life and Family in Thailand

From the day I checked into Bangkok Boutique Hotel in Rangsit until this very day, I felt a sense of community and family. This feeling, of course, has enhanced my overall experience. Everyone made sure I was okay, needed nothing, and wanted for nothing. For the first time in my life, I felt like I had found a home. It was like Thailand, and the people were waiting for me to arrive and knew me more than I knew myself.

After living in Thailand for over a year, I still feel the same way. I work for a great company (BFITS Thailand) at a wonderful school, Suankularbwittayalai Rangsit (SKR) School, and I’m constantly surrounded by beautiful, friendly, happy, smiling people. There are days when I come home to find food sitting on my patio table, freshly picked fruit, and plants that my neighbors have left for me.

I have a Thai family and a community of people who have embraced me with open arms. I wake up to text messages of encouragement, words reminding me I am enough, what I have is enough, and to relax, everything will be okay.

I earn enough money from one job to survive. I can happily say that I have finally found a true work-life balance. More importantly, I’ve found my passion in teaching, and I feel as though I am fulfilling my purpose. In fact, deciding to teach English in Thailand became the most fulfilling choice I’ve ever made.

Discovering Joy and Purpose Through Travel and Teaching

I have visited around 10 provinces thus far. My favorite was visiting one of the famous northern provinces, Chiang Mai. I spent the weekend exploring the area. The most memorable part was visiting the Elephant Sanctuary, where we fed and bathed the elephants.

Attending the Monkey Festival in Lopburi was also an adventurous experience. The monkeys are located throughout the town. The main event, however, takes place at Phra Prang Sam Yot temple. Before you enter the temple, the streets are lined with warm, smiling faces greeting you and handing out plates of food for you to give to the monkeys.

As you enter the temple grounds, the monkeys eagerly await their delicious feast. Oh, and let me not forget visiting Koh Tao in southern Thailand. The ferry ride to the island offers a stunning scenic view of other islands, such as Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Koh Tao is surrounded by beautiful blueish-green water, great for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Of course, the best part of it all? I got to participate in Songkran. I had no idea exactly what to expect up close and personal. I watched dozens of videos and heard numerous accounts of others’ experiences, but now it was finally time for my own.

Songkran and Teaching in Thailand with Purpose

The weeks leading up to Songkran saw every store and night market filled with water guns of all colors, shapes, and sizes. Protective pouches and bags for cellphones and other belongings, along with bags of clay, were plentiful. It was clear, if nothing else, that the next three days, or should I say what I thought only lasted three days, would be filled with water. Lots and lots of water.

My Thai family had everything planned out and knew exactly where we were going to “bring water” to show respect to elders, receive blessings, and wish each other a happy new year. After visiting the temple in Ayutthaya, it was time to join the biggest water fight party I have ever seen, attended, and/or participated in. Water guns loaded and clay mixed in buckets, I was ready.

The streets were filled with people. Music was blasting, everyone dancing, feeling love, as laughter filled the air and water flowed through the streets. It was one big party. I saw no one sad or looking unhappy. There wasn’t anyone upset or angry because someone poured water on them.

No levels of aggression, just pure fun. Young and old alike filled the streets for over a week, celebrating Songkran and being joyous. Everywhere I went, I was accepted and welcomed. Moving to Thailand was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I now live a life that’s filled with compliments and no complaints.

Teaching in Thailand has truly changed my life. If you’re considering making a change or simply want to experience a different kind of happiness, teach in Thailand. It’s not just a job—it’s a doorway to purpose, peace, and fulfillment. I know many teachers in Thailand share my sentiments, feeling grateful and inspired.

To all the future teachers in Thailand: don’t hesitate. Take the leap. Teaching in Thailand could be the best decision of your life, too.