What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Episode One with Meylin Lee Hernández

Welcome to the very first episode of The Confession Book, a miniature podcast and written series where we skip the small talk and go straight to the heart of things. Each episode begins with just one question and a little space to unfold.

I could not imagine a better person to begin with than Meylin.

She is my sage sister, and creative force I’ve known across lifetimes, and someone whose presence always feels like both grounding and expansion. I was in desperate need of a catch up with her, so naturally, she became my very first guest.

We begin with the same question once posed to a 14-year-old Marcel Proust in a friend’s album aptly titled “To record thoughts, feelings, etc.”

Listen to the full episode

From the Conversation

Michelle: Meylin, what is your idea of perfect happiness? Meylin: Wow. What an emotional question. I’d say… alignment of mind, body, and spirit. Staying self-aware. Enjoying the frequency I’m in. For me, staying curious brings me joy. I feel like my idea of happiness could change every day. Michelle: Enjoying the frequency you’re in—I love that. That could be a mantra. Meylin: I have so many interests and versions of myself that I love. Sometimes I’m cycling 50 miles. Sometimes I’m in a photo shoot. Sometimes I’m just thinking and walking. It’s like: what frequency am I on today? Michelle: It’s such a different way of thinking about happiness. Not a fixed feeling, but something fluid—something you tune into. Meylin: Every person brings out a different frequency in us. But they’re all still us. Michelle: Even if the frequency is low or heavy - it’s still part of the truth of that day. Meylin: Joy can come from so many things… like letting your inner child play. Michelle: You’ve always been so in tune with your body. Dancing, biking, running… It’s how you process. Meylin: Swimming brings out memories. Cycling helps me process anger. Running I find myself daydreaming. Dancing? Joy. Michelle: That to me is like… another form of prayer.

After the Conversation

What is your greatest extravagance?Great question—I feel like I have so many! It depends on whatever I’m obsessed with at the time. I tend to dive in headfirst.Lately, it’s been home décor. Usually it’s cameras, fashion, or sports nutrition and gear.But honestly? The first thing that came to mind was how extravagant I am in love. Especially when I’m fully devoted to a partner.

What do you most value in your friends?Their spirit.The paradox of genuine, profound dialogue mixed with the kind of laughter that feels like kids at play.

What’s the last…

Song you listened to: Runnin’ Around by Jimmy Whoo

Book you read: The Pure and the Impure by Colette

Show you watched: The Pitt

Take a peek into Meylin’s world...

Some Last Thoughts

This conversation reminded me that happiness, not unlike authenticity, doesn’t have to be bright or performative. It can be shifting and present. It can be felt in the body before we name it in the mind.

It’s not one point we reach, but a muscle that we choose to build through daily choices, quiet reflections, and moments of presence.

Thanks for being here.