Over the past 10 days I have been battling a few ups and downs, found some threads of understanding and lessons for growth, learnt about myself and come to some deep realisations about my life. As I continue to traverse on this journey I am lead down various pathways in which I learn more about myself through understanding less about why various things happen for unknown reasons. All of which I enjoy, however one of my favourite realisations is that everything changes from emotions to space and time, to everything in between, and learning to accept everything for what it is, right or wrong, contributes strongly to the search of happiness.

Time - The concept of time is a uniquely human invention that plays a crucial role in our lives, reminding us of the limited nature of our existence and urging us to make the most of our time through effective time management and a focus on personal growth and fulfillment.

Hardship - In times of hardship, despite the difficulties and challenges, it is important to push through and face adversity head-on, as it is through these moments that we develop skills, gain perspective, and build resilience, ultimately leading to personal growth, fulfillment, and happiness in life.

Filtering Information - I attended an informative in-house company nutrition seminar last week that made me fully reevaluate my own dietary choices and the importance of critically evaluating information from various sources rather than blindly following government-advised policies. I think nutrition is one of the most vital aspects of our lives as it contributes so strongly to our physical, mental and spiritual health. Choosing wisely, specifically for ourselves is a vital component in the search for happiness.

Boundaries - The confines of our own reality are created by the boundaries, rules, and systems that we have established, but by questioning and pushing these boundaries, we can unlock our true potential and find happiness and growth.

Wonderful - Perceiving people and the world through the lens of a perspective like viewing a beautiful garden, where we appreciate the unique qualities of each individual, focus on their positive attributes, and prioritize their well-being, could greatly contribute to our search for happiness and create a more empathetic and compassionate society.

Happy or not? - Ultimately, the key to happiness lies in our own hands; it is the result of our internal state of mind and can be achieved by choosing to be happy, regardless of external circumstances or material possessions, and by asking ourselves the right questions about our true desires and aspirations in life.

Practice- The saying 'practice makes perfect' raises the question of whether the pursuit of perfection is the true objective or if it is simply the pursuit of continuous improvement, as the idea of perfection is subjective and constantly changing. Observing my son practicing his "ninja skills" made me realize the importance of pursuing improvement in any endeavour that resonates with us, rather than fixating on an unattainable idea of perfection, as this mindset allows for personal growth, fulfillment, and genuine happiness.

Habit Stacking - Habit stacking, similar to compound interest, may start off slow but can become a powerhouse that leads to long-term success and personal growth, as many successful individuals have achieved their goals by consistently stacking habits over a period of 7-10 years, reinforcing the importance of taking small, steady steps towards the desired outcome rather than seeking short-term wins or relying on sudden luck.

My last post of this segment was about a dear friend of mine, Josh. Appreciation for those we hold dearest and taking a step back to reflect on deep rooted relationships is a significant aspect in the search for happiness. Part of life is most definitely about establishing communities, relationships and the pursuit of human connection and expansion within our minds.
Another 10 days have passed and although the more I learn about myself and the world around me, the more I was to learn and better understand what it’s all about. I hope that some of what I have written so far is beneficial and I look forward to continuing on this path of discovery.

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy” - Dalai Lama

Thanks,

Dean