Over the past 10 days I’ve been a little bit lost, to be honest, my mind has been wondering, my body has been in pain and I forgot my fundamentals. This happens to all of us, and that’s ok, but it’s important to reframe our minds and get back on track. I’m currently 30 hours into a 72 hours fast and refocusing my mind back onto the task.

Throughout the past 10 days I spoke on division, immersion, the afterlife, community, endeavours, an interesting insight into deep respect for customs and nature in Finland, our bodies, holidays, and realignment.

Division - Last week, a vote was held for a referendum to alter the Constitution and establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, but there are concerns that this will create division and raise questions about who has the true right to draw the line. Nevertheless, recognizing the historical oppression of the Aboriginals and providing an opportunity for dialogue and progress forward is crucial for a collectively happy and secure community.

Immersion - Immersing ourselves in new and unknown environments, such as diverse work environments or different cultures and community groups, provides opportunities to learn, understand, and potentially improve ourselves, allowing us to gain insights, perspectives, and experiences that can contribute to our personal growth and search for happiness.

The Afterlife - Our perception of and perspective on life are directly influenced by how we perceive death, with cultural beliefs and understanding shaping our views. While some cultures, like the Māori, see death as a transition into eternal life, others, particularly in Western cultures, may fear or misunderstand it. However, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and embracing the belief in a universal energy can lead to a fulfilling and purposeful life. Ultimately, since death is inevitable, it is important to live in the present and embrace happiness without fear of the unknown.

Community - Last Tuesday was my son's second week in the under 6's soccer competition, where the kids all focused on ball skills and having fun, showing a great improvement from last week. What fascinates me is the strong sense of community surrounding the competition, with parents, siblings, and community groups actively supporting and driving health, enjoyment, and competition for young players. This highlights the significance of community engagement in finding happiness, as seen in the long life expectancies of Okinawa, Japan, where strong community ties contribute to fulfillment. While I am typically an introvert and hesitant about community involvement, as my children grow, I recognize the importance of and potential for personal growth as a dad, supporter, and community member. Embracing opportunities to help and support within a community is intrinsic to human nature and a crucial component of our pursuit of happiness.

Endeavor - Entering unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations with the belief that they will lead to personal growth and integration into a community can be powerful, as exemplified by a business partner and friend of my fathers, a Chinese immigrant named Eddie, who initially struggled in Wellington but eventually became a successful businessman and leader by immersing himself in social events and continuously honing his skills; and though it may be challenging, pushing oneself to engage in new experiences and overcome doubts ultimately paves the way for personal development and happiness.

Reindeer - In a Netflix show called 'Down to Earth' with Zac Efron, a chef at a Michelin-star restaurant in Finland explained the annual raffle to hunt reindeer, highlighting the importance of maintaining population and cultural significance. The chef's deep connection to cooking and the food he served showcased his drive, passion, skill, respect for the environment, and cultural appreciation, creating a truly inspiring story. This pursuit of adventure, embracing culture and culinary expertise, and finding a balance between contradictory elements is an art that allows for the creation of meaningful experiences. It reflects the ability to combine and display both opposing forces, contributing to our search for happiness.

Body - Reflecting on the significance of our bodies and how they shape our identity as universal beings, experiencing the absence of certain privileges reminds us of the gratitude we should have for our own existence, emphasizing the importance of taking care of our bodies in our quest for happiness.

Holiday - We recently returned from a relaxing holiday with friends and family at an Airbnb on a 14-acre farm. It's fascinating how holidays evolve over time to prioritize family-oriented convenience and relaxation. While not everyone has easy access to vacations, the concept of unwinding and breaking free from routine can be achieved within one's own mind. Personally, I enjoy the freedom holidays provide to detach from the everyday and focus on family, even though I couldn't fully relax due to a back issue. This allowed me to shift my perspective towards what truly matters, like good health. Holidays can contribute strongly in the search of happiness, offering a chance to escape responsibilities, explore new places, embark on adventures, and spend quality time with loved ones. It's within these opportunities that we can grow and prioritize what truly matters in life.

Realignment - Over the next 30 days, I will undergo a reset, starting with a 3-day fast, a conscious focus on my routines, such as early waking, meditation, clean eating, and a social media detox. During this time, I will also prioritize physical repair, training, and spending more time with my family. I began my fast with a meal consisting of organic bone broth, grass-fed organic mince, avocado, sweet potato chips, and coconut water, followed by strawberry coconut yogurt with Manuka honey, banana, and dark chocolate. Throughout the fast, I will limit social media access to messaging services only and redirect my efforts towards my blog and building my website. Recognizing my loss of focus and recent injury, I have chosen to realign and regroup in order to pursue my goals and continue in the search for happiness.

Overall it’s been a roller coaster the last few days, but I’d be lying in saying that happiness is always present. We all face challenges, we all sway from our path sometimes, but it’s the understanding of the path we wish to follow, seeing when we may have gone astray, and realigning back into focus.

Thanks,

Dean