I’m laying some turf in our backyard over the next couple of days, and today I started to move the topsoil into place. I’m a bit over halfway moving about 12 tonnes of dirt, and it's started to rain heavily and storm, so I’m just taking a short break. I don’t do a lot of hard physical labour like this anymore, as my job is primarily office-based with a small amount of site management. However, I think there is something quite profound in completing this type of work, especially if it is outside of your norm.

In modern day, the vast majority of our lives are quite balanced, and we are not exposed to much physical exertion and/or challenge against ourselves. I believe this is a travesty in terms of growth and progress within our minds, bodies, and souls. Being physically tested is important, and although we can attain it through selective physical activity, I think a job, and/or task like strenuous work can take us to a deep place in our minds, especially if there is no option but to succeed.

As I watched this pile of soil slowly begin to deplete, and I began to spread it into place, it slowly took shape, yet I was met with the challenge of my mind over body. Shovel by shovel, I began to tire and fatigue. Shovel by shovel, I questioned if I could move this pile, if I could achieve the desired result. However, step by step, I moved closer to the target; step by step, I moved closer to my goal.

In times of struggle when we are outside our comfort zone, outside of our normal, in unknown and questionable territory, we are faced with questions from our minds against ourselves. This dialogue and the corresponding outcome are unique and profound. When we are met with these questions, we are given a choice, the decision we make in that moment is a precursor to the mindset of happiness, as through the struggle, overcoming the battle, and succeeding, can we discover pure growth, purpose, and success in our search for happiness.

Thanks,

Dean