I’ve thought about this review for a long time and imagined what would it be like when I actually began writing it. When I first set out on this journey I was in somewhat a place of uncertainty, I was questioning elements of my life, but more so questioning a vast array of elements within myself. I think everyone has moments when we lose sight of the world or began to question elements of our world or ourselves. The problem is the ability to unwind and learn to answer these questions without prejudice of conformity to societal expectations.

Every 10 days as I’ve reviewed my previous set of posts I’ve consolidated and reflected on what I’ve learned, what I’ve felt, but more so what elements of the grand scheme of things that have resonated and somewhat imprinted a new perspective, concept or ideology on happiness.

This process has been a wonderful experience for me and one that has developed various aspects of my life, has contributed to my growth, and helped me find a deeper understanding for my happiness.

Over the past 10 days I’ve covered some periods of reflections, Shogun and the Samurai, my shortcoming, a concept of progressive recycling creating growth, the wonder weeks, competition, being the bigger person, and reconnecting with our friends and family.

Current feelings - emphasizing the importance of authentic connection and understanding in human endeavours, expressing a sense of burnout and fatigue as I reviewed and consolidate my blog posts for a broader audience in the pursuit of promoting understanding of human happiness

Shortcomings - Acknowledging a mistake can be challenging, but by reflecting on my recent failure and reassessing my perspectives, I learned the importance of admitting faults for personal growth and developing humility and resilience.

Shogun - I found inspiration from watching the series "Shogun" on Disney, delving into the realms of Japanese culture, Samurai code, and the life of Miyamoto Musashi, sparking contemplation on purpose, dedication to a greater cause, and the pursuit of meaning beyond oneself.

The wonder weeks - Exploring various parenting tools and techniques after the birth of our first child, one valuable suggestion was "The Wonder Weeks" app, aiding in understanding baby growth patterns and emotional fluctuations, similar to the reflective realization towards self-improvement in navigating life's wonder weeks to achieve personal growth and happiness.

Progressive recycling - progressive recycling was a concept which involves seeking, learning, growing, and retracting in a cyclical process of personal development and understanding, asserting that value is created through struggle and dedication to traversing life's challenging passages to reach higher levels of knowledge and appreciation for growth.

Worth - In this modern world full of possibilities and distractions, introspection and self-awareness are essential in navigating the search for happiness amidst the increasing complexities and challenges of life.

Being Bigger - Being the bigger person in conflicts can be challenging, but cultivating emotional stability and forgiveness through compassion and empathy brings a deep universal connection that enriches life and is vital for humanity's progress, always prioritizing inner peace by releasing emotional constraints and understanding that our perceptions may differ from others'.

Reconnecting - Reconnecting with old friends and family offers a rewarding opportunity to revive meaningful connections, share new experiences, gain fresh perspectives, and enrich one's journey with nostalgia and wisdom.

Competition - Competing in Jiu-Jitsu marks the first formal competition since a rugby game I had over a year ago; despite past nerves and anxiety, these moments are cherished for the growth and progress they bring, emphasizing the deep instinctual drive in humans towards purpose, fulfilment, and happiness.
It was instilled in me some time ago, and is still very much valid, that growth, learning, and the pursuit of self-improvement is a never-ending process. Learning to enjoy the process is a crucial element in happiness and one we should all strive to understand. The beginning and the end are mere markers; the essence of growth, the true fulfilment, is found in traversing this period of time from what could be to what has become.


Thanks,

Dean