This morning started off a bit off. It's a public holiday in Brisbane, and although I don't mind a public holiday, it disrupts the routine, which has a knock-on effect in various areas, depending on the day and the plans.

My wife and I do a day on/day off schedule with the kids, which works great. You know that every second day you're going to get a good night's sleep, and the morning is free to use as you please. We believe maintaining this balance is vital.

It was my morning off today. I got up at 04:30, stretched, meditated, and read my book for a little while. Then I had planned to head to the gym. My wife, also an early riser, was up, finished her morning routine, and started her day. While I was reading my book, my wife had her day disrupted by some work emergencies. Consequently, this threw off my morning plans. This may seem trivial to some, but we both value our morning routines, and in the heat of the moment—early morning, on track to start the day strong and have some me-time on my morning off—I got angry upon hearing this. My emotions got the better of me, and I became unhappy.

Fast forward a couple of hours, I had reevaluated the situation, made alternative plans to maximize my morning, and moved forward. However, we still hadn't resolved our disagreement. So, the conversation was necessary. I came downstairs, and we discussed our minor disagreement, working to iron it out. Between the morning disagreement and this conversation, we were both angry and upset. Yet, after our discussion, which was open and honest, we were fine again. A sense of relief washed over both of us—feeling resolved, feeling happy.

Happiness is a wonderful feeling, but happiness isn't happiness without unhappiness. The ability to balance emotions is important and can help maintain a steady mindset. However, true fulfilment comes from facing and navigating battles within your mind, addressing issues with your loved ones openly, and finding resolution. Encountering negative emotions and figuring out how to overcome them, moving through them to find happiness on the other side, contributes to genuine fulfilment.

If you've never experienced unhappiness, how would you recognize happiness? It's okay to feel unhappy sometimes, and it's okay to encounter adversity—whether it's significant or trivial. The test lies in evaluating the situation and seeking ways to find resolution. Overcoming challenges in any aspect of life is important, and through success in the face of struggle, you'll be rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and happiness.

Thanks,

Dean