The Mighty Men in Black, flowers and simplistic beauty, unconditional love, and the purest example, the Tao The Ching, a hidden aphorism in a chocolate. Devotion of a piece of yourself for something bigger, and the humble and thoughtful art of giving. Some of these are things of deep importance to me. Some lessons were learned, and some deep appreciation for something’s vastly bigger thank my general comprehension.

The All Blacks are deeply respected and admired for their achievements. But what truly makes them special is their commitment to a cause greater than themselves. Constantly striving to improve and leaving a positive legacy for future players, they symbolize the importance of selfless teamwork and personal growth in the pursuit of happiness.

The beauty of a rose captures the essence of simplicity, authenticity, and wonder. But picking flowers to express love can lead us to overlook their true beauty and the significance of our actions. So, it's important to reflect on our motives and find alternative ways to appreciate and nurture nature's beauty without seeking external validation.

Unconditional love is often overlooked as a source of happiness. But by embracing it and forming meaningful connections with others, accepting situations without expectations, and spreading love without the need for reciprocation, we can find true happiness.

The unconditional love I feel from my dog, Memphis, is a powerful example of the deep connections that can be formed with animals and the happiness and fulfillment that can be found in embracing those connections. Memphis brings me a deep sense of happiness and over the years his unconditional love has taught me lessons of myself, the world and just how important it is to give without an expectation of any return.

The teachings of Lao Tzu in the Tao Te Ching emphasize the importance of simplicity, patience, and compassion as guiding principles in our search for knowledge and understanding. They encourage us to return to the essence of things, approach life with acceptance and balance, and extend kindness to ourselves and others. Ultimately, this leads to a balanced and meaningful existence.

Attitude is a crucial element in our search for happiness. It influences our feelings, moods, successes, and overall well-being. Consciously cultivating a positive mindset is essential for personal growth and a fulfilling life.

"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open" - an aphorism I found inside a Baci chocolate wrapper prompts reflection on the importance of not letting go of the things that bring us joy. Happiness can unexpectedly return through doors we didn't know we left open.

My deep fascination with monks, priests, imams, and really any individuals who dedicate themselves to a higher cause has always sparked a deep curiosity within me. Visiting a silent monastery in India had a profound impact on me, helping to develop a belief in a universal energy that connects everything and the importance of sacrifice and dedication to serving something greater than oneself, in the search for happiness and meaning in our lives.

Giving, regardless of one's wealth or material possessions, reflects an individual's mindset and willingness to contribute to society and help others. It plays a crucial role in the search for happiness. The act of giving, even in small gestures, carries profound meaning and symbolizes an individual's recognition of the power of giving. It nurtures compassion, empathy, and generosity and unlocks a path towards happiness that transcends material wealth.

Reviewing these different ideas, concepts, and teachings, I realize I have subconsciously been led down a path of discovery. I have discovered new knowledge of external factors, but an even deeper discovery of my own mind and soul. I found common trends within different foundational aspects of things I appreciate in my life and with ancient wisdom, knowledge, and religious devotion. Appreciation of our lives and the things we enjoy and love, acknowledging and giving credit where credit is due, and constantly learning are parts of our lives that have the ability to teach us about the world, ourselves, and are strong contributing factors in our search for happiness.

Thanks,

Dean