The What & The Why

I want to share an approach with you that has helped me navigate life. I have simply called it "the What & the Why"...

We can find it easy to notice the What.

The What is generally obvious.

There comes meaning and relevance when we look at the Why.

The Why is where we can begin to find answers, interpret meaning, discover those all important lessons to learn.

Take what happened recently as a great example...

Academy Award winning actor Will Smith slapped a show host in the middle of proceedings.

That is the What.

It will probably be remembered and replayed for years to come. And it will at the very least be a meme that the internet community will revile in...well until the next "what moment" comes along that is big enough to overshadow it.

Understanding the Why is something that I find brings meaning, understanding, context.

There was offence taken to a joke featuring Mr Smiths wife.

There seems to be history between the host and Mr Smiths wife, as she has been the basis of another joke at the same event years before. And maybe the Why could be found in the myriad of personal life choices this couple are currently navigating?

In science it is easy to find a what, but the Why, well that is where the magic happens...

An apple fell on a mans head one day.

The What was that the apple fell on his head.

The Why began the journey to discover the universal truth of something we call gravity.

For years I have been lovingly mocked in my household for my ongoing fascination with 20th Century history, in particular the major conflicts that marked that time period.

For me the What is obvious. Two World Wars were fought. Millions died. The world dramatically changed.

The Why is what I look to to understand. To try and begin to make sense of it all.

Why did they happen? Who was key to the moments that lead to the war? What was the justification? Where was the motivation?

Right now if you life you might be dealing with a lot of the What?

And it is possibly bothering you that you don't understand the meaning behind it? You maybe find it is hampering your progress? Maybe it is causing you unwanted pain?

Can I encourage you to not be afraid to look graciously, carefully, at the Why?

Maybe you struggling with an addiction?

Or maybe a bad habit?

Stating again and again that you have one hasn't changed anything for you. It is simply stating for yourself the obvious.

When you begin to understand the Why, that is a powerful moment for you, and then in turn for those around you. Healing and hope can then begin to come.

I don't think it is wrong to ask the Why, just be kind to yourself in the process.

Sometimes it can take a while and that is ok as well, you will get there.

And don’t expect to always like what you discover, but recognise the revelation of discovery is what you probably need.

A brave person never just settles for the What, they press onto look at the Why.

A wise person carefully considers what they learn from this process and what, if any, response there should be.

Something to think about...

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Lumps [original song]

 

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If you want to support what I have done and will do in the future, you can now do that with something called Buy Me A Coffee - your support means the world to us!

Life Long Learner (why you should consider being one)

When you approach life like this...with an attitude to always keep learning, then I truly believe the world is better for it, and you are better for it.

Life Long Learners keep looking to learn from experiences. Good or bad.

They don't run from uncomfortable. They see life and the experiences it offers, to be an amazing teacher.

Life Long Learners study subjects and ideas they are already familiar with and what they are not familiar with.

Life Long Learners don't lose what they have already attained in regards to knowledge, understanding and interpretation, they continually enhance their knowledge, understanding and interpretation.

Life Long Learners don't just study what they already know and agree with because that only brings reinforcement, not always revelation.

Life Long Learners never assume they are always right, 100% right. They leave room for fresh revelation, even correction. They value and hold onto humility. They don't choke if they realise they have to say "I was wrong".

Life Long Learners seek to understand instead of undermining. They seek to engage before enrage. They seek to make others better and not just come across as superior.

Life Long Learners don't run from what they don't like or don't currently understand. They take a breath, hatch a plan, and seek to learn how and why something is.

Life Long Learners are the opposite of entrenched, polarised, populist, arrogant and multiple other negative connotations.

So be a Life Long Learner.

Something to think about...

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Change we choose vs Change we don't (YouTube Version)

 

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Change we choose vs Change we don't

Lately I have been thinking about change we chose vs change that is forced on us.

And I think there is a difference, certainly in the way we feel about it, how we respond and more...

It wasn't that long ago where you couldn't enter most businesses especially banks, unless you removed hats, face coverings, anything that impaired their ability to see your face completely.

You will know that has all changed, especially here in New Zealand. 

You currently can't enter any business or bank without looking like a modern day cowboy ready to rob it. We are all masked and covered.

We have had change forced upon us! And it feels different.

We face similar issues it seems in regards to our health.

You can make changes to get yourself healthy or the doctor could tell you change has to happen. 

Or maybe you ignore the advice and live with the circumstances?

Again there seems a big difference between change we choose, that we feel is our choice, where we feel we have a measure of control verses the alternative.

What I am trying to convey is this...

In life you actually get many choices. And one of them is to own the change you might recognise you need. You are smart enough to know change chosen by us as opposed to forced upon us, is inherently better.

So if this is speaking to you today?

Where you know you need to make a change...

Please be brave and make that change.

And if you need some help with it, ask for it, reach out to someone who could help you navigate the change you need right now in your life.

Something to think about...

*we have just posted a version of this blog as a vlog here*

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