2nd lockdown Birthday in a row - A year in reflection

Today is my Birthday. The second one in a row during the lockdown and today will now be known as a national day of reflection. Here are 6 reflections from the last year.... 

1. Don't take things for granted - Man it is tough not seeing people you love and care about. Lockdown has taught me to really appreciate them when we are allowed them again. Mum/Dad, you are getting the biggest hug when I can see you again 

2. Happyness is created from within - In my younger life, it was all about building a business to get the flashy car or bigger house or whatever. All of that is great if you get to have it, but it isn't the most important thing or the root of happiness. Those things are fun, and makes life a bit easier, and again I am grateful for that. But happiness is far simpler than that. For me, it is moments spent with my wife and kids doing simple silly things, looking at the joy in their eyes as they discover something for the very first time. That for me is everything. 

3. Win the morning, win the day - I have discovered a new approach to my day. Early starts (4.30). It has been game-changing for me. I have found a way to find time for myself, doing exercise, breathing exercises, cold water exposure, learning new skills (piano, epoxy casting), life admin. I start the day with something great and the rest of the day has a better chance of following in that way!

4. As a human race we can achieve anything. Yes we mess stuff up, and we really need to step our game up in regards to how we treat the world we live in, but in a pinch, we can really show up. The Vaccine development and now roll out has been a marvel to watch. It gives me hope, that as humans that we can actually make an impact on the bigger fight that is the planet. We just have to take it as seriously as the pandemic. 

5. Health, physical and mental is the foundation to everything. I often sat at my desk all day, barely moving. I would hit the gym a couple of times a week, but not in a way that was relaxing, it as more a punishment on my body! Having seen first hand the impact of poor health and the impact it has on families, friends and everything, I can't understate how important my health is to me. I have taken the pandemic to reset, rebalance and put my health first (mental and physical) as without it, the rest is irrelevant. 

6. The Value of technology - This has made so much possible over the last year. Yes we use it too much, and not always in the most healthy ways. But it has enabled me to educate myself in so many ways, stay connected with work, family and feel connected. Not completely, but in part and I am grateful for that. 

So those are my reflections, what are yours. Finally, to say this year has been challenging is an understatement. It has been infinitely more possible and enjoyable due to a load of special people who I will tag in a post!