Silly is the new smart

by admin | 17 Aug, 2024 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity

Have you ever been told to stop being silly? By a parent, a teacher, a boss, a colleague, a friend, or some other overly serious person? It seems to suggest that being silly is a bad thing, that it is a barrier to moving forward in life. Well, what if we thought about being silly from a different perspective? What if instead of being a bad thing, silly was the new smart?

There is an awesome movie you may have seen with Robin Williams, based on the life of Dr Patch Adams. This rebellious medical student went into hospitals, that were dull, depressing, and serious, and started doing silly things to make the patients laugh. His theory was that laughter truly is the best medicine. He was ostracized, criticized, and rejected by many conventional thinking people who believed his ideas had no intellectual basis. Well, his life, work, and results reflect how right he was and how true it is that silliness and laughter can heal. It sounds pretty smart to me. So maybe silly really is the new smart.

Speaking of hospitals, I was at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne recently to meet up with a friend. Why we chose a hospital to meet, I am not really sure, but I am glad we did. As soon as I walked in, I smiled. In the main entrance area was this wonderful and massive colourful floor-to-ceiling creature that looked part ant, part caterpillar, part monkey, part silly, and large part fun. It was awesome. My first thought was, why is this kind of amazing fun decorative piece restricted to a children’s hospital? Why isn’t something like this in every hospital instead of the drab grey, somber faces, and depressing feeling that permeates most medical institutions. Did we learn nothing from Patch Adams? I do not want to diminish the seriousness of disease, however, I know there would be less sickness, more healing, and more joy, if hospitals, and all other institutions, would buy into this silliness and laughter concept.

Patch Adams said:

Remember laughing? Laughter enhances the blood flow to the body’s extremities and improves cardiovascular function. Laughter releases endorphins and other natural mood elevating and pain-killing chemicals, improves the transfer of oxygen and nutrients to internal organs. Laughter boosts the immune system and helps the body fight off disease, cancer cells as well as viral, bacterial and other infections. Being happy is the best cure of all diseases!

If it seems that the smart money is on silliness, why are we so serious? It’s a big question and there are lots of possible reasons. Rather than reflect on the reasons I am too serious too often, and you may be the same, I would like to suggest that we look at how we add some silliness into life as a part of our health, happiness, and abundance strategy. Let’s face it, who would you rather hang out with, the person who is always serious, at times cranky, and often looking for the problems, or the person who lightens the mood, loves silliness, and makes you laugh? If you chose the first option, then I believe this is not the blog for you.

How can you start adding silly into your day? The first thing I do is schedule silliness into my day. It may be 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or more, but add it to the calendar and treat it as an important appointment. In that time, you can watch video clips or shows that make you laugh. Here is a 6 minute one I love, with comedian Bob Newhart, called ‘Stop it’; Click here. You could identify a person in your life who makes you laugh and talk to that person on a regular basis. You could be that person for someone else, and if that is a challenge for you, find some silly jokes you could tell. If people don’t laugh at the jokes, they will definitely laugh at your attempts to be funny. You could wear funny hats, socks, wigs, or colourful clothes. If you are unsure about how to be sillier, ask your children, or somebody else’s children if you don’t have your own.

Interestingly, just as I was writing this blog, I spoke to a friend and told her about this week’s topic. She is someone I love because of the joy she spreads in the world. She had just gone and got 100 stickers printed with big smiling faces on them. As she goes about her day and interacts with people, if she feels they could do with some joy, she gives them a smiley face sticker, and sure enough, it makes their day. Can you see how simple it is to bring silliness, smiles, and laughter into the world?

There are so many things you can do in your home, your workplace, your club, and your community that can add super smart silliness and laughter. Just make sure it is respectful and not at the expense of someone else’s feelings. If you actually believed that silly is the new smart, and it could significantly improve your life, would you find ways to be sillier? Of course you would, as would I. So, make a vow that from today onwards, you will schedule silliness into your daily life, because it truly is the new smart.

What is in your heart?

by admin | 9 Aug, 2024 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity

There is a very big difference between our heart and our head. That may sound like it is stating something very obvious. I am, however, not just talking about their relative positions in the body, and the different physiological roles they play. I am talking about where we primarily operate from in terms of the decisions we make and how we live our lives. In your life, which has led you to joy and passion most effectively, spending time in your head, or in your heart? We all know the answer to that, so my question is; what is in your heart?

There is a devastating condition which is the greatest dream killer and robber of a purposeful life, and it is called stuck-in-my-head-itis. Yes, it really is a condition, just check a medical dictionary!! Have you ever thought of an idea, had a dream, set a goal, envisioned something better for your life, got really excited, and then moved out of your heart and back into your head? What happened next? Did you over-analyse, weigh up the pros and cons, think of all the reasons why it was not a great idea and why it may be too hard to do, and then talk yourself out of it? If you did, you will join many other people who have also suffered from stuck-in-my-head-itis.

I was honoured recently to be invited by my friend Andreea to come and see the artwork she had created that was showing at an exhibition. As I walked around the exhibition, there were many paintings and works of art by many different artists, and then I came to hers. It was amazing. One in particular (the one in the photo) I stared at for an extended period, because I loved it. I looked at all of her work and was incredibly impressed. As she was explaining the inspiration behind each piece I could see the passion in her eyes and hear it in her voice. She is undoubtedly an artist in her heart and soul.

I asked how long she had been painting for, she told me that she had only just started again after a break of 27 years. Yes, you read that correctly, 27 years. Now she was painting again, I could see how happy she was, how inspired she was, and how much more meaning she had in her life. So, why, when it is something so meaningful for her, did she put it ‘on the back burner’ for so long, until now? As I asked her, I could see and hear her getting emotional. There had been some trauma in her life, triggered by painting, so to avoid it, she stopped altogether. What was happening in her head was holding her back from doing what was so deeply embedded in her heart. When she finally started painting again, she felt free and passionate and is very glad she is back doing it again. Trust me, she is great at it. Check out her Instagram page to see what I mean.

What do you currently have sitting on the ‘back-burner’, that is really a heart-felt passion for you? Why is it on the ‘back-burner’? Why have you decided it is not something you could or should do? And, now for the most important question I will ask. If you never get to it, will there be deep regret? Maybe you will never know it is something you would regret until you actually do it and then think, I am so glad I followed through, or I would definitely have regretted it.

I can tell you, being an author is something I would definitely regret if I never did it knowing now how amazing my life is as a result of actually following through. Although if I never did it, I would not know that I would regret that decision, because I would not know what I missed out on. So, you may not know if you would regret not doing something if you don’t do it. Does that make any sense? Therefore, my strongest advice is to not take any chances. Get out of your head, into your heart, and just do it. Then you will know for sure. The second worse thing after regret, is wondering what could have been if I just stopped overthinking and gave it a go.

In my wonderfully optimistic podcast this week called Be right or be happy, I speak with Ed Doherty. Ed is a 73-year-old champion who never let his head get in the way of his heart. Some of the experiences he discusses, and what he achieved because of his passion and the decision to just give things a go will delight and inspire you.

You are on this planet for a unique purpose, and that purpose is residing in your heart, not your head. Don’t let it stay buried. Don’t over-think it. Don’t logic your way out of it. Instead, feel it deeply, and before you return back into your head, act on it. What is really in your heart? That is the real you. It is your mission on earth to let your greatness shine and allow what is in your heart to see the light of day, flourish, and then fly.

Pot plant on a tram

by admin | 3 Aug, 2024 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity

I have to admit, I have a history of killing plants. Not deliberately, I actually love plants. It is just through lack of knowledge, and if I am being honest, lack of attention. When I moved into my new home, I was gifted three beautiful pot plants which I nervously placed in the planter-box on my decking. Within about two weeks, they went to pot plant heaven. So, I was understandably uncertain when recently gifted a pot plant that had to come home with me on a tram.

So, you may be asking two questions. How did I end up with a pot plant on a tram? How can I possibly write a blog about it? Those are great questions. Let me answer them for you. In regard to the first question, during the week I attended a book launch in the city. Two wonderful clients of mine, Sue Wong and Justin Robinson, had just published their book, My Manifesto, and I was honoured to attend. I didn’t want to drive and try to park in the city, so I decided to take the tram. It was a wonderful and inspiring event. Towards the end they started acknowledging people who had helped them on the journey. As I was one of them, they were kind enough to acknowledge me and present me with a beautiful pot plant. As I was receiving it, I was extremely grateful for the gesture, and in my mind came the thought, I wish I had driven.

The answer to the second question came as I left the book launch with pot plant in hand to head to the closest tram stop and, it was reinforced all the way home. It’s amazing how such a simple thing like a pot plant can bring a smile to people’s faces. As I walked through Melbourne city, it was curious as to how many people looked at the pot plant, looked at me and then smiled. As I got to the tram stop, there was a guy there who even started laughing at me. He was either drunk or affected by some substance and thought my carrying a pot plant was the funniest thing he had seen in a long time. I was glad I could be of such amusement to him.

Then I stepped on the tram for my 30 to 40-minute trip home, holding lovingly onto my newest family member. When I received it, I wasn’t sure if I really wanted the pot plant, because my track record for keeping plants alive was poor. However, the more I saw how this plant impacted the people around me, the more I was getting emotionally connected to it. Each time someone got on the tram and saw me, they smiled, and by the time I got to the place I needed to get off the tram I felt mixed emotions. Sadly I had to get off, and at the same time joy-filled and grateful that, with something so simple, I could bring a touch of joy into the lives of others.

So, you may be asking, what is the point? The point is a simple but powerful one. It takes very little effort at all to make other people smile, and when you do, you will feel a wave of joy flow through you. That feeling you are experiencing represents many things. It represents the power you have to affect lives. It represents the infectious impact of a smile. It represents the beauty that lies in the simple things in life. It represents the health and wellbeing that can be gained when we give to others. It represents the ripple effect that your giving will begin and continue forever.  The pot plant on the tram is a mighty metaphor for joy, wellbeing, and meaning in life.

In my podcast this week called Cross the bridge, I speak with the incredible Seth Gehle. How he was able to find purpose and meaning in a young life full of abuse and challenges, is a testament to his resilience and his capacity to find good, live a life of purpose, and share it with others. This is a very inspiring podcast I want to encourage you to listen to.

It’s a new day. I am not sure what is happening in your life as you read this. What I do know is that there is a ‘pot plant on a tram’ opportunity for you today. As you talk to people, interact with people, and go about your day, look for any opportunity to make people smile. It may just be you smiling at them and saying ‘hi’. It may be because of the cheerful clothes you choose to wear. It may be because you decide to sing your favorite song out loud as you walk along. It may be because you find a reason to genuinely compliment someone. It may be because you are inspired to get a pot plant and take it on a tram.

Amazingly, when you do these incredibly simple things, as much as you will make others smile and hopefully lift them out of a dark place they may be in, it will do more for your mood, your mindset and your wellbeing than you can possibly imagine. I look forward to hearing all about your ‘pot plant on a tram’ experience.

Pink sky and pelicans

by admin | 27 Jul, 2024 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity

We live in the most incredible world. We live in a world of natural wonders that will inspire, entertain, and delight us every day, if we pay attention to them. This week my goal is to distract you from the ‘urgent’ and ‘stressful’ things that are filling your days and the ‘busyness’ of your life. My mission is to encourage you to take the time to look around and enjoy the pink sky and the pelicans.

We all have a pink sky and pelican story, and generally speaking they are not dramatic stories, but they are powerful. Powerful because, with the right perspective, they bring us back to the only moment we have, and the only one where great things happen. They bring us to the present. My story is really nothing special, but it is essential.

As I write about often, I am an early riser, and I enjoy each morning doing my exercise at the beach as the sun starts to make it’s rise to welcome in a new day. I never know what colour the sky will be, and I am always excited to see what gloriousness God will provide for my joy and viewing pleasure. I have spoken about dolphins, and I am always on the lookout, even though it is a rare occurrence when they appear.

The other day, If I am being honest, I was not in a great headspace. Whilst, I was exercising at the beach, my head was somewhere else. I was ruminating on self-doubts, and I was berating myself for some poor choices I had made and an old pattern I thought I had broken but had not. I started spiraling, but thankfully I was looking out upon a calm and flat Port Phillip Bay. All of sudden, the water started transforming into a beautiful shade of pink. I looked up to the sky as the sun was rising, and it was a glorious pink. Almost immediately my mind shifted from the junk to the joy. I moved out of my past, and straight into this beautiful present moment.

Then, within a few more moments, arrived some rare and unexpected visitors. Three stunning pelicans flew in, landed, and started gliding gracefully through the water. Pelicans have a special meaning for me, as they always remind me of my beautiful mother, who loved them. They were moving in the direction I was heading as I started walking home, and they accompanied me all the way until I turned away from the water. My heart and mind, which only a few short minutes earlier, were in turmoil, had been transformed into peace, joy and gratitude. God most certainly delivered.

The pink sky and pelicans changed my state and helped me to find the meaning that I had allowed myself to forget about. So, my friend, what is your pink sky and pelican moment that you had recently? Did you notice it? Were you aware of it? Did it bring you back to the joy of the moment, and the beauty of the world around you? If not, I want to encourage you to look out for the next pink sky and pelican moment that will most definitely come your way. It may come in different forms, such as; the contagious laughter of a child, a stunning rainbow, a new flower blossoming, the rain dripping off a green leaf, the sound of rain on your roof, the touch of a loved one, the sound of the wind, birds singing, waves breaking, the smell of delicious food cooking, the taste of that food, the feel of your bed as you snuggle in for a restful night sleep. There is a never-ending supply of these special moments readily available to you, as long as you are aware of and open to them.

When you can harvest and harness the power of these moments, you will find joy, peace, and gratitude every day. In addition, it will help with your moods, your creativity, your healing, and overcoming any obstacles that you may be facing. It will most definitely help with one of the most important elements in your life, and that is your sleep. In fact, this week on my podcast I spoke with Amanda Chocko about just that. The podcast is called Sleep is a superpower and is well worth listening to.

As you read this, I hope that it triggers a desire to do three things. Firstly, it gets you thinking about some of the pink sky and pelican moments you have already had in your life. Secondly, I hope it wakes you up to one of those moments that is happening right now. For me, as I write this, the rain is hitting my skylight in a very calming and rhythmical way. What is it for you? Thirdly, I hope you flick on your awareness switch, and vow to never miss another pink sky and pelican moment ever again. Your life will never be the same if you do.

A fulfilling life, not a full one

by admin | 29 Jun, 2024 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity

The most annoying word in the world for me is the word ‘busy’. I used to wear ‘busy’ as a badge of honour, and erroneously think I was somehow on-purpose, productive, and admired, just because I said I was busy. In fact, I was none of those things. I was kidding myself. I believe the goal should be not to have a full life, but to have a fulfilling one.

You may be wondering what the difference is. Let me use an analogy I hope we can all relate to. That is food! Have you ever been to a buffet or smorgasbord type meal? The all-you-can-eat deal? Before getting there, the thought of eating all you want is an exciting one, isn’t it? As you peruse the offering, you get even more excited as you see the many options available to you and you know you can try all of them. Over the next period of time, you start small, keep going, and progressively work your way through the buffet. By the end of it, how are you feeling? Full? Over full? Stuffed? Regretting the decision to go to a buffet? Vowing never to do it again? All of the above? I have definitely been there, how about you?

On the other hand, have you ever been to a nice restaurant, enjoyed high quality meals, beautifully presented, and just enough that you are fulfilled but not full? Honestly, which did you enjoy most? I know the answer for me. We seem to think more food on the plate is an indication of a great meal. In fact, it is not about the quantity, but more about the quality, right? I hope that helped you get an idea of what I mean by full versus fulfilling.

For many years my life was full. It was over-eating at the buffet type of full. From the moment I opened my eyes at 5am until I put my head on the pillow at 10pm, it was nonstop. I felt I had to fill every moment with something I perceived as being productive, for me to be happy and successful in life. After many years of this kind of bingeing, I felt about my life exactly how I felt after a buffet gorging session. That is sick, exhausted, and regretting my choices. My full life led me to debt, helplessness, disillusionment, and regret.

It was in this moment of desperation, the penny finally dropped, and I realized it was not a full life I craved, it was a fulfilling one. I then had to think about what a fulfilling life meant for me, so I posed a question to myself. Not the normal question so many people ask which is, what am I going to do now? The question I asked myself was, how do I want to live? Wow, this question certainly unlocked some magic in my life! I started visualising a life where I felt strong and confident, a life where I was having a positive impact on others, a life where I woke every day excited for what was to come, and a life where I had time and money. I imagined a life which wasn’t full, instead it was fulfilling.

I fixed my eyes and my heart on this life, I started writing my first book, I looked for ways to impact lives, and create time and money, and I fashioned the fulfilling life I visualised, and have been loving it for almost 20 years as I write this. The difference between these two lives is that one was full, the other is fulfilling. One was overwhelming, exhausting, and frustrating, the other is meaningful, peaceful, and exciting. In one, I had no time for the most important things, in the other I get to spend my time doing the things most meaningful with the people I love and respect the most. Can you see the difference?

So, you may be asking how do I shift from a full life to a fulfilling one? I think the first step is to ask yourself the question, how do I want to live? And then, answer it in writing. I found that when I had clarity about how I wanted to live, ideas, opportunities, and people came to me to help me turn that vision into a reality. To help you with this, I recommend listening to my podcast this week with Sue Wong and Justin Robinson called A life chosen. In it we talk about their new book, soon to be released, called My Manifesto; A compassionate guide to reveal your best life. This is the first step to living a fulfilling life.

So, before you fill up your plate at the next buffet, think very carefully about how you will feel when the meal is over. In the same way, think very carefully before filling every moment of your life with things that will cause you to declare that you are ‘busy’. How will you feel about that full life in the next month, year, ten years, and beyond? Do you really want a full life, or would you prefer a fulfilling one? If the answer to that question is the latter, please get to work on it today. Reach out if you need any help.