Who knows what is truly good or bad?
When life can change in a mere moment.
Plot twists around every corner.
Our darkest moments can lead to the greatest times in our life.
Like the beautiful lotus flower blooming from dirty mud.
We too can rise from the darkness.
So who knows what is truly good or bad?
Drop the judgment.
Allow faith & curiosity guide you into the path unknown.
When we seek to understand
Compassion grows
Where there is compassion
Love begins
Where there is love
Peace is possible
Where there is peace
Joy is found
At this beautiful moment
Transformation can occur
Where do I stay?
Where do I go?
Path unknown.
Will I be able to let go of obsessing about the known?
Will I be able to embrace this path of newly found freedom?
Aloha,
Today’s blog post is about being vulnerable. Vulnerability is humanities greatest strength. It takes courage to be completely open and honest about our struggles.
Instagram & Facebook show us highlight reels of other people’s lives, which makes us feel like we aren’t living our lives to the fullest. There is a reason that studies show that heavy social media use is linked to depression, anxiety, and loneliness. We only connect at a surface level in sharing our highlights. Full transparency allows us to connect at a much deeper level.
Everyone has hardships but we rarely (if ever) share them on social media. Why is that? Are we scared that others will pity or judge us? From my experience, others will support and open up to their struggles once we break the ice. Connecting with others in this way is special.
For the past 6 weeks I have been traveling New Zealand on a working holiday visa. I haven’t started the working part of that yet though! LOL. Its hasn’t been perfect though. I spent way more money than expected on my first month of traveling which has caused me anxiety. At times, I have felt lonely in my travels, even when many others were around. Lately I have been having a hard time dealing with boredom and lack of purpose with no job. Lots of self judgements and worrying about what others think of me. Slowly I’m excepting the fact that this is a sabbatical and I will find work in the new year. I need to show some faith in myself once more and enjoy my free time.
Our society could benefit from being more vulnerable with each other. It helps us feel more connected and compassionate to others. Vulnerability takes true courage and strength. We all share the human experience together, let’s help each other live the fullest life that we can.
What have you been struggling with lately?
Namaste,
Johnny Hoffman
Two years ago I left my corporate job and moved to Maui to a simpler life. Now I live in New Zealand on a working holiday visa.
Alot has changed in these last two years; both inner & outer. Many amazing sunsets, beautiful ocean views, and amazing mountains. Through my journeys I experienced that happiness is found within. There were dark times living in paradise (Maui) and life isn’t always perfect traveling New Zealand. You bring your insecurities, fears, doubts, unskillful habits, and worries with you every where you go.
There are plenty of unhappy people living in beautiful destinations and many content people living in undesirable cities. Happiness is not a destination, it’s a way of life. A way of life we as individuals must find out on our own. There are many blueprints of other people’s lives to learn from though and many people who will help you along the journey.
You are not alone, but only you can truly help yourself become content with your life.
No pill, book, or material item can replace hard work and commitment. Question everything, even your own thoughts, which are often based on false narratives from past experiences.
This seems difficult but what could be more important than your own contentment? What I find liberating about this message is that we are back in the driver seat of our own life. No one can save us but ourself. We have the power to live the life we truly want to live. It only takes us letting go of old beliefs, habits, and judgments.
Kia Ora,
Johnny Hoffman
Humanity builds their cellblock from within.
Years of fear, doubt, & worry.
Obsessed with control & power.
False sense of security.
Let’s plan a prison break.
Rip the shackles off tonight.
Let go of fear, worry, & doubt.
Embrace the path unknown.
Oh, how beautiful true freedom is!
One day worth more than a thousand in my cell.
Marco Polo’s voyages paint my vivid dreams.
Exploration in my DNA.
Excitement on the path unknown.
Throw away the unessential.
Remove the superfluous.
Let go the distractions & pacifiers.
Delete the clutter.
Take charge of your life.
Minimalism.
Intentional living.
It’s a way of life.
A life of simplicity.
Not chaos.
Minimalism allows us to live mindfully.
To touch freedom, joy, and calmness.
To focus on what truly matters.
So let go of the junk.
Whether that be material, digital, or mental.
Let go of the trinkets, trophies, and trivial.
Embrace your new found freedom.
Your new life can be filled with meaning, not stuff.
Wander.
No destination.
The path unknown.
Today I will choose excitement, not worry.
Love over fear.
Freedom over security.
In front of you is a dense forest. Alone your mind wanders of what lies ahead. The path will be treacherous at times. Will you survive what lies ahead?
Dark clouds lurk above.
Fear, worry, & doubt in every step.
Will I survive the path unknown?
I could just stay in the cozy open field.
Take the easy route.
Ride out my one life in a security blanket.
Imprisoned by doubt.
Step into the lush forest.
Embrace the path unknown.
