We have enough – we always have and we always will . . .

Two years ago my wife and I gave up our jobs, rented our house out in Wellington and took off for a year of adventure – starting in Australia and heading around the world as far as India. We tend to travel in a relaxed way - spending time in one spot, getting to know the area and the locals, watching the world go by over coffee cups. And to support our chill lifestyle on the road we travelled light – for 12 months I existed on five t-shirts, two pairs of trousers, one pair of shoes and jandals, toiletries, a laptop, camera and a few other bits and pieces. 18 kilograms, tops. 

It got me thinking about all the stuff in our house we had packed up and waiting for us on our return. The boxes of stuff in the attic, possessions in the garage, tools, kitchen utensils, pictures, furniture. Did we really need it all, and why did we buy it in the first place?

Being and feeling happy is important to me. I guess for a lot of other people too. But what does happiness mean, how do we get it and how do we know if we have got there . . . ? I went through a lengthy stage in my life searching for happiness and doing that by, among other things, trying new experiences and buying stuff. Books, “finding myself” trips, listening to podcasts, exercise, a new bike (or two). I worked really hard on myself, but somehow it just didn’t seem to be enough.

I realised that my search had progressed externally – looking for answers in the world around me. I was surrounded by information. It was sometimes too much - I felt disempowered and wondered when or how I was final going to achieve my goal of true happiness. I felt I was an intelligent person, kind, compassionate and a hard worker. So maybe I just needed to work harder . . . ?

My 12 months away of course taught me something, even if it took me a while to realise. With all my possessions stored on a pack on my back I had abundance. I of course had a hotel roof over my head each night and enough money to feed and live day-to-day – but I didn’t need a houseful of stuff to feel happy. Aside from revelling in my new minimalist lifestyle, I learnt:

• To say yes more often: During my year of saying yes I found myself doing and enjoying things that previously would have scared me.
• It feels great to feel calm: I set out to give yoga more of a go on our trip, and I now definitely feel a calmer person. I feel, notice things and listen better than I used to and my sleeps have improved.
• To take my time: I enjoyed things more when we set down roots in a place, observed the local life and generally blended into to the neighbourhood. Tourism, for me, shouldn't be about “ticking” off sights and experiences . . .

​But perhaps the most important thing I learned is to start looking internally, rather than externally for happiness. And to realise that I am already a good person, kind and happy – and that life should really be about applying those simple qualities to my life. And to realise that I have always had and always will have . . . enough.