MC² Life Update: Edition 12
Greetings from the Edge of the World
As I write Edition 12 of MC2, I’m coming to you from a snowy Edge of the World. Looking out the window today, I see snow-capped mountains in all directions after a wintery blast ripped through. If you ever get the chance to visit Wānaka in the South Island of New Zealand, every season is amazing, but spring is my favourite. You get the trees blossoming and the longer days, but still that invigorating sensation of winter.
It’s that time of the year—spring in the Southern Hemisphere and autumn in the Northern—where temperatures and seasons seem to match up. I remember in the depths of winter this year, I craved the summer. I had to almost switch off what “half the world was experiencing” and settle into my own zone of presence. Winter for me has actually been a re-energising period: good sleep, lots achieved on the concept, and simply developing the tenacity to cope with the cold and dark.
Amazing view from the Edge of the World
The Art of Wisdom and Slowing Down
I’ve been reflecting lately on how complex moments in life seem to be sent to us for a reason. It’s as if the universe sends us situations to learn from and gain perspective we might not have got otherwise. This is how I’ve learnt to face challenges in a way that seeks out the positive in everything. It also helps to prevent going down a rabbit hole on an idea or situation that won’t serve us in the future.
More and more, I find myself being careful what I say yes to, but also saying yes to the right things. This is the essence of wisdom and intuition, and it often comes from making mistakes!
I believe the art of slowing down is to do more with less, save energy, and, most of all, have better judgement. One of the perspectives I’ve gained, often the hard way, is that no one is more responsible for your own energy than yourself. Sometimes, others’ energies can pull you off-centre into their vortex. We live in an ever-stimulated world with endless possibilities, so it’s good to stay focused on what you want, where you are going, and not be blown off course like a leaf in the wind.
The Search for Parihoa’s Next Custodian
I have been devoting more of my time to finding the next Custodian of Parihoa. It’s probably been my most energy-zapping but also most thrilling “search” ever. In my time with ChapmanCG, I must have done thousands of HR searches—some were easy, and others would take what seemed like years.
It’s been two years since I started engaging with top real estate brains in New Zealand on my succession. I have been humbled by the mental process of accepting I will pass Parihoa on, while still keeping the energy high there. This has been our busiest year of events and opportunities, and I imagine it will stay that way to the end.
Speaking of which, I am about to write to everyone who has expressed interest in the Parihoa Re-Connect Retreat. Running from 27 November to 1 December, this will be a showcase of the well-being magic of Parihoa. I’m mentally preparing for it to be the one and only experience like this I will host at Parihoa before I pass it on. Begum, my co-partner, has leaned into this creation exercise with full passion, and I am really excited to share the content of the five days with potential participants. We’re going to continue to take interest until 15 October, and will then finalise all the spots.
In a quiet moment, I encourage you to dive into some of the well-being articles I have written. There are almost 50 on the platform, covering all areas of well-being, and I absolutely love writing them. Inspiration comes from conversations or situations I come across during the day, and I keep an ongoing notepad to chronicle my ideas. Quite often, I dictate my ideas whilst on the treadmill or during my hikes.
I hope these thoughts resonate with you as you navigate your own seasons of change and reflection. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more updates on my journey and our well-being network.