Chapter 1: The Power of Humor

Let’s explore why laughter is essential for a fulfilling life.

This piece is part of my weekly newsletter, Renaissance, which I send out every Monday morning. It’s filled with insights, motivation, and a sprinkle of dad humor. If you find value in what you read, consider subscribing!

What I’m Learning

There's a well-known Maori saying that translates to: “The sweet potato does not boast about its sweetness.” This proverb encourages us to practice humility and avoid arrogance. It resonates with the Japanese idea of Shibumi, which refers to “effortless perfection” or “subtle beauty.” To me, there’s nothing quite as thrilling as excelling in something while remaining quiet about it. Just like the sweet potato, do you keep your successes to yourself?

What I’m Contemplating

I used to have a strong aversion to the term “self-help.” I preferred to label my interests as “personal development” because it felt more refined. However, I’ve come to accept the truth: I genuinely need all the support I can find. This realization is what I love about being human—we are delightfully imperfect beings who, despite our best efforts, frequently trip and stumble in amusing ways. Acknowledging this has significantly improved my life, allowing me to observe my past selves with a metaphorical bowl of popcorn and a hearty laugh.

Curiously, every version of myself believed they had it all figured out. Take Finance Greg, for instance. Had I not dramatically let go of that persona in 2020, he’d still be here, proudly flaunting his Lululemon dress pants and raving about the latest Excel shortcuts he learned. And I wondered why I was single? Ironically, I still am, but for reasons my future self will undoubtedly chuckle over.

Ultimately, the lesson is that the ability to laugh at oneself serves as a ticket to a fulfilling life. Whatever you’re tackling today, try to lighten up a bit. Smile, dance, and share this with someone who might need a laugh!

Quote of the Week

“Do Not Take Life Too Seriously. You Will Never Get Out Of It Alive.”

~ Elbert Hubbard

What I’m Reading

I recently came across an article that had me laughing out loud: "Shaking Hands with Manhood." Fair warning: don’t read it while pretending to focus on a Zoom meeting, or you might embarrass yourself (trust me, I know from experience). For those who may not appreciate humor (or puppies) and take life a bit too seriously, I recommend "Efficiency is the Enemy," which discusses the necessity of allowing more downtime in your life. It’s actually quite insightful, despite my current sarcasm.

What I’m Writing About

Currently, I’m crafting an article titled “How to Combat the Sunday Scaries and Rediscover Your Joy.” Spoiler: it includes wisdom from Shia LaBeouf post-breakdown, clearly indicating he missed my advice to laugh at himself. If you’re interested in more of my writings, feel free to check them out.

Podcast Update: The Value of a Good Cry

Today marks a milestone for the Dare to Dream podcast! Not because we cried live on air (that’s happened before), but because Gregory recorded our first solo episode. This was necessary as Vinny is currently on a farm in Calabria, Italy, without Wi-Fi and limited cellular data. Join Gregory for a quick 10-minute episode where he humorously updates us on Vinny’s adventures and discusses the importance of having a good cry every now and then.

Gregory enjoyed this episode so much that he’s willing to Venmo you $100 if you don’t finish it with a smile and a lighter heart. Enjoy this brief yet uplifting episode!

Next Steps

For weekly doses of inspiration, motivation, and dad humor, consider subscribing to my newsletter! I promise that 60% of the time, it will either make you laugh or teach you something valuable. And yes, that was a nod to Anchorman.