introducing The Happy Warrior

Dear Subscribers, Friends, and New Acquaintances,

I am thrilled to announce the launch of "The Happy Warrior" newsletter—a space where we embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment together. 

Please engage, share your thoughts, subscribe, and connect with fellow travelers on this path toward enlightenment.

An Origin: The Happy Warrior

Earlier this week multiple states in the US held their primary elections over “Super Tuesday”. Watching the news and internet chatter, I heard multiple references to Nikki Haley and her team on the political campaign as “happy warriors”.  I remembered Jon Favreau and the Pod Save America crew were fond of the term for Joe Biden in the 2020 election too.  In any election, a candidate is looking to gain support, and a positive outlook with a fighting spirit is a great combination to rally the base.  

It’s easy to see any extroverted leader with a positive attitude being characterized as a happy warrior.  It’s a pleasant term that brings the leader onto the battlefield with the audience.  I can see why campaigns use it. What I didn’t know was that the term had a very well defined origin.

Indeed, William Wordsworth's poignant poem, "Character of the Happy Warrior", published over 200 years ago(!) was modeled on Lord Nelson during the Napoleonic wars - a man who notably perished at battle.  The poem carries a positive attitude, and in a few stanzas, Wordsworth beautifully articulates the essence of what it means to embody the happy warrior—the spirit that every man in arms should wish to be.  

I’ll be breaking down my thoughts on being a Happy Warrior - and the poem specifically - in the next few weeks.  Follow along!  Let’s begin with my favorite line: 

Their high endeavors are guided by an inner light, illuminating the path before them and providing clarity amidst uncertainty. 

Authentic Sense of Self

Wordsworth paints a vivid portrait of this noble archetype—a generous spirit, guided by reason and virtue, who faces life's trials and tribulations with unwavering courage, resilience, and grace. 

In the eye of the Happy Warrior lies an inward gaze - an understanding that life is a journey of continual personal reflection, evolution and transformation. From a foundation of strong morals and ethics, the feeling of happiness radiates to clarify reasonable, virtuous, and caring actions.  I love the balance of reflection, insight and clarifying action that is apparent here. As warriors we must act!

I find it important to note the level of authenticity required to define one’s own inner light. Read it again: From a foundation of strong morals and ethics, the feeling of happiness radiates to clarify reasonable, virtuous, and caring actions.  

Inner light illuminates the path and clarifies actions. Knowing your core values, ethics, morals and beliefs is a starting point, felt to illuminate the path in the present moment.  In wartime: To see yourself in the battle, know your role, and take authentic action.  

What is your inner Light? Lighthouse, Laser or Disco Ball

So what does this mean for me and for others who feel like “Happy Warriors” in life?

What is my light? How diffuse is it? Where is it pointed? Take a moment: What is your inner light? 

Today, I believe that my inner light is strong and constantly in motion, like a lighthouse spins to be seen from all directions.  My guiding light is visible and powerful when aligned with you, present when pointed away, and steady throughout. I do not define a path so much as to make the landing clear, as I am goal oriented - land ho! I have been steady in my commitments and balanced in my endeavors - sport, professional, family and friends.  

Some of my friends are guided like lasers: singularly focused and intense.  I love these high achievers! I feel their energy when I’m teamed with them, and I can smile at their dedication and discipline when they are leading in a different direction.  Often with a noticeable on/off switch, using rest periods to recharge, reflect and prepare for the next high intensity endeavor. Work hard, play hard!  My own business school experience was certainly one that felt like a laser beam. Driven to get a high paying, prestigious job, I competed for good grades, networking opportunities, and diligently refined my “pitch” to land that ideal corporate leadership role.  

I know a few disco balls too - generating a lot of light via spectacular reflections.  They are mesmerizing and difficult to keep up with.  I’m often unclear what light comes from within and where the light guides us (beyond staying on the dance floor!).  High energy, engrossing and perhaps distracting in the wrong context. My own study abroad experiences certainly had phases as a disco ball. So much fun, and tiring in hindsight!

I’m a Happy Warrior … Join me on this Adventure

My light and my path have shifted and will continue to transform throughout my life, and I think I’m a Happy Warrior.  Now I want to build a tribe. 

Are you a Happy Warrior too? Let’s find our inner light, and chart a path together.  I’m here to approach each moment with optimism, curiosity, and excitement, knowing that it holds the promise of new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and untapped potential.  I’m here for the long haul down a winding and evolving path toward enlightenment.

Please join me on this adventure and let’s light a path together. 

With warmth and anticipation,

Ryan