How Cairns Taught Me to Live Well, Not Just Seek It

Well-being and Place

There are moments when stepping into a new place changes everything—a sudden lightness, a sense of possibility, a surge of joy. For me, that place is Cairns, in northern Australia. I keep returning here, drawn by the lush nature, open air, and the simple pleasure of being somewhere that lifts me up. Last month, Cairns was humid and drenched in rain. Today, the weather is gentle and the air feels almost weightless. This contrast reminds me how much our environment shapes our well-being, and how choosing where we spend our time can transform our lives.

The Power of Place

Standing by the outdoor pool—free for everyone—I’m struck by how idyllic this setting is. The water glistens, the crowds are sparse, and the view is breathtaking. Just being here fills me with energy and happiness. It’s a stark contrast to life in Melbourne, where I currently live. For me, Melbourne is the least pleasant city in Australia: everyone seems rushed, and the cityscape is marred by vandalism and graffiti. Sydney is more enjoyable, but even there, the environment doesn’t compare to the serenity and beauty I find in Cairns.

Being in a place where you feel safe, calm, and inspired is transformative. When you’re constantly on guard or surrounded by chaos, it’s hard to move forward or accomplish anything meaningful. But in a setting that supports you—where you can breathe deeply and let your guard down—you’re free to dream bigger and act boldly.

Changing Your Scenery, Changing Your Life

I encourage you to break out of your routine and seek out environments that nourish you. For years, I made a habit of working remotely from different countries. If you can arrange to work from home on a Thursday or Friday, why not take a flight on Wednesday or Thursday evening? That’s what I did when I lived in Ireland: I’d fly out midweek, set up my laptop in an Airbnb or hotel, and work from there for a couple of days. Then, I’d spend the weekend exploring a new country—Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Norway. Even if you do this once a month or every other week, the change of scenery can do wonders for your well-being.

Traveling this way isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about discovering new parts of yourself. You meet new people, encounter fresh ideas, and return home with renewed energy. It’s an investment in your own happiness and growth. Life is short, and you only get one. The best time to act is now.

Investing in What Matters

This morning, I woke up early in my hotel room, before sunrise. In that quiet, dark space, I completed the most important task of my day: a new version of my M snap app. Finishing that one crucial thing first set the tone for everything else. When you prioritize what matters most, you’re ready to move forward and tackle whatever comes next.

I’ve learned to structure my days this way—focusing on what’s essential, then letting the rest follow. It’s a simple practice, but it helps me keep moving, keep building, and keep investing in my own life. We only get one shot at this. There’s no second or third life waiting for us. The only time to act is now.

The Cost of Waiting

Sometimes we put off our dreams because we think we don’t have enough money, or we’re waiting for the “right” moment. But in doing so, we risk letting life slip by. I know this all too well. Not long ago, I suffered a serious injury—a broken knee, Achilles tendon, and kneecap, among other things. It wasn’t just an accident; I was the victim of a violent assault and robbery. The police arrived in time to apprehend the perpetrator, but by then, I’d already been badly hurt. I spent a week in the hospital, underwent two surgeries under general anesthesia, and spent more than three months in a cast (or, more accurately, a splint). Even after that, it took another three months before I could move around comfortably, and I needed another operation to remove the hardware from my knee.

The physical recovery was grueling, but the psychological impact was even harder. I still struggle to talk about it. One moment, everything was normal; the next, I was in the hospital, my plans derailed. I wasn’t the only victim—the case went to court in Sydney, and I had to testify. It was a traumatic experience, and it reminded me how quickly life can change.

You never know what tomorrow will bring. You might have an accident, or become the victim of a crime. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. That’s why it’s so important to act today, to invest in what matters to you now, rather than waiting for some uncertain future.

Living the Life You Deserve

After everything I’ve been through, I’m more convinced than ever that you deserve a life that excites and fulfills you. Don’t underestimate the value of taking action now—whether that means traveling, starting a new project, or simply changing your environment. Saving money is smart, but not if it means letting your life pass you by. Energy and opportunity aren’t guaranteed forever.

If you want the life of your dreams, you have to start building it today. Everything is possible if you truly want it. I believe in you, and I hope you’ll believe in yourself enough to take that first step.