I live on a 40-acre farm on Ngarrindjeri country in rural South Australia that I’m rewilding. I am seeing birds returning in ways I had never imagined. If you ever catch a glimpse of me there, chances are I’ll be dancing—lost in a rhythm that only I can hear. This isn’t merely a quirky habit; it’s a lifeline, a joyful release woven into the fabric of who I am.
Friends and family often chuckle at my spontaneous need to dance, whether I’m alone in the kitchen or surrounded by our playful goats.
This love for dance was a gift from my mother, a beacon of light during tumultuous times. Growing up was far from easy. As a queer kid in a small country town from a single family, I often felt like a target. With my bright ginger hair, freckles, and a striking resemblance to Jimmy Somerville, I stood out in a world that didn’t always celebrate difference.
This isn’t a plea for sympathy; it’s simply the backdrop against which I’ve discovered the flickers of joy that would guide me through the years.
I’ve become acutely aware of my “joy points” and their importance—those moments and experiences that spark happiness even amid life’s challenges. It’s about leaning into what nourishes my spirit, whether that’s dancing, tending to our land, or simply soaking in the beauty around me.
This intentional practice has become essential for my wellbeing. When life feels overwhelming, I seek out these moments of joy, allowing them to reconnect me to my body and heart.
Life has an uncanny ability to throw us into the depths of challenges, often leaving us gasping for breath amidst the chaos. I’ve come to believe that joy isn’t merely a fleeting feeling but a steadfast companion we can invite into our lives—even when the world feels heavy.
Living on our farm, I’ve found profound joy in rewilding—a sacred process of restoring the land to its natural state. Each time I plant native grasses and flowers, I not only nurture the earth; I rejuvenate myself—it serves as a reminder of my commitment to resilience and the life that thrives around me.
One of my greatest joys has been welcoming back birds to our farm. For four years, I dreamed of seeing diamond firetails (a locally endangered bird) flit among the grasses. Just last month, that dream became a reality. A flock appeared in our paddock, moving through the native grasses like tiny jewels.
In that beautiful moment, I was reminded that persistence pays off. Nature has its own timelines, and joy often manifests in the most unexpected ways.
This notion of actively cultivating joy became clearer during the Mastery of Business and Empathy in 2023. This experience gave me deep insights into my emotional health and introduced me to the “three centres of intelligence” and the “above/below the line” concept.
We often rely on one of these centres—our gut instinct (body), our feelings (heart), or our knowledge and reasoning (head)—over the others. Recognising this pattern has been pivotal for my growth as I leaned heavily into my head centre, often neglecting my body and heart.
As I navigated the course, I began to see these insights reflected in my daily habits and how I showed up in the communities I am involved in. I became aware of something very personal: without nurturing my emotional and psychological health, even the best plans and goals won't lead to the significant transformation I so desperately seek.
This profound reflection led me to radically rethink my approach, placing joy and rest at the forefront of my life and work.
This involved learning the importance of allowing myself to feel—fully and without judgment. It’s all too easy to suppress sadness or frustration, to wear a mask of cheerfulness when the weight of the world becomes heavy.
Yet joy often coexists with pain; they are two sides of the same coin. By honouring my emotions and giving myself permission to grieve, I’ve opened the door to the ability to really show up.
In a world that often feels tumultuous, I find solace in the small things—a spontaneous dance in the paddock, a daily visit to my sit spot by the river, or the sight of those diamond firetails. These moments remind me that joy isn’t just an escape; it’s a form of resistance. It’s a celebration of life, even when it’s messy and unpredictable.
As I look toward the future, I know challenges await. I hold onto the belief that joy is not lost; it simply waits to seek it out, even amidst the most daunting trials.
By fostering joy within ourselves, I can see how we can become more authentic leaders, capable of inspiring others to find their own light amidst the chaos.
About Simon
Simon is dedicated to protecting wild places and works with several purpose-driven organisations, including the Bob Brown Foundation and Surfrider Foundation, and he is currently setting up an organisation called Rewilding South Australia.
In 2020, he bought a farm in South Australia, where he and his partner, James, are rewilding the land and growing native grass and flower seeds for large ecological restoration projects.
Simon loves Dolly Parton, sharing campfires with friends, Yorkshire tea, dancing, and hearty laughter.
