Ben | Ellerslie
“If I could change one thing, learn to be more positive I guess, is number one. Have a more positive outlook on life; that’s probably the most important thing I think, at the moment.
So as you can probably tell, I’m originally from England. I’m from the south coast, but lived and worked in London. I used to think money was everything. I worked in the city of London as a stockbroker, chasing the material financial dream, and I realised there’s more to life than money. It wasn’t making me happy. So I basically got rid of everything, quit my job, and came to New Zealand with a rucksack to start a new life. I wanted a more simple life and basically just to connect with people, actually.
I think, like back in London I was, you know, doing what society was telling us to do; get a job, pay the bills and stuff like that, and I just wasn’t enjoying that. I realised there’s more to life than having material objects. I think the more positive thing is to actually connect with people, and actually have more friendships and actually to engage with people, and I think I wasn’t doing that in London. Since I moved to Ellerslie, I’ve joined a few local clubs, and now I’m, I go to the pub locally, and it’s good just to get to know people, and get engaged. I met some really good friends there, and friendship’s very important. I think it’s the most important thing in the world actually, and that’s kind of helped my positive outlook on life, really.
Relaxed, less stressed, less pensive. I guess less depressed as well, and just starting to enjoy life, not having to worry as much. You know? Less anxiety, and knowing I can have people to talk to is a really good thing, as well. I’m not so isolated, and people also go through the same troubles as well.”
