Alright folks, gather 'round and let me tell you a tale of intrigue, danger, and the unexpected – a story that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about your favorite dip. Yes, we're talking about guacamole, that beloved concoction that brings joy to barbecues, parties, and those lazy Sunday afternoons.

But hold onto your sombreros, because even the Alegre Avocado, the heart and soul of any guac worth its salt, isn't immune to the perils of the modern world.

You might be thinking, "What could possibly go wrong with avocados? They're just innocent fruits, right?" (and they actually are fruits)

Wrong!

Turns out, avocados are big business – so big, in fact, that they've caught the eye of some unsavory characters south of the border. We're not talking about picky eaters here, folks. We're talking about actual gangs who've decided that avocados are the new gold.

In recent months, violence against avocado farmers and inspectors in Mexico has skyrocketed. These gangs, looking to diversify their portfolio beyond drugs, have realized that controlling the avocado trade is a lucrative endeavor.

They're not messing around either, resorting to threats, intimidation, and even kidnapping to get their way. It's gotten so bad that the US had to temporarily suspend avocado imports from a key Mexican state, putting a $2 billion industry at risk. (news link here: Avocado Article)

Now, you might be wondering, "What does this have to do with me?" Well, my friends, it's a slippery slope. If avocados aren't safe…nothing is safe.

Think about it…if gangs are willing to risk it all for avocados, what's stopping them from targeting other sources of joy in our lives? Your morning coffee, your favorite craft beer, even your beloved pet hamster could be next on their list.

Okay, okay, I might be getting a little carried away here, but the point is that we need to be vigilant. We can't just sit back and assume that our happy avocados will always be there for us.

And that’s the point (or at least the point I’m trying to make).

If we let our source of happiness reside outside of ourselves: in our jobs, our bank account, our friends or family, our favorite Mexican fruit…we run the risk of “externalizing happiness.”

When we do this, we place our happiness at the mercy of external forces, forces as unpredictable and dangerous as avocado-hungry, gun-slinging gangs

I fully understand that life feels a whole heck of a lot better and happier when everything is wonderful — when our bank accounts are overflowing, when everyone loves and appreciates us, when we are closing deals left and right, getting promoted, and our guacamole never turns brown!

True happiness lies within, not in the fickle world of avocados and drug cartels.

If the avocado isn't safe, nothing is safe.

Stay vigilant, my friends, and keep a watchful eye on the sources of your happiness. 🙂