While moving overseas can seem overwhelming at first, there really are no downsides. The experience is always worth it. Your eyes are opened, you gain a larger perspective, maybe gain a little more wisdom.
Minimalism is a path to freedom.
A recently released poll claimed to show that 4 out of 10 Americans have a negative view of China, and view China as an enemy. Well, wait a minute now. Here’s a list of things (off the top of my head) that China did NOT do to us here in the US, to make us so mad at them!
So let's try to wrap our brains around this. We're giving Israel bombs and funds they need to continue the slaughter in Gaza. And then we're asking, please, do you mind if we build a pier, so a few trucks with aid can be brought in?
One of the things I love about working a seasonal job: you can set up your year, so that you work for about 6 months or so, and take the other half of the year off. This can be a new way to find great freedom in this life.
It has been a great 20+ years since I tossed my TV into the dumpster. Come and join me in this new space of liberation and sanity! :)
China must stop bringing so many people out of poverty, it’s really not fair, and creates pressure on other countries of the world to have to do the same. "Stop doing everything so well, you are leaving the rest of us in the dust! It's not a good example for the world."
It's a beautiful day to hike the Bright Angel Trail—calm, with just a gentle breeze. Occasionally, a raven careens overhead, riding the wind drafts. A mountain bluebird flits between tree branches, clinging to the side of the South Rim. Care to join me?
I don't think I've ever seen one positive article about China from the U.S. media. They are always doing their best to slander China, to manipulate the American mind into accepting China as an enemy. So, as someone who has spent a few years in China, how about discussing a few positives today?
If you are looking for online work, and something you can do based in any location, teaching ESL can be an OK option. However, like anything, it's far from perfect, and there are some huge downsides. I recommend finding other kinds of remote work.
This is a chance for all of us to see that the Congress, Senate, the President, are not needed. We will be just fine without them. Go away, take a long vacation! Ba-bye! "No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the congress is in session" - Mark Twain (Note: This is a humor article).
Starting a new political humor series here. If you are a fan of The Onion, Gerald Celente, Jimmy Dore, Morris Berman, you might enjoy these. An episode of the Lizard Chronicles. No offense to lizards, who are amazing creatures and who are not destroying the country and the planet.
People have told me Zion is their favorite national park. It might be my favorite too, and it's in the running to be the most beautiful. Here are eight reasons why I recommend you spend a season working and living in the park.
It has been a journey of about 2 and a half years for me, growing a walking tour (and sometimes wildlife clips) channel. I will share here what I've learned, and the keys to growing your Youtube channel.
Humpback whales, black bears, glaciers, snowy peaks, moss-covered forests, king crab, salmon, and native Alaskan art are just a few of the things you can experience in Juneau that make the place a one-of-a-kind destination.
Malatang is an absolute must-try dish if you are visiting China.
The problems of the United States are self-inflicted. The country is in sad shape in many areas. Most current leaders keep ignoring these important issues that determine a country's quality of life.
The rising cost of living has made life unaffordable for many people in the U.S. More than 50% of Americans do not have $1000 saved for an emergency. Many people are deep in debt, and living off credit cards. Is there a way to escape this debt trap cycle? And still have a great life in the process?
How the rabbits came to live in the far northern town of Valdez is a mystery. There are stories people tell, but there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer.
Here's what I would recommend as the top things to do and see at Yellowstone National Park. If you have visited the park and have other recommendations, let me know!
Where have all the employees gone? As the current trends of high cost of living and unaffordable housing continue, are more people simply opting out of the traditional 9-5 system?
Living in northern Arizona and working at the Grand Canyon allowed me several unique wildlife sightings, like walking out of my home one morning to wild horses grazing.
We know a high stress level has negative consequences for our health. Yet we keep allowing ourselves to worry, to nourish and feed those runaway thoughts. Perhaps we can counter with a different approach. Here's how to change how we react to these amped-up feelings of pressure and stress.
Why is it so fascinating to hear about death in a beautiful place that attracts nature lovers worldwide?
The winters have changed since I was a kid. I remember we used to get heavy snowfalls regularly. These days, the snowfalls seem much less frequent. We still have long stretches of bitter cold here in Minnesota, as the blast of arctic air sweeps down from Canada.
If you are looking for good Italian food near the Grand Canyon, check out We Cook Pizza and Pasta, in Tusayan, Arizona.
It's coming soon to a hotel near you. Maybe in a few years down the road, maybe sooner. The final frontier, the brave new world of hospitality. You cross the entrance and the doors slide open. You enter the lobby, and stroll to the front desk to check in. Perhaps you are greeted, but not by a human
How can we arrive at the goal of personal freedom? One way is to have lots of money. But many of us get caught on the hamster wheel of a wage job. This takes a toll on our mental and physical health. There is another way, and this is much more easily obtainable. It is to have less.
If you love the outdoors, fascinating geographical phenomena, and lots of wildlife, you must visit Yellowstone. The variety of animals you'll see in their native habitat is likely unmatched anywhere else.
It is great to visit the North Shore any time of year, and each season offers something unique, but without a doubt there is something magical about Autumn in the far north.
If you would like to visit the Grand Canyon, but want to avoid the huge summer crowds, there is no better time to go. Visitors to the park are way down compared to previous years, and the busy season has ended.
In northern Arizona, there is a massive crater left by a meteor about 50,000 years ago. It is a must-see place if you are traveling through the region.
Are there cities/places you fell in love with before ever traveling to? Places that you just had a gut feeling were right for you?
Walking every day is a great way to stay fit, active, and to feel inspired. It has positive benefits for your physical and mental health. It is a time-out to refresh your mind and spirit, and perhaps mull over ideas and projects.
If you want to discover hidden gems in Wisconsin, then visit La Crosse. The relaxed vibe, historic charm, and access to nature make this a great place to visit.
What could be better than having your own business/being your own boss?
Teaching English in South Korea and China is a great way to save money and have healthcare and a nice apartment provided. The surplus money and benefits will allow you to truly enjoy your experience and adventure.
The cost of living, and rent, in particular, has gotten absurd. Seasonal work offers an alternative to these soaring, unaffordable costs.
In the Kaibab Forest, near Grand Canyon National Park, there are wild horses roaming free once again. Where did they come from? Have they always been here?
Zion is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parks in the country. To really see the park in all its glory, you have to go hiking since some of the most scenic and majestic places are tucked away, and can only be reached by trail.
Drawing mandalas is a great way to relax and de-stress. If you're thinking of taking up sketching again, creating mandalas can be a fun and low-pressure way to get back into it. Reclaim the joy of creating that you possessed as a kid.
Many people come to the park on the spur of the moment. They drive here just having the day to see as much as possible or even just a few hours. The structure of the park is such that you can really see a lot in a day.
In the strange, enchanting desert landscape of Southern Arizona, giant cacti rise from the ground, cover hills and valleys, and mix with red rock canyons to create an otherworldly ambiance.
True wellness, good health, and work-life balance cannot really co-exist with a 40-plus-hour workweek.
A Speech by an Imaginary Presidential Candidate
When things go south…Disasters can happen spontaneously, and can unfold within moments. What truly matters is the recovery. A few tips to keep your trip from becoming FUBAR, like mine.
If you find yourself in Flagstaff, AZ, and are craving Korean food, I recommend going to either KoKiYo or Na D Li BBQ. There is no doubt you will leave happy.
Having been a fan and loving her artwork for many years, I was thrilled to visit La Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's house in Mexico City.
Today I thought I would share my plans for this year. I'm excited as this is the year I'm taking the ultimate leap, scheduling a huge chunk of time off to work on being self-employed. Sharing these thoughts in the hopes that it might inspire someone else as well.
Many people agree the U.S rental market is overinflated. More and more, as rent increases, people can't afford to live. If you are considering living abroad for a period of time, the amenities offered when renting an apartment really open up, and you will save money.
Are you an introvert as well who loves solitude? Many of our jobs require us to be extroverts, to keep society functioning. The time that we do have for solitude is to be treasured!
Teaching English online is a flexible and fun way to make extra income, or shift into working remotely full-time from home.
Are you looking for the perfect place to get out and do some walking/hiking this year? Look no further than the Kaibab National Forest in Grand Canyon National Park. This is a fun and relaxing hike, a great place to escape the crowds and lose yourself among the majestic ponderosa pines.
With the pressure of high rents these days, it might be time to consider other options. Many people are downsizing, building tiny homes, etc. Seasonal work offers another option to avoid the trap of high rent, and have more money and time to build the kind of life you truly want to be living.
Are you more of a nomad, or a stay-in-one-place-for-the-long-haul kind of person? I've always loved travel and consider myself more of a nomad. But there is always a push and pull of these opposing forces within each of us as well.
Too much stress is a poison for the body – and our society specializes in creating an overload of stress for many of us. It could be the perfect time to try meditation, to help calm the sense of anxiety and find some balance in these strange and uncertain times.
Walking is something you can always do, almost anywhere you are. The fresh air and exercise will always do you good. I walk year-round, in below zero temps and in snowstorms, in the rain as well as the hot summer sun. In all seasons of the year, walking is a constant wellspring of inspiration.
Hiking Huang Shan (Yellow Mountain) in Eastern China in August 2019, we were enveloped in fog and mist during the entire trip. Though we missed the wide-open vistas the mountain is famous for, it was made up for by the special ambiance created by the ever-shifting fog.
Could you live off $1000/month or less? Perhaps you would only need to work a part-time job to pay all of your bills. Just think of the freedom this would create. With this treasure trove of new time you will have, you can begin doing more of the things you love.