Looking around at the 18 horses, one mule, and six goats, you would hardly know that most of these animals were struggling for life at one time or another. Whether Izzy, the blind horse, Fiona, who was saved from a trip to the slaughterhouse, or Cassidy, who is crippled and needs surgery to repair years…
You never forget your first love. It may be decades later, but you can still hear the sound of their laughter in the echoes of the night. You remember the addictive taste of their lips and the feel of their skin on yours. When you looked into their eyes, you were captivated as if under…
I just returned from a six-month road trip across America during the pandemic. With my life plan dissolved and my dreams shattered, I had to find something productive to do with my time. Yes, we had orders to “Stay Home and Stay Safe,” but I knew I would never make it at home alone with…
A week ago, when I set out on this six-month road trip, I envisioned discovering new places, hiking across the United States, and exploring hidden gems in small-town America. Unfortunately, the first week of my journey hasn’t gone as planned. I’m reminded once again that it’s the journey that matters, not the destination. Sure, I’ve…
When I tell people I’m leaving for a 2,500-mile solo motorcycle ride in the middle of a pandemic, I get a host of responses. Some people say I’m brave, and others think I’m crazy. I’ve never been one to care much about what other people think, but I want to share my story in the…
One of the most significant rites of passage for any U.S. high school senior is graduation and all of the events surrounding it. I fondly remember my senior breakfast and being handed my diploma up on stage. I remember standing next to my parents and having our photo taken with my honor cords draped around…
Do you feel like we’re living inside of a science fiction novel? Every day there is more bad news, and let’s face it, our society loves bad news. We seem to thrive on drama, even though it’s toxic to our minds and bodies. You are not alone if you feel like this might be the…
When I was a young girl, I dreamed of being an international best-selling author or a famous broadcast journalist. I wanted to be the next Joan London. Now, decades later, I’m a struggling writer trying my hardest to make a living as a freelance content writer and self-publisher. I teach yoga, provide in-home dog care,…
Next month, I’ll be staying in beautiful El Paredon, Guatemala, for free in exchange for teaching yoga to surfers at a hostel on the beach. I’ve also received free yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India and paid nothing for ten days of accommodations in Lucca, Italy, where I saw the Rolling Stones perform live. I even got certified in yoga for free! People ask me all the time how I manage to get these kind of gigs. Surprisingly, it’s not that hard. Here is information on how to use work exchange programs to travel the world almost free.
We all have our unique talents. Perhaps you’re an outstanding cook, have a glorious singing voice, are a skilled videographer, or can teach English. Whatever your abilities, there are probably people around the world that are willing to host you in their home or resort in exchange for your talents. Some hosts will provide food and accommodations, and some might even toss in a small stipend. Each situation is as unique as your skill set.
Recently, I posted an article about how to learn yoga and was personally attacked for suggesting that videos and books are an option. I agree they aren’t the best option. The ideal way to learn yoga is from a certified yoga instructor in person. Still, I’ll get comments asking me why an instructor needs to be certified if they’ve been teaching for over a decade and are adequately trained. It seems like someone is always picking a fight.
I also posted about the medical benefits of CBD oil, and someone started trying to argue about all the different manufacturing processes and which company is superior. It seems everyone in America has strong opinions and feels it is necessary always to share those opinions with others. I’ve traveled to over 33 countries and found that the need to argue every little point is, for the most part, an American phenomenon. Yes, people share differences of opinion worldwide, but generally in a much kinder manner. So, what is up with America’s obsession with arguing?