#73 - Experience Fresh

When was the last time you tried something new? I hope every week! As there are still many practical processes and simply a lot of fun to follow up.

This week I want to emphasize that doing something new - every day - brings this wonderful feeling of being alive.

I purposely bring this topic after all of those months. Most likely you are good with your everyday routines, or at least you thrive to become a better version of yourself each day. If not do your homework and come back to previous months :)

This week I would like to give you some more ideas on leaving your safe shell to invite the completely unexpected to your life. From time to time it's important to summon a bit of uncertainty. (Beyond all of these fixed routines)

It's impossible (at least for now) to predict all the possibilities which might occur to you. All the good, and all the bad.

However, if you have a mind program "Whatever happens, happens for good", "I trust God/Universe", "I am safe and secure in this Universum", - no matter what will happen, you will attract wisdom to your and other people's lives. You will "come away unscathed from anything" and grow on every "good" or "bad" that would occur.

"Life isn't good or bad, it just is" - this philosophical sentence we will leave for some other time.

Time to reach for a new deck of cards, as you might use all old ones already.

Sometimes our lives become boring and there might be a lack of fresh feeling of this new. It's like with taking regular vacations, you need them to rejuvenate. You need to try new things in order to bring more fuel to your creative powers. Something new which will bring some unexpectant and open for new opportunities.

Penicillin, The Microwave, Teflon, Radioactivity, Viagra are only a few of the great accidental discoveries. Who knows what is waiting there for you...

Many of us are watching all those energetic Youtube videos about traveling, trying new things, discovering new cultures. But not many of us want it with the whole being to actually do it, if you would do - you will make it happen.

(Maybe only watching is your thing, that's also fine)

However to live life to its fullest let yourself experience new.

Doing new has a great impact on the brain, which is forced to intensively process new data, and bring this sharpness to your experience, making it memorable. On top of that dopamine, injection is guaranteed! (the positive one)

You don't have time for all of this? You are busy with all your responsibilities? Remember? Shift your mind to looking for solutions, not excuses!

A lot of things can take only a brief moment and don't have to be far from your current reach. What is your NO? What is the mind program that stops you from experiencing? There might be more than one program, so write them all down and work them one by one. Observe it and find a way to embrace it.

Do things you would never think that you would do. It will open up life in amazing ways. Risk is minimal and reward is almost instant.

Become YESMAN and say Yes! for the new. Who knows, maybe it will turn out that something completely unexpected will happen that would have a great impact on your self-development?

Look back into your Bucket List, refresh it and add small things which you can do every day.

We will switch the perspective, as often Dream Board and Bucket List contain things that are far from you.

Small, probably even non-essential things can bring new emotions and generate a new popup in your head. Like adding a pinch of a new spice to a meal, getting a new haircut, talking a different path to work than usual. Because it's a fact that we humans, we get used to something very quickly, just like a brand new car you bought won't keep you excited/happy like the moment when you bought it, you would just get used to it.

Now we will focus on doing something small but new every day. It might include trying new cuisine, starting a new hobby, visiting a city close to yours, going by scooter instead of a bike, brushing your teeth with your left hand instead of right, listening to a completely different music genre. Be creative my dear :)

Challenge yourself - do at least one new thing every day for a whole month! Create a list of things you have never done and start from the simplest thing, or go full in and start from the thing which causes you the biggest discomfort.

One of the little-known personal characteristics is "proactive personality".

It's very useful, as it leads to new opportunities both in the personal and business aspects of life.

Proactive behaviour refers to self-initiated behaviour which tries to solve a problem before it has occurred. It's about acting in advance rather than reacting. Taking control of a situation and making changes in an early stage, rather than waiting for something to happen.

How to become more proactive:

• Expand perspective into the future. As you will think more in a long-term perspective, on what possibly can happen, that's a great way to find the direction of proactive behaviour.

• Be responsible for your own happiness and success. What can I do today to make my tomorrow better?

• Think big picture. Follow your ultimate goal, and actively look for ways to make it happen.

• Scan through scenarios. When you make a proactive plan, consider as many potential scenarios as possible. That will build self-confidence and greatly improve the chances of proactive behaviour.

• Do it. Get in the habit of actively dreaming big and moving your arse more. Keep that in mind and do it.

Most likely you know what comfort zone is, and you constantly through course went far beyond it. Still don't get into the trap of thinking that you made enough progress to stop, as that only invites stagnation which equals to less happiness.

Let life flow... Constant change, evolution, the process of learning, a development. Life is at its essence, accepting the fact that it's life. Working against it only decreases life satisfaction.

It's often that you start a new job (hopefully) with a fresh mind, full of curiosity. After months or years passing, it all starts to fade away (if you don't work with a passion). It refers also to others spheres of life. How romantic it gets after few weeks of separation from your partner. Funny, how our brain works.

Once you will discover the inner will to make constant improvements in your life, it brings life satisfaction on another level.

Be a little bit crazy, make things you only dare to fantasize about!

During my journey, I came across the topic of Magic. It was interesting for me back in the days, so I decided to go through many different cultures to discover their magical practices. Possibly even a culture where you are coming from has some occulted roots.

I was looking for some practical ways to implement some of the "supernatural" knowledge into everyday life. What I found out is that many authors claimed "effective" rituals had one thing in common.

They were about creating a strong emotional charge, afterwards of that was directed into the materialization of some desirable effect. Simple. You do all those things around to ruffle the energy (emotions) within you to direct it with intention of something.

Okay, but how does it apply to doing new things?

When you experience the freshness, there is generated a powerful charge of positive emotions, excitement, and joy is connected with a strong presence in the current moment.

It is a perfect time to make a wish! Your subconscious mind will receive sharp instruction to direct itself into desirable effect.

Try it out ;) whenever you do something new - It is a perfect time to make a wish!

Stop being so serious about life, you rusty one! It's time to make a connection with your inner child! Time to bring more childish vibration and excitement into life.

In fact, everyone has an inner child. It's often a direct representation of yourself in the early years.

Becoming aware of your inner child will help you to strengthen the connection with joy, curiosity towards life, freedom, and expand your vast imagination. Good relation with your inner child is crucial to experience new and unexpected.

Some of us need not only to strengthen bonds, but it's crucial to give enough attention to this part of us. It's time to say hello, and notice if this part needs to be healed.

If possible, your childhood is not associated with playfulness, fun, and love. Possibly experienced emotional pain, trauma, or neglect, then the inner child might be terrified, lonely, helpless, crying somewhere deep there. It's often that pain is buried deep to protect yourself and to let move forward. It's, however, still affecting your adulthood anyway, as hiding pain doesn't make it dissolve.

Adulthood carries plenty of responsibilities, but playfulness and relaxation are essential components for emotional health.

Getting back in touch with a playful side and making some time for fun can help what you were missing as a child. Let yourself experience small everyday pleasures. Regularly do things that can help rekindle the positive emotions of youth.

I also recorded for you a guided session that will let you dive deep into subconsciousness called Inner Child Healing Process.

When you consider doing something new, especially if it comes deepening connection with your inner child - please, look for a local group of Laughter Yoga!

It definitely helps:

• to discharge some of the everyday stress;

• let you learn how to laugh from difficult circumstances and life challenges;

• bring joyfulness and more happiness to one's life;

• deepen the connection with your inner child;

• reduce stress;

• increase immune system;

• it promotes positivity and optimism;

and much more!

It's interesting as even an intentional laugh provides equal benefits as spontaneous!

There are many types of research that confirm the effectiveness of laughing.

It's a quite popular movement also very contagious! Group sessions (as often is in groups) involve series of movements, breathing, clapping, chanting, and much more to promote deliberate laughter.

It might seem silly at first, these exercises are to remove internal judgment.

Be open and keep on trying ;) You will have so much fun if you let go!

Maybe on your list is service to others? Become an example to others.

Whenever we’re able to step out of our own suffering enough to help someone else, we automatically become filled with joy. Even if all we can do is spend an hour a week, that one hour can really help us connect with our inherent goodness.

This course is a type of service to others. As well as all this content around the brand of MySpiritWay. There is an inner calling, after when you experience feeling of enough.

Understanding that we are all living in an interconnected ecosystem, on one earth, influencing one another. Or like some in some cultures used to say "We are all brothers and sisters", "Children of God", "We are all one", "Everything is connected" and so on. These deep sentences have great importance. Every decision matters as you already know.

It’s time to water this flower of life even more.

Service gives life meaning and purpose. It’s unbelievable to feel this love from people you helped and change life for the better. It’s actually good also for your financial wealth. The more you give, the more you will get, you can invest in this circle.

Studies show that:

• Helping others enhance happiness;

• Increases life satisfaction;

• Provides a sense of meaning to one's life;

• Increase the feeling of competence;

• Improves mood;

• Reduces stress;

• Fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety;

• Improve self-esteem;

• Reduction of anti-social behaviours;

• Increased educational achievement;

• It's a great place to find a life partner;

• Communicate, get to know new people and make friends;

Service and kindness which come out are like the glue that connects the happiness of individuals with other people's. It gives you this warm feeling of belonging.

Kindness fortunately is contagious and it inspires others to do the same. It leads to a virtuous circle, the more you give, the happier you are, and more you want to give.

Service is a key to creating a happier local community and, hopefully, the world. We can do it only together!

Ideas of service:

• Put love in what to do, your passion. Inspire others, show them that they also can do what they love;

• Giving to others can be as simple as a single kind word, smile, or thoughtful gesture. It can include giving time, care, skills, thought, or attention. Sometimes these mean as much, if not more, than financial gifts;

• Offer money to organizations or individuals with transparent aims and results. You must know what and where your money is actually spent on;

• Donate blood. Safe blood saves lives. There is always a need for more;

• Mentor students;

• Read to underserved kids;

• Engage in cleaning initiatives;

• Walk with shelter dogs;

• Travel as a Volunteer;

• Spend disinterestedly money on others, get a good tea for a co-worker, buy flowers for your partner;

Look for opportunities in;

• local libraries;

• community centres;

• internet - look for websites, Facebook groups;

• religious places like churches or temples;

Volunteer, you are actually helping yourself.

Maybe service will be your part of the daily routine? Scheduling is a great way to let yourself be free of excuses.

One of the best ways to develop as a person is to travel. It's easy to do new things every day this way, so maybe that's how to complete the monthly challenge?

The common dream of many people is to travel, however not everybody actually wants it strong enough to make it. We are often full of NO if it comes to it. I will share with you hints on how you can overcome it, as it's very much worth it.

Why do you travel?

• Provide with new experiences and the feeling which accompany them.

• Discover new cultures, try new flavours. Authentic food tastes much better in home countries.

• Great way to deepen the connection with your beloved ones.

• Gaining a new sense of perspective and see your own life from a different angle. That helps to learn who you are.

• You will develop new skills and learn new languages. Communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and many others.

• Mind opening. Especially if you have plenty of time to spend in a different countries it can shatter any preconceived ideas you might have before. Beyond stereotypical thinking.

• Making new memories that are worth coming back to. It makes your life more interesting.

• Interesting as often traveling makes you love your home even more. Especially after a long time of absence, often heart might be longing sweet home. You come back, to the same place, but you are not the same anymore.

• The most important part of each adventure is the people you meet on the way. Possibly you will even meet your love, or meet a lifelong friend.

Most likely it's possible to write long pages about other "Why to travel" reasons, but it's much nicer to experience it on your own skin.

How to afford traveling?

• If your excuses are that you don't have money to travel, first think next time if you want to spend 1300$ on the new phone, instead of spending it on experiences.

• Make a travel budget (How much money do I need? How long it will realistically take to save up? How much money do I need to save each month in order to accomplish the goal? - calculate everything) and save up money.

• If you live in a country where pay little salaries, is it possible to work your ass off in another place to save up as much as possible?

• Wait for a good offer! Do your research, would you believe that it's possible to find flights even for 19.90€? Last minute is one of the ways.

• Plan before an expedition. It pays to plan especially a few months before the trip. Maybe it's not as spontaneous, but knowing where it's affordable to stay and eat will save you a lot of money.

• Look for free things to do. :) Being friendly pays bills, and let you find open-minded locals, hiking, free walking tours, free events and plenty more.

• Travel more often for shorter periods of time. Instead of saving a lot of money for 2 - 4 weeks trip, travel more frequently for a shorter period of time.

• Find out when tickets are the most expensive, look for an off-season travel calendar.

How to afford traveling?

• Minimalistic lifestyle. You already know how to make things work. Be frugal.

• Work on your mindset. Traveling is easier than you think.

• Check on Youtube "How to travel the world with no money". You will be surprised that not difficult for one who wants it.

• Maybe your job offers remote work? Worth asking ;)

• What about a house swap? Or housesitting? There are websites that can help you connect with others.

• Limit expenses during the travel. Look for local coupons and find out where locals eat and spend their time. That's the way to travel even further.

• Look for legit Airbnb, or cheap but good opinion hotels.

• It might be more affordable to buy a local SIM card or maybe look for some APP. Look for a global SIM card. Compare prices.

• Calculate if it's worth applying for airline miles, loyalty options, and other discounts. Credit cards might offer special benefits - check them out.

• Start small. One day trip in your area might be a good start. If you want to travel - travel!

• Travel where your money is worth much more.

• When buying on the local market, compare prices, and dare to negotiate.

• If you really want to travel - you will find the way. Who knows, maybe you will fall in love with traveling and become a full-time traveler?

• Interesting fact. Did you know that it's possible to find a monthly rail pass to travel around Europe? There are similar options for all around the world plane ticket.

How to travel safely?

• Most of the unpleasant situations can possibly happen when you are drunk or under drug influence. Be especially aware in pubs to avoid sedative drugs that might be slipped into your drinks. Always carry a drink with you.

• Stay in a safe zone during the night.

• Do NOT go exploring during night hours, or isolated places. Try to minimise the risks, so don't go out at dark hours, or alone in a rural streets etc.

• Keep travel plans private. You never know with whom you are sharing your details. It's okay to be friendly towards strangers but always keep limited trust.

• TRUST your GUTS. Always listen to your inner voice, if you don't like someone, and you think you are being stereotypical towards people, pay attention to details and listen to words they use, or gestures, be extra cautious if you get a "bad feeling". Better to be safe, than sorry in order to be polite to strangers.

• If possible travel in a group. However, there are many solo traveling women examples who travel safely. Look at the Youtube.

• Write down the emergency numbers in a place you are visiting beforehand, so you have it in any situation when you need.

• Avoid local conflicts.

• Do not try to be a hero in an unknown place. Observe your surroundings.

• Keep a photocopy of your documents in a safe place.

• It's good to have a few compartments for your valuable items.

• Always keep your things tight and wear your backpack in front of you, wear a kidney purse and put its belt into belt loops. That will secure you a bit more.

• If possible try to rely more on debit cards, with a certain amount on them. You can always top up the balance through the phone. You just risk a part of your money.

• Ask hotel manager for safe and unsafe areas in the city.

• Be aware of travel scams! Be assertive, learn to say NO.

• If you are inexperienced travel you might go for a guided tour.

• Don't be so obvious that you are a tourist. Try to blend in with locals. The great way is to wear clothes like locals.

• Consider carrying a dummy wallet, if being assaulted hand over the dummy wallet.

• Don't wear expensive jewellery as it attracts unnecessary attention.

• Don't share taxis with strangers.

• Get good travel insurance. You really don't want to pay bills for medical care yourself.

How to avoid scams:

Watch some videos on Youtube, there are plenty of nasty techniques just to snatch the money away from you. After when you will see some recorded examples is easier to stay aware.

• Be strong and decisive. Learn to directly say NO. Serious face is a key. The weaker you get, the easier it gets to catch you.

• Learn to connect the dots. If something weird and unusual is happening and then it leads to a saviour from nowhere. There is a chance that you are just about to be scammed. Ketchup or animal faeces being thrown on travellers and help to clean your shirt, or shoe and your money.

• Counterfeit Change Money. Taxi and some restaurants. When you pay with a bigger bill, employees claim that your bill is fake, and they will ask you for a different one. The best is to carry small bills and familiarise yourself with the country currency. If you will possibly get scammed is best to offer to call the police and to observe potential scammer reaction.

• It might be cheaper to rent places locally, but you are risking a possible scam. If somebody asks you to deposit money online, you risk getting scammed. It's much better to rent through trusted websites that keep you safe in case of fraud. It cost a little bit more, as you pay for service, but might grant you safety.

• Always - everywhere - count your change, and check on receipts. Sometimes you might be added extra unwanted goods or missing money. A currency converter is pretty handy.

• Fake officials. They ask about your documents and ask bribes to get them back. The best way is to ask them that you will be more than happy to show documents in the nearest police station.

• Wrong transportation class scam. Some official-looking guy is asking for documents and tickets, after a moment he says that you are in the wrong class, but it's possible to pay a little bit extra for the upgrade fee. To avoid it you need to know about the cost of a potential upgrade when buying a ticket. Officials never charge more money than it's needed. It's usually a fixed fare.

• Bus. Always keep your belongings tight to you. Don't trust helpful strangers.

• Don't get phished by "friendly local". It's fine to talk, but if they ask to come with them it's not the best choice.

• It's closed today. Scammers will tell you that is closed even before you will have a chance to see for yourself. They will be so kind and willing to show you different attractions for which they get their piece. Even if they are persistent, go and look for yourself.

• Always double-check what you have purchased before walking away.

• Bracelet, braids donation scam. They put some cheap stuff on you and ask for donations. Typical old trick.

• READ information on theft.

How to avoid scams:

• Be aware of what you are signing. When you rent a car, doing tax-free be extra mindful as you might be fraud really anywhere.

• Donation scams. Nasty ones. They claim to collect money for some honourable goal, but in the end, taking money for themselves... If you want to help some organization look for a very transparent one.

• Poor children. There are many known cases where children are harmed and forced just to collect more money. This procedure will keep on taking place as long as money will flow to their pockets. If you want to give, find a transparent charity.

• Fake taxi. There are so many ways they can scam you. Starting from driving around, claiming that they have broken meter or they forgot to turn it on, driving you somewhere else. Negotiate the price before entering or ask for approximate cost. Take official taxis and pay a little bit more for safety. It's best to order straight from the agency. Keep the GPS tracking the road.

• Money exchange or even ATMs can be a potential place to get scammed. Be mindful of additional fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Special skimmer devices might be installed to copy your debit card. Another ATM scam is that because sticky or plastic slip inside the slot your card will get stuck inside and some wonderful person will come to save you - asking for money in exchange. If you will end up losing your card - cancel it immediately. Hopefully, I don't have to tell you to keep your PIN private.

• Lock-on your car. Placing a physical lock on your car handle. Some good “Good Samaritan” will offer you an expensive way to get rid of it. Nasty especially if you are in a rush. Call the police.

• Pick-pocked theft. Bump and grab. Old metro trick. Keep your valuables in many places. Never keep your wallet in your back pocket. Never leave your bag. The best way is to keep a kidney purse hidden in the front and a backpack on your chest. Avoid busy places and if you are surrounded by people keep your eyes open.

• Watch out for pickpocket signs. Be aware especially in these places, as this is a perfect spot for actual thefts to find out where you keep your goods. People seeing this sign, immediately reach their pocket out of habit.

• Fake souvenirs. It's quite easy to get scammed on "authentic local" souvenirs. If you really like something, the simplest way is to negotiate a price to at least save some money.

• Stolen phones or cameras. Never let anyone else carry your camera to take a photo. The simplest way to lose it.

• Fake Wi-Fi check. Hardcore, but you give hackers access to your data and money. Always look for official WiFi hubs.

And dozens of other ways how you potentially can get scammed.

Different ways of traveling.

There are so many different ways how you can travel if it comes to transportation, accommodation, and time you spend in each of the places. It's good to try them all and find out what is your favourite type.

• Hitchhiking wanderer. Most likely one of the cheapest ways to go, especially if you are a type of backpacker with a tent and sleeping bag. You don't pay for the most costly things like accommodation and transportation.

• Digital nomad. There are definitely different types of travelers in this group. Let's generalise, you need a stable internet connection. So usually it means working remotely from cafes or co-working spaces. Living in some place for a bit longer period of time is rather desirable. Sightseeing usually in the spare time.

• Slow Traveler. If you can afford it. That's one of the nicest ways to go. It lets you really immerse into the culture and, who knows, maybe make some life-lasting friendships?

• All-inclusive. It's always nice to not need to think about cooking, making the bed, washing clothes nor dishes. Massages, some fitness activity, drinks, and deep relaxation.

• Work away. Volunteering, or getting paid in another country for some time (weeks or months) and then spending all, if not, of the money for traveling around.

• Camper type of guy. Transform your car into a camper or go full in and purchase a nice home on the wheels. It has some limitations, but it's much more comfortable than sleeping in a tent.

• Short time. It's possible to find affordable flights for 3-4 nights. It's a nice, dynamic break from everyday life.

• Two-wheeler. There are plenty of options, small engine scooter, electric bike, motorcycle - quite convenient.

• Solo. Especially if combined with hitchhiking can transform your life.

• Group. This feeling of security, and if traveling in a big group you might share some costs, for example, taxi.

What is your favourite way?

Flights:

• Travel more often, and for shorter periods of time. There are often great deals available for trips which are short period oriented like 3-4 nights.

• Flexibility pays. Set up price alerts.

• Go through flight search.

• Calculate if airline membership is good for you.

• Consider flying with a backpack. Share registered luggage.

Deals:

• Look for last-minute websites.

• Look for deals for more people. More people, the better split cost for apartments, rides.

• Look after the season. It's still warm, and prices are lower. Fewer tickets are sold for certain flights, tickets are cheaper.

Accommodation:

• Youth hostels - you can find very cheap accommodations. In some places even rooms with separate bathrooms!

• Airbnb - great for keeping minimum paperwork. Don't send money to a private account to avoid getting scammed.

• Booking.com - look for higher opinions and minimum 10-15 ratings. Book through the website.

While you are there:

• Look for local deals. Websites like Groupon can be full of great discounts, from food to free time, or even accommodation. There can be a local apps as well. Eat and spend time like locals.

• Share a ride. Look for shared-ride services. Choose trusted drivers.

• Look for a local provider of Uber. In some countries, they have special Facebook groups, where you can ask for the driver.

Hacks and Tips:

• Do check in few hours before departure, you can get the best seats that are available.

• Pack like a minimalist. It's very convenient to travel only with a high-quality hiking backpack. You can buy almost anything anywhere in the world, so no need too much.

Before you go:

• Check the passport expiration date and check if you have enough pages. Take into count processing time.

• Check if you need vaccinations if you travel to some exotic parts of the world.

• Check on visa requirements.

• Get Google maps offline and other information, tickets which you might need. Some of them print out if that's the requirement to keep it in the paper version.

• If you depend on medications, make sure to take enough or even a little more with you.

• If you plan to drive a car. Check on an international driving permit. Make sure if your travel destination will allow you to drive.

• Consider purchasing travel insurance.

• Check on special events that are going on in the place of your destination.

• You might like to learn a couple of local phrases.

• Make sure to pay your bills, check on expiration dates on your cards as well (if your bank has this layer of security) inform it where and when you going to travel so you won't get your cards frozen.

• Make sure to bring some local currency. Make sure to take different bills, to not need to exchange for smaller ones too much. Some places accept cards some don't.

• Confirm carry-on and check-in luggage restrictions. Different airlines have different restrictions. Interestingly they might also differ within the same one. Check updated information.

• Make sure to check on adapters for electricity sockets.

Today we talked about another life-changing practical process.

Join the challenge "Do something new every day" and share your experiences on the Facebook group.

Meet your inner child and deepen the connection with curiosity, joyfulness, and will to live, explore and learn.

Remember to try Laughter Yoga and connect with others while laughing your ass off. Dare to travel and explore!

Getting out of a comfort "safe" zone and being open to new opportunities, getting to know other unknown things is important on the path towards self-improvement.

Experience life as it is and let yourself get surprised.

Have fun!