Quote: (12-21-2013 07:25 PM)JayMillz Wrote:
Quote: (12-21-2013 12:38 PM)kavakid Wrote:
Truth is that its a state of mind and a lifestyle, rather than a physical place.
Trading the North American rat race and the associated, endless chase for the newest toy - for a life of peace, tranquility and gorgeous weather in a country filled with happy people whose passion for life transcends their everyday poverty can only help. Put that with getting much more bang for your buck and being in an environment more conducive to a healthy lifestyle - and this doesn't even address the numerous opportunities that we would all enjoy when it comes to chics, if you pick the right location - sometimes physically putting yourself in a good place, perhaps a needed change, enhances everything else.
In developing countries the "rat race" exists just as much. Except they are chasing enough food to eat and a roof over their head. I don't think people are neccesarily happier either. In DR for example, those that have a job work 6 days a week, often 10 or more hours a day. People don't seem happier. In fact, they often seem miserable about their pathetic pay. But at least almost no one is lonely like in the US. But part of that is because most of them don't have their own room to themselves.
In the US its possible to have peace and tranquility if you make the effort. In the DR, earning $7.25 an hour is a damn good middle class job. You can earn that in a "peaceful" rural town in the US (I have done it) and be pretty chill.
Well, speaking as someone who actually has years of experience living a very simple lifestyle (1 year living in organic farming hostels in Hawaii, 1 year of same in Spain, 1 year of same in California, various amounts of time in other states, 1 year in latin countries (mexico and DR) let me say that having modest expecations actually INCREASES your results and success rate.
In my experience, the people who do something because it is who they are (or strive to be) usually get what they desire. (versus the ones who do it because they think it will fix them and their life, without them putting in any work). In other words thinking moving to a new place is like taking a pill, effortless. Its not.
All I am saying is that you can change your life this exact moment. Then any lifestyle change is an extension of your new attitude. This will lead many people to travel and change their physical location. But its part of a complete package.
Traveling to another country for a few weeks is one thing. Actually living there and dealing with a whole new set of problems is the reality. Does that mean its not worth it? No, it just means each person should really evaluate where they are in their life and if they really need such a drastic action to be happier. Having said that, if you are really up to the challenge, and seek adventure, go for it!