Your Pursuit of Happiness is Closer Than You Think

What Makes You Happy?

Laying on the couch with a bowl-full of ice-cream on one side, a cat on the other and the whole 7-seasons of Dexter on TV? Yes, me too.

BUT what about your long term happiness? As wonderful as the above scenario is, you'll finish the box set, feel sick from the ice cream and the cat will likely leave you to pursue his own dreams of happiness.

Hands up, who here isn't exactly enthralled with their day to day life? You're living to get through work each day? You're not at the stage in life you thought you would be with life, love or goals?

It's easy to get stuck in this situation. Heck, it's downright comfortable here! It's human nature to like routine. It's safe, easy, reliable and stable. You don't worry where you're going to sleep, who you're going to meet, or (on the most part) worry where your money is going to come from. But is this comfortable wedge you've carved on the sofa of your life, one that you will be proud to look back on after 30 years as your biggest achievement?

As cliché as it is, when I'm having doubts about making a big directional change in my life, I recite the famous quote by Mark Twain:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did".

I think he was on to something.

How You Can Move Forward
Career, Travel, Goals. I'm just throwing a few ideas out there to get you thinking.

Career

If you could do one job in the world, what would it be?
"PROFESSIONAL CAT PETTER", you cry! Wow, we have a lot in common.

But what about working for a company that makes a difference? Who here doesn't feel any satisfaction in their current job?
Whether you feel undervalued, underpaid, underworked, overworked, so bored that devising ways to pass those 8hrs of your day is the job they're actually paying you for.

Ask yourself, what would make you truly happy to go to work each day?
Here are a few ideas to get those rusty brain-cogs turning.

- Do you want to work 9-5 each day? What about doing this in a different country.
- Do you want to sell people a product they don't necessarily need? What about being an advocate for a charity or non-profit organisation that you believe in?
- Do you want to change career paths but don't know where to start? What about saving up and volunteering abroad in your new field. Companies give you serious extra bonus points for branching out, not to mention your CV standing out a mile in any application stack after working abroad.


Travel

What are the main factors/excuses stopping you from making your travel leap?

- Money
A large roadblock in many of my plans. Living in one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the world means horrendously overpriced living in this town. We're talking $18 for supermarket chicken. So plan your savings. I'm talking get a calendar, get your paycheck, chart your monthly expenses and note exactly how much you can realistically afford to save every paycheck. Keyword is 'realistic'. Budget too much, and you'll be disappointed when you fall short. To little and you will be disheartened from the starting block.
I'll write a post on the best way to budget, but for now, get planning!

- Family
They will be there when you get back They'll give you kudos for making the leap. They'll be proud of you for growing up, being confident and not hanging around in your old bedroom until you're 30.

- Friends
I'm talking bf's and gf's people. First up - Make plans together! Doesn't work?
Second up - Long distance. Not pursuing your dreams is effectively sewing the long term seed of destruction into your relationship. Whether you know it when it happens or supress it for a long time, you will resent your partner for not enabling you to achieve what is so incredibly important to you. If you are strong enough as a couple, you can make it work long distance. If you break up after realising you want different things, it's unbelievably heartbreaking, but it means you will find someone who also wants the same.


Life Goals/Bucket List

On the top of the world - January 2013

The majority of people seem to have a 'Bucket List'. A definitive list of things you want to do, see and experience before you die. Essentially a list of goals that you want to achieve in your personal pursuit of happiness. Whether you want to volunteer/work abroad, be a Director of a company, sky dive, sleep under the stars, skinny dip or write a novel, you will only achieve it if you get outta that oh-so-comfortable groove on your couch and make it happen. No one is going to do it for you. While it may seem like a far fetched dream, one that is so inconceivably far away that you will never reach it, remember that a journey of 1,000 miles starts with the first step.


So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Love as always,
Jonesy x

A Travellers Promise

"Today I grew a little, to know a lot" - Lumineers

I made myself a promise to myself.

This year, I will travel to a famous landmark, in a city where I know absolutely no one and I will do it completely and entirely on my own. 

By the end of 2013, I will take a photo of myself in front of the Royal Opera House in Sydney.
And I'll look like a champion when I do it.

And I won't stop there.

I'll take myself around the world.
I need only me and my passport to work and volunteer abroad.
I have so much love to give and I'm not going to wait for someone to ask for it.
I will meet hundreds, see thousands and share my love to anyone who will have it.
I will see the world.

Me Finding Me.

My whole heart, for my whole life.
Jones x

What are Your Goals for 2013

Today I experienced the re-emergence of one of my personalities; my overwhelmingly independent, Jones.

She took hold today with a sudden, ‘Sort your stuff out and stop making excuses’ revelation. She’s either going to get me into a lot of trouble or some seriously amazing adventures. Or hopefully both!

With ‘Independent Jones’ re-emergence, I set about making my 2013 list of things I want to achieve to make me a happier, better and well-rounded person (suggestions for a catchier name, welcomed!). Some of them are heroic, some are simple. But all mean the world to me.

Goal 1: Volunteer

I’ve done a little, but I want more! Be the change you want to see in the world, hey!

Goal 2: Visit a new continent

Following on from last year’s goal. You can always strive for more! I’d very much like to tie this into the above goal.

Goal 3: Learn to ski 

I can currently snowboard. So before I leave the majestic Canadian Rockies, I want to cross over to the dark side.

Goal 4: Learn to play the guitar

Like a true hippy.

Goal 5: Pierce my tongue
Consider this my quarter life crisis coming through! Always wanted to do it. Need to get it done.

Goal 6:

I promise to make a change in my life that will see me moving forward towards everything I ever wanted to achieve.

What are the goals you would like to achieve in 2013 to make your a happier and better person? Comment below or as always, to my personal e-mail address if you want to keep them private. I respond to everyone who gets in touch with me!

Live and Love everyone

Jonesy x

It's Happening - Early Season Snowfall

As I sit at my desk and listen to M83, daydreaming of my career as a professional snowboarder, akin to those seen in The Art of Flight, the office around me buzzes.

I work for a ski company in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and we just had our first snowfall of the 2012/13 ski season.

Releasing the small child in everyone in the office, including the Directors, we each ‘casually’ walk over to the window, when all we want to do is run and press our noses against the glass, to catch a glimpse of the snow falling around our mountains, on our streets and (via webcam) on our ski hills.

Excited cries burst around the office as the snowfall starts, as colleagues spot fleeting flakes of snow as they dance their way from the sky to the streets. The exclamations become less as the snow becomes more, and the cries turn into an awed yet energised silence as we think forward to all that that season brings.

Heavy snowfalls, clean skis and waxed snowboards. Smooth groomers, deep powder, fresh lines and first tracks. Hot coffees, early mornings, blue bird skies and warm cider. Snow-capped mountains, sun drenched skiing, adrenaline rushes, ski tumbles and snowboard faceplants. Friends, family, slopes and smooth riding all overlooking outstanding mountain vistas.

We’ve been waiting for this day since May.

I sit. I wait. The snow begins to fall. I’m excited and anxious at what experience this ski season brings. Either way, I’m swinging my snowboard-booted-feet as I write.

For now,
Jones x

One Small Step For Man - What's Stopping You From Making Your Leap?

I'm half and half. No, not like the milk and nor my gender identity. I’m talking about my nationality. I am half British, half Canadian and so proud of it (well recently).

I wasn't always as proud as I am today about coming from a nation famous for sitting on the fence, with an affinity for maple syrup and Mounty’s. It's mostly because I endured a good eight years of torment about my cross-breed accent during my school years. In fairness my accent was, and still is, an eclectic mixture of Yorkshire lass, the Queens Speech and a twang of Albertan loveliness. After being born in Canada and emigrating to England at 6 years old, as a friend once said, I don’t associate myself with any particular country and apparently neither does my accent.

Yes, I am a lady, a lass, and a hometown gal who isn’t quite sure which country to call home.

So when my job in England ended two years ago and I found myself out of work (thank you economic climate), I decided it would be the ideal time to return to my country of birth that I have so many fond memories of.


Welcome to the Canadian Rockies



Let me paint you an idyllic picture of a small town nestled in the Canadian Rockies, where you can walk from one side to the other in 10 minutes, where locals of 30 years happily rub shoulders with tourists from Japan, and where iconic peaks loom over you in every direction. A place where you share the sidewalk with deer and the ski-slope with some of the friendliest people in North America.

This was a town I promised myself I would spend at least 6 months. It was my first solo journey, into the unknown, with no job lined up and nothing but an overstuffed 23lb backpack and my passport in my nervous hands. I was Alberta bound!

 

Two years later….

....after two of the best summers of my life, winters spent snowboarding through the Canadian Rockies and making friends who have become my family, I now call this place home.

Opening my mind, my soul and my boundaries has led me to the most life changing experience I could have ever imagined. Actually no, that is a lie; I could never imagine my life and my travels could have even been this soul defining.

I found myself in friends, lost myself on hikes, had my heart broken, fell in love with this country and met countless other backpackers, travellers and locals. I’ve opened my mind and broadened my horizons. I’ve taught myself to rely only on myself and learnt how to trust in others and that how some people, above all, have an inherently good soul.

One small step for man…one giant leap for you

 

Leaving your job, your friends, your family and your life is no easy decision. There are many reasons (excuses) to talk yourself out of stepping out of your comfort zone that you’ve spent so long living in. But there are more reasons that outweigh your worries to book that ticket, make those travel plans and get on that plane to a foreign land where nobody will know your name, unless you pick up that beer and go over and talk to them.

For all that I come across as bubbly and personable (and in the words of my Dad, able to talk the hind legs off a donkey) it’s actually all an effort. I’m introverted, private and shy with the ridiculous ability to believe I will be rejected from a group or a person if I try for conversation. I’ve written some posts with tips like how to start a conversation with complete stranger as well as tips on how to make that leap to and new country.


So what's holding you back from taking that small step, your giant leap, into the unknown?

- Do you have any travel plans?
- What are your biggest fears about travelling or living in a new country?
- Do you have any questions you need answering?

Send me an e-mail or leave a comment below if you have a burning question, a constant worry or story about making your leap that you’d like to share. I reply to everyone :)

I cannot implore you more to make that leap.
It will be the biggest, scariest and greatest one you have ever made.

Love always,
Jones x

6 Travel Tips - Lost City of Rose, Petra, Jordan

I fell in love with the Lost City of Rose the moment I saw it on the movie screen. It was the third  instalment of Indiana Jones, as on horseback, Harrison Ford emerges from the Canyon of the Crescent Moon to the spine tingling sight of the temple built into the rock face; the resting place of the Holy Grail. I was 7.

You've likely seen photos of the famous Siq; barely visible through the narrow canyon, this ancient and mythical structure looms over you as you emerge, tired yet eager for adventure, from the winding red canyon. After walking for over 2 miles through the arid, 50ft deep canyon, you are suddenly faced with an incomprehensible scene. Civilisation!

At over 2,000 years old, the sight of this ancient and inconceivable act of the human capability to create civilisation in the most unlikely of places, instills a rousing desire in countless travellers to put their engines on 'full steam' to experience the Lost City of Rose for themselves.

I can't express how much of a good idea this is!

So before you head out to pretend you're Indiana Jones, here are some top tips for visiting Jordan and the Lost City of Rose.



1. Timing & Temperature - I can't stress the importance of timing your trip to Petra. We visited in July i.e. peak time for tourists and temperatures. While it didn't impact on our overall visit, we found we struggled with the relentless 42C temperature. We wanted to see so much more of the site but simply found ourselves drained and overheated. Time your trip for the shoulder seasons, Spring/Autumn for the cooler temperatures so you're able to enjoy your exploring.

  

2. One More Day - I'd strongly recommend visiting the Lost City of Rose over 2 or 3 days. The site is huge and there are so many new buildings to explore! Plus, you can now experience the new 'Petra by Night' for a contrasting experience.

3. Crossing Boarders - We entered Jordan via boat from North East Egypt. Crossing the Gulf of Aqaba which separates Egypt and Saudi Arabia, its a great start to a day of exploring. The usual documents are required when crossing a border, Passport and Visas. We tagged onto a local tour operator to make the process easier. After entering the country (and passing the military manned machine guns on the back of pick-up trucks), you will make your way through the rugged and winding roads toward Petra. Approx 2-3 hr journey.


4. Walking Distance - Pack your best hiking shoes as you will spend the day on your feet! To make your journey into the Lost City you will walk through a winding canyon for approximately two miles. There is a lot to see on the way with carvings and buildings worked into stone. Once you've reached the Siq or Treasury, you will continue through into the city itself to view the other amazing sites including the amphitheatre, monastery, tombs and traditional Nabatean homes.

5. Locals - Like at any tourist destination, there are locals selling their wears and experiences to the tourists with heavy pockets. Extremely polite people, however we were advised in particular not to accept 'gifts' from any of the locals, in particular from the children. I came across this when I stopped in the shade for less than a minute and was soon approached by a lovely little girl, who was intent on receiving money from me. It's a sad situation and in all honesty, one I didn't know how to handle. If I'd given her money, more children would come over and 'a scene' would soon ensue. However I didn't have it in my heart to turn my back on this little girl. I was wearing a plastic bracelet which she took a liking too. I slipped off the inexpensive bracelet, gave it to her and quickly left.

6. Toilets - Take toilet paper. And when you think you've packed enough, pack some more. Seriously.

What I would do differently:

• Different time of year when its cooler and quieter.
• Stay overnight at a hotel to explore a second day. With over 10,000 caves and new discoveries every day, its not possible to have the true experience in just one visit.
• Experience Petra at night
• Take more photos (isn't that always the case?)

I went to Petra looking for an experience that would make me feel like and intrepid explorer, to push my comfort zone and to witness first hand a culture far beyond anything I'd ever seen or known. It ticked all those boxes and more. The scale and grandeur of Petra's Lost City is simply astounding. Attempting to grasp the size, scale and intricacy of the buildings and city as a whole is not only difficult, but leaves you feeling humbled by the feat of those who once lived here.

It's no wonder why Petra's Lost City of Rose is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I can safely say I will be back to experience it once again.

For now,
Jones x

Embrace the Detours

"Embrace the detours."

K-Country - Canada

2012