https://www.milesforminds.net2018-01-01 12:06:00https://www.milesforminds.net/my-story/the-6-s-s-for-me-to-stay-saneEverybody needs an arsenal of tips and tricks to keep their minds pointed in the right direction, and bounce back if you aren't feeling quite 100%. Here are the six things that keep me in the right!2017-12-19 12:11:00https://www.milesforminds.net/my-story/my-journey-with-mental-healthThrough my teens and early 20's I always considered myself a happy person. I always thought that no matter what was going on I could be the one that kept the positive note on any given situation. Somewhere along the way things changed, and I ended up twisted in a war with my own mind.2020-02-28 02:30:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-47-andy-revelstoke2020-02-24 05:17:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-46-maya-poland2020-02-22 15:08:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-45-dany-vancouver2020-02-10 11:42:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-44-christina-morocco2020-02-07 01:01:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-43-jono-morocco2020-02-03 15:57:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-41-carmen-norway2020-02-03 01:55:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-40-luca-georgia2020-01-31 01:52:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-39-louna-northern-ireland2020-01-27 01:49:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-38-kirsty-portugal2020-01-24 01:36:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-37-nate-morocco2020-01-20 01:33:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-36-emma-morocco2020-01-17 01:28:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-35-klara-belgium2020-01-13 01:25:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-34-lena-sweden2020-01-10 01:15:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-33-victoria-portugal2020-01-06 01:15:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-32-marieke-ireland2020-01-01 14:14:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-31-tyler-jordan-australiaThe epitome of 'Go Getter' Tyler full on chases life and it was my pleasure to work with this positive ball of energy last year in Sydney. From early morning pre-work dance parties to hardcore enduro racing, to promoting a healthy routine of clean eating and working out then jumping out of fully functional airplanes Tyler full on chases life.2019-06-21 08:00:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-30-tim-tajikistan-uzbekistanTim is the other half of the travel twosome Gravel for Breakfast. And while he didn't have to learn to ride during their journey like his P.I.C he did something just as bold, something so many in the world find it impossible to do, take a break and use the opportunity to evaluate your life and career and decide and shape how you want it to look in the future. As a couple Tim and Janneke are perfectly matched, similar in so many ways and yet with interests and hobbies that push each other to learn and grow. Janneke never dreamed of riding? Meet Tim. Tim hates camping and didn't understand why anyone would sleep on the ground? Meet Janneke. Really hoping to catch up with these legends and see where their return to real life has lead!2019-06-17 08:00:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-29-janneke-tajikistan-uzbekistanJanneke is one half of the dynamic duo Gravel for Breakfast riding their Honda Africa Twin 750s in a big 'S' from the Netherlands to Kyrgyzstan, back west through to Turkmenistan and then across to India. In one of the boldest travel stories I've heard she essentially learned to ride during the first leg of their trip... then proceeded to continue another 30,000 kilometers! It was inspiring to see a couple who had settled into the standard life cycle prove that it is possible break the mold and take the time to escape, adventure, and re-vitalize their lives.2019-06-14 08:00:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-28-gerhardt-kyrgyzstan-tajikistanGerhardt is an Austrian man with tons of experience in Central Asia having worked in the printing business in Turkmenistan for decades. As a young man he traveled far and wide by motorbike, but before beginning this voyage from India to Austria he hadn't ridden in 20 years! Grabbing the bull by the horns he flew directly into a busy indian metropolis and weaved his way through pakistan, china, kyrgyzstan, tajikistan before his beloved DR350's motor blew up in turkmenistan. Able, willing, and generous I had an incredible time sharing a few days with him, and then a night sampling his delicious rum collection back at his home near Vienna.2019-06-10 08:00:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-27-jan-eelco-china-kyrgyzstanThe other half of Journey of Wonder Jan Eelco is a big smiling Dutchman who has been living in Indonesia running an adventure and rafting company with his wife Iyel for a long time. While I was nervous about so much time with a family, I would not have made it through China without their help! I couldn't have asked for better people to spend time with, to learn from, and to experience all the highs and lows china had.2019-06-07 08:00:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-26-iyel-kouldis-china-kyrgyzstanIyel is from Indonesia and alongside her husband Eelco they have done something absolutely wonderful with their two kids: Dropped everything at home and driven their Mitsubishi "Cappuccino" from Indonesia across to Africa and Europe and are now continuing to meander around the world. This is incredibly inspiring for all those who believe that once you have kids true worldly adventures must be put on hold as they are living, breathing, and traveling proof that you can! I highly suggest checking them out at www.journeyofwonder.com2019-06-03 08:00:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-25-brenda-wei-chinaBrenda was the tour guide that joined Journey of Wonder and I on our 7000km trip across China from Laos to Kyrgyzstan. She is also the first person I've talked to that comes from a monumentally different culture and upbringing, and however different that may have been it is incredible how similar the challenges she faces are.2018-08-17 07:59:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-24-amy-wainwright-kuala-lumpur-malaysiaAmy is awesome and insightful, and like many people on here I barely know her having spent a grand total of about 3 hours together where I enjoyed her generosity in the form of a peanut butter sandwich and a coffee.... I'll get you back on that one day! In that meeting and in talking online since, it's clear that her confident approach to life leads her towards so many enjoyable and enlightening experiences and her introspective reply to the happiness diaries reflects that.2018-08-10 07:45:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-23-kitti-tantibankul-phuket-thailandKitti runs a small camping gear store in Phuket where he and his wife help people get set up for real adventures like the ones they take their children on. Incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, he went above and beyond what any store owner would ever need to do, and I'm eternally grateful.2018-08-05 03:06:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-22-bill-fischer-kings-canyon-australiaBill is recently retired from many peoples dream career: Sportscaster. When he was coming out of school/university gap years weren't a thing, so he's making up for it now exploring the world on the big daddy of adventure bikes while raising funds for a fantastic charity. Set up for real off the grid adventure Bill and his GSA were about to head off on an over 900km offroad stretch between petrol stations when I met them... talk about adventure!2018-08-01 01:42:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-21-malcolm-brock-glendambo-australiaMalcolm is a fellow motorbike adventurer that I met in a campground on the way between Adelaide and Yulura, the middle of nowhere essentially. Also travelling alone he was at the beginning of a very arduous trek through some very remote routes around central Aus by himself on his BMW GS1200.2018-07-06 04:23:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-20-mitch-hendersen-sydney-australiaMitch is one of the athletic trainers for the Australian men's Rugby 7's team and is in process of completing his PhD in Physical Sciences. Easygoing and driven, Mitch is always a delight to be around thanks to his massive and infectious grin, and this constant throaty laugh. Mitch has one of the most interesting diaries to date, might start off a little off-beat but he really opens up, this is a must read!2018-06-29 06:20:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-19-carlos-denzkel-ukCarlos is formerly of the UK armed forces, having moved into property development when his service time came to a close. After some time building a life in England, he realized that now was the best time to explore the world, got a working holiday permit for Australia and began work on solar farms while exploring all the country has to offer. Extremely motivated to succeed, he has moved into a very different career: attempting to build a life and fitness coaching business.2018-06-22 05:49:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-18-tom-mackay-buenos-airesTom is an Australian that I met as a 20 year old strolling around Greece. Like me, he's battled with his own mental health issues while also being largely impacted by getting stuck in the cycle of trying to obtain the stereotypical "good life". Since then, Tom has walked across a large portion of India for Beyond Blue, he has continued to travel the world, and he looks to help himself and others discover LIFE though the power of travel. "We are all capable of doing great things and all it takes is one small step to create change."2018-06-15 05:40:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-17-jacy-clarke-auckland-nzIf there's anyone I've met thus far that definitely deserves to catch a break, its Jacy. After a rebellious adolescence, she ended up joining the Army which helped her find some structure in life at the cost of witnessing the horrors of humanity first hand. Once free from the army, she found herself trapped in an abusive relationship. Once free from that, she bounced around the world (UK, USA, Canada...) looking for direction, that never really was found. A survivor who has battled depression and what I can only assume is PTSD, Jacy has gotten herself into a good place and is growing into finding where she wants to be.2018-06-08 05:03:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-16-elizabeth-grace-akaroa-nzElizabeth is alive. Not just in the sense that she breathes and eats and does what is considered life, but in that she experiences all of what is happening around her with a keen understanding of how it impacts her, and with an intense energy that is inspiring. She hasn't always been that way though, it took a lot of hard time and self reflection for her to understand what she wants in life, this one is a long read but I promise you it's worth it!2018-06-01 06:42:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-15-david-igoe-christchurch-nzDavid is the man that saved my bacon and lent me camping gear after mine was stolen in Napier.... Yes this man is so generous he gave a complete stranger off the internet his full set of camping gear and said 'bring it back in a few weeks when you're done'. Originally from Ireland, David and his wife to be have been in Christchurch for the last while and are in the midst of planning a wedding... sort of.2018-05-09 20:06:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-14-roland-clarke-twizel-nzRoland is a young adventurer from a small farm town in the UK who has been backpacking and living through New Zealand the last 18 months while he discovers where he wants his life to lead. After a night of chit chat, I'm very impressed with the way he thinks and I'm sure he'll lead a remarkable and happy life. I don't have a photo of Roland, so this one from the Twizel area will have to do!2018-05-02 13:22:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-13-my-dad-doug-ellis-vancouver-canadaI may be a little biased, but my dad is incredible. Now of the retirement field, he travels and sails, and camps, and has gotten back to one of his lifes loves - exploring the world! Having worked hard for a long time, and also been through a lot with his health and his heart, and is someone who truly deserves life to be a little easier... but not less exciting! Him and his brothers may be the exception, not the rule. but they truly embody you're only as old as you feel. Love you dad!2018-04-25 17:41:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-12-christine-vogt-punakaiki-nzChristine is one of the proprietors of a fantastic backpackers on the West Coast of New Zealands south island. She is a wealth of information for the area, and is happy to share her secrets on where the best places to walk are... but don't ask for the secret baking recipes!2018-04-18 17:31:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-11-sam-brightman-rotorua-nzSam is going to be a nurse when he gets back home to Switzerland, but for the time being he's done something many people travelling don't have the courage to do: change paths. Self realization is an important part of travel and Simon has done it wonderfully!2018-04-11 19:12:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-10-suzanne-o-leary-tai-tapu-nzSuz' is family! A radiant personality with a heart of gold, her and her husband Chris put me up in their home in Christchurch for 3 nights while I was doing a tour of New Zealands south island. Despite having three kids on the go, a puppy on the way, and a endless pile of things on the to-do list she took time out of her life everyday I was there to spend with me.... and more importantly to tell me what makes her happy!2018-04-04 22:18:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-9-surfer-chase-raglan-nzChase is an intelligent and hardworking Californian that has, pun intended, chased down happiness with his fiance. Together they have been traveling throughout New Zealand in a van enjoying the many wonders that the world has to offer, and taking the time to think about what exactly they want and need from life, and what the right things are to be chasing in life.2018-03-28 22:09:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-8-karyn-henderson-bay-nzKaryn is a partner, a mother, a grandmother, and a protector of the future. She has lived life to better her family, better the world, and protect her culture.2018-03-21 22:03:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-7-doolan-kerr-cape-reinga-nzDoolan is a massive hearted, hard working, Maori grandfather who runs a Backpackers on the North spit of New Zealand with his wife. “I live in the far North of New Zealand where all the best beaches in the world are, I hunt and fish and grow most of my food” – sounds pretty amazing to me!2018-03-17 21:47:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-6-arizona-carl-cape-reinga-nzCarl is an intriguing personality from Arizona that I met on the Northern spit of New Zealand. Currently he is walking, hitch hiking and WOOF'ing his way around the country with his partner Bronwyn. Carl has put himself out there, attempting many careers and hobbies before finding a group of things that make him happy.2018-03-01 12:20:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-5-fortunate-sun-hondurasRachael and Mike are an incredible couple from the Midwest US who have done what many wish they had the courage to do: leave the comfort of home, sell their worldly possessions, and take off in search of adventure. Traveling has brought them a lot of clarity in finding both what makes them happy, and what it is they truly want when they do return to "real life".2018-02-20 12:21:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-4-chaseChase is the future writer of something fantastic! What that is? Noone knows yet but its going to happen. Born and raised in Minnesota, he met a pair of future sailors at the University of Madison Wisconsin who he joined in the Caribbean.... where I met him!2018-02-20 10:55:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/the-happiness-diaries-episode-3-jesseJesse has been a friend since childhood and this year we just finished a month on 2nd Chance 2 in the Caribbean! Jesse has overcome some incredible obstacles in the last 10 years and now has one of the best answers to the question of happiness.2017-11-28 04:00:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-2-geoffGeoff is one of my oldest friends and biggest supporters... we've known each other since we were 8! He works hard as a small business owner in the film production industry, and you'll have to read more to hear about what makes him happy!2017-11-28 03:00:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-1-nicoNico is a wonderful guy from Barcelona. He rode his Honda transalp all the way from there through Turkey, the 'Stans, Mongolia and ended up in Vladivostok before making the hop to Vancouver. Read to find out what his happiness goals are!2017-11-28 00:00:00https://www.milesforminds.net/the-happiness-diaries/happiness-diaries-episode-0-introductionAn introductory post! Welcome to the Happiness Diaries. While riding my motorbike around the world, I'll be trying to meet people and learn their stories, and find out what makes them happy!