"What would you like to change or accomplish by the end of this week?" -A 21 Day Personal Journal Shanghai, Here I Come All packed up, Covid test taken, and now I wait. The time here has gone by fast. Even though I tried to do a lot in three months; I wish I would've done a little more. During the three months, I learned that I need a structure to help me get stuff done. There were many days where I was just doing what I felt like doing, which isn't the best method of action. Living in the Present Phuket was a good experience for me. I learned a lot about myself and about trying to be in the present more. Life really does go by fast no matter how you spend your time. So you might as well spend it doing what you love. For me, I think I want to spend my life becoming a "martial artist". Training for those black belts, competing when I can, learning how to use ancient weapons, and meeting people of a similar mindset. What I think is a little different about me, is that I don't care what style I'm practicing anymore. Training is simply fun to me. Sure, I have my favorite style (Shaolin Kung Fu). As long as you get enjoyment, benefit, and are not lying to yourself with your training... then I think the training is good. Which is why I'll miss training at Tiger Muay Thai... the training was good. Restless Mind Now, as I pack up for Shanghai I reflect on my time at Maling. When training there, I felt that life's only purpose was learning Kung Fu. I didn't care about nutrition, food, money, visas, or life. I just trained. That is the biggest difference between now and then. My mind is never 100% on training anymore. There is always something eating at the back of my mind. Money. Visa. Next trip. Food. Weekend plans. Videos. I'd like to be in a position to feel as careless as I did in Maling. Which is why I'm putting so much work into the blog, my videos, and social media. Hopefully, the work will pay off. I am blessed to have a supportive family and girlfriend who actually support this crazy idea of mine. Even if I fail or give up at one point in the journey, I just hope all this stuff I've put out there will help inspire someone else to take the jump on whatever their own journey might be. Where I see Myself... ...in the future? I'm not sure. I think I'd like to have my own martial arts gym in the United States. It would be like a normal MMA gym where people could come for classes. But, I'd also host month long "training camps" that gives people the opportunity to immerse themselves in training. Kind of like what I do traveling to Tiger Muay Thai or Maling Kung Fu School but in the USA. There are many people who won't travel to Thailand or China because it is too far or too expensive. But, if it was in say... Minnesota. People would come because it is easier to get there. I'd probably teach my Kung Fu/Muay Thai/ Kickboxing to people and find someone else to teach Grappling. A long way to go... That is all just a dream right now. For now, I'll just enjoy training and traveling. Right now I'm pretty optimistic, I feel like anything is possible. Hope you're having a good day. 📿Johnny Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"

"If you can see it here. And you have the courage enough to speak it, it will happen." -Conor McGregor "Manifesting" There is this idea out there that your thoughts and words manifest ideas out into the real world. So, if you speak it, write it, put action towards it, then whatever it is will come to fruition. (That is part of the reason this blog exists) Working towards manifesting your idea isn't magic. The combination of focus, consistency, and work will bring about this "magical" manifestation. Focus "the state or quality of having or producing clear visual definition." (noun) or, "pay particular attention to." (verb) The first step is to find an idea that you want to focus on. For my example, we will use becoming better at martial arts but the idea can be anything. A project, a product, a plan, or simply a task at work. Once the big idea is figured out, now you can go further by narrowing down your idea into individual parts. For martial arts, this might be wanting to improve kicks, punches, or grappling. For learning a language, this might be wanting to improve reading, speaking, or vocabulary. Action/Work With the big idea broken down into pieces; it is now time to put action towards one of these pieces. Depending on the kind of person you are, this might mean making a plan or you might just start working right away. In our example with martial arts, when trying to improve kicks one person might do research on the best way to kick higher while one person might just practice the kicks using what they already know. What is important early on is that you put in relevant work towards your goal. Make sure each time you work towards this goal that the amount of effort and time that you spend isn't too much; and not too little. Consistency Now that you've started working on one piece of your idea. It is time to keep working towards it consistently. Daily, if needed. Through consistently being focused and putting action towards your goal, you will see progress. Even if it is slow progress. What does this have to do with Manifesting? While on this process you will have to constantly remind yourself of the end goal. The big idea. The why. This is where your thoughts, words, and actions come together. Tell yourself why you are being so focused, why you are working so hard, and on the days when you want to give up it is these thoughts and words that will help you continue. Through these words and actions, you will Manifest your goal. My Experience I used this method to go train Kung Fu in China. I used this method to work and come to Thailand. All the work that I did towards these goals wouldn't have happened unless I had these thoughts to keep going. In my eyes, it was towards a better future doing something I love. Everyone will have unforeseen challenges, and you might need help along the way. Both are a normal part of the process. Just think of those little obstacles as tests. Life testing you to see how much do you really want your goal? Hope this helps in some way. 📿Johnny Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"

"Here's a little song I wrote You might want to sing it note for note Don't worry, be happy In every life we have some trouble But when you worry, you make it double Don't worry, be happy Don't worry, be happy now" -Don't Worry, Be Happy; Bobby Mcferrin A Quiet Beach My girlfriend and I spent two nights and two days at Naithon Beach. After previously staying at Karon Beach, we wanted a place that was quieter and out of the way. Taking an hour long Grab ride from Chalong north to Saku through a very big rainstorm. We made it to our resort. Naithon Beach To Dos There isn't much to do at Naithon Beach, in a good way. We didn't want all the shopping, night markets, and busy streets that you'll find at many other beaches in Phuket. If you are looking for a similar experience, Naithon Beach will be for you! Naithon Beach is basically made up of three resorts: Andaman White Beach Resort Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach Naithonburi Beach Resort As well as a collection of restaurants, the Naithon Mart Convenience Store, scooter rentals, massage parlors, and any small vendors that decide to set up shop along the road. During our trip, we decided to stay at the Naithonburi Beach Resort due to it being closest to the beach. Famous Stairs and Banana Beach There are two "famous" spots near Naithon Beach. One is the famous wooden stairs towards the southern end of the beach that many take photos at. The other is Banana Beach, a small beach to the south hidden away from any development or consumerism. (For now) During our trip we didn't go see these spots due to most activity being near the northern end of Naithon Beach. The Beach and Sunsets Naithon Beach is on the west side of Phuket which means if you head down to the beach around 6:00-6:30 pm, you will be able to watch the sunset on the quiet beach. As for the beach itself, it is very natural. The water is warm and sand soft. Nothing is built on the beach besides one massage hut with sleepy Thai women waiting to give tourists massages. Overview The word I'd use to describe Naithon Beach is quiet. The restaurants are all good and priced well. This location is full of Russian tourists but if you are looking for a place to just relax on the beach away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket, I'd say Naithon is a good pick. 📿Johnny Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"

"The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, And to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things." -The Book of Five Rings, Miyamoto Musashi One More Week Left Twelve more days until I leave Phuket, Thailand. The time has gone by so fast and I'm very happy with how this trip has turned out. I've pushed myself throughout various challenges and have been exposed to what training in Thailand is like. Honestly, it is just like training at home but way hotter and much longer training sessions. Distractions vs Discipline The only thing that is different with a trip like this, is that you get to focus purely on training while you're here. No job to worry about. In my case, no one else to worry about. Just you, yourself, and training. That is my view on it. I can tell you that there are still distractions here, just like there are at home. I've seen many people drop from classes to go partying, drinking, or just to go anywhere else besides the gym. For me, all I have to do is remind myself that I came here to train. To not train is to waste my money and waste an opportunity. Obviously, there are times where you shouldn't train. Injuries, sickness, or exhaustion are examples of when you should rest. I do think that if you don't train then you should do something that would benefit your training. Sore? Stretch or get a massage. Exhausted? Spend the day eating healthy food. Injured? Try ice baths or sauna! (Or get it checked out if it is serious) Everything is Input A big thing I've learned during my very few years of serious training is this; everything is input. What effort you put in will result in what you get out of your training. There is a lot more that goes into what effort is but for beginners, this is what they need to keep in mind. Whether it is Muay Thai, Kung Fu, or even learning a language. Putting consistent effort into learning the skill will benefit you. As you go beyond the beginner level, then you can start to worry about methods of learning/training, when to rest, progressive overload, and more. "The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things." Useful at any time, Useful in all things So, why is all of this important? When trying to learn any skill, a big idea to remember is why you are learning it. This reason will change as your progress on your learning or training journey. What is important is that there is a a why. One way to figure out your reason for chasing after this skill is to see how useful it has been in your life. The example I will use is my love of Kung Fu. Why did I become so passionate about Kung Fu? The training made my life easier, as having a more active and flexible body allowed me to do more. It was also a gateway to improving my Chinese, as all the moves, stances, and forms were Chinese terms. The last big reason was that it opened my mind to a different lifestyle than the college 9-5 routine that so many of my friends followed. Reflection So when you think about how is the skill you're pursuing useful to you; don't just think about it in terms of the skill itself. Think about it's usefulness in a broader sense. Has pursuing this skill made you feel smarter, more confident, or even just happier? Have you made new friends through your learning or training? This kind of insight brings about a strong motivation that will help you keep going on your journey. I hope this helped! 📿Johnny Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"

"The sacred warrior conquers the world not through violence or aggression but through gentleness, courage, and self-knowledge. The warrior discovers the basic goodness of human life and radiates that goodness out into the world for the peace and sanity of others." -Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior, Chogyam Trungpa Preparing for Intense Training The subtle aches and pains from two months of training are gone. Which means I will return to focusing on Muay Thai training. My blog, instagram, and video updates might not happen during these two weeks. Just to allow me to focus purely on eating, sleeping, and training. It sounds silly, but coming up with videos and new posts takes a lot of time and energy. The plan is not to just train Muay Thai, but to train my favorite classes. Krabi-Krabong, Yoga, BJJ, and Muay Boran as well. I'd like to keep learning Krabi-Krabong throughout my travels in Thailand but I have a hard time finding any resources on it online. Probably will have to get fluent in Thai in order to find out where to learn it. Alone on Sunday Thoughts... It is crazy to think that this plan started on a whim after being in China for a few months with my parents. Now I'm in Thailand years later still chasing this kind of life. Whatever this kind of life is. The more I delve into Muay Thai and really understanding what it takes to be a fighter, the more I want to try it. Take one or two years of my life, focus on getting myself in the ring and doing my best. Develop a following online while I do so, learn other things on the side like Thai and Krabi Krabong. If I can experience what it takes to be a fighter, then I believe I would be a better martial art coach. To know what the jitters feel like, how the exhaustion tolls the mind, and what it feels like to lose or win. If I can expereince these things, then I'd be a better coach and a better warrior monk. Pieces of the Plan This concept that I call, "The Plan", is always changing in my mind. There are a few constants in it though. I'd like to finish my Kung Fu training. Not finish being, I study for a few years and I quit practicing. But, to learn where I am content or confident. Maybe this means going back to Maling Mountain or maybe it means going somewhere else. I'm not sure. We will see what money and time has in store for me. So a few years of fighting, followed by a few years of kung fu, followed by a few years of college. Sprinkle in travel here and there and... boom! You have my plan. Reflecting on, What is Important? Even with all of my dreams of becoming a cool warrior monk, sport exercise coach. The thing I need to focus on right now, is developing good habits. My small week of relaxation was a nice little exercise in what focus could do. I saw so many places in Phuket, and did so much in such a little time. But, that is something for the next blog post! Hope you all are doing well. 📿Johnny Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"

"Adherence to the past and misgivings about the future will fill your head, wresting your mind from the present." -A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind, Shoukei Matsumoto Plans, Plans, Plans I remember when I was first in Shanghai training at Absolute MMA. There was this girl whose job was to compete in BJJ all around the world. Mostly Asia if I remember correctly. After classes she'd always be on her laptop sending out emails and planning for trips months in advance. Martial arts isn't my job yet, but I now understand why she was constantly working on plans. Phuket For me, I have a few plans that I have to work on this weekend. The closest one is my girlfriend coming to visit me again. Just figuring out how I'm going to train, and seeing what kind of things we can do in Phuket. Shanghai and Chiang Mai The next thing is, Shanghai. I'm wanting to train while I'm there so I've been looking around at gyms for the week that I'll be there. When I return to Thailand, I'll be going directly to Chiang Mai. Again, looking at gyms and accommodation in the area there. I've heard, from many folks, about a bunch of cool locations that I should check out. It seems that Chiang Mai will be less about training and more about checking off boxes for places to see. Bangkok and the Road Home Bangkok is the last place on the list, as I'll be spending about a week there before heading home. Besides possibly meeting some folks from the Kung Fu School, I think I'll end my trip in Thailand with a training filled week in Bangkok. From what Duncan (a student at Tiger Muay Thai) said, the training is a bit more intense. That should help me sleep on the plane home! Minnesota Believe it or not, I already have plans for what I'm going to do during my 3-4 month stint back home. Compete in the Tough Mudder with my family. Visit my sister. Get a temporary job. Join a Judo/BJJ school to work on my grappling. Upgrade some of my gear. Maybe do a couple of short hikes. That's about it. Action and Relaxation Saturday... ...flew by like a rocket for me. I honestly feel like I didn't do anything. Probably because I didn't really do much besides think. Originally, I planned to go to do the beach training. After watching the fights last night and then going to bed at 2 AM. My body didn't feel like it. The weekend is a time to rest and recover. Study. Play. Do whatever it is that relaxes your mind. The break from training is nice. My evening will be full of working on videos and editing some photos (like the ones used for this blog post). Sunday... ...will be more structured. I plan on going to a book store in Phuket town and picking up some books on Muay Thai, Krabi Krabong, or just Thai History. I also plan on buying some sun glasses and a shoulder sling pouch/bag. The glasses are for when I'm driving the scooter. The shoulder slung bag is for me to carry my money, keys, and passport in a safer way. I've learned that a drawstring bag or backpack isn't the most convenient method. Reflecting on Ikigai If you remember from my past post, I read a book explaining what ikigai is. To put it simply, it is your life's purpose. The thing that brings you joy, or the thing that wakes you up in the morning. I'm still not sure what mine is. I'm not sure if I ever will know. Something about this website, my videos, and training makes me feel whole. Maybe I'm on the right path because at the end of the day, I just want to be a good person to others and happy myself. Winning belts or competitions rarely crosses my mind, and it doesn't motivate me. Maybe I've read too many philosophy quotes, but what motivates me is improving myself. Being better than I was yesterday. Understanding my weaknesses, then working on them. 📿Johnny Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I know people don't read blogs anymore, but I put a lot of time into what I write, the format, and images used. Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"

Pullin' out the Tiger Balm. You know my injuries are getting bad when I: Leave class early Pull out the Tiger Balm I left my Evening Muay Thai class early today due to my side being really sensitive while drilling some combos. It is now the second week of this mystery pain that I have. It's only when someone kicks, punches, or some sort of impact happens at my side when it hurts. It can be a light impact too, like in BJJ rolling around or getting in someone's guard. But, I don't want to focus on the negative. I'd like to focus on the positive. I still went to class. I can still train in other ways, like the weight room. Still, I think next week will be a rest week for me. Explore Phuket some more, hopefully get my Chinese Tourist Visa, and take some light intensity classes. My foot should be better by next week, so I can get back to running! Muay Boran and Krabi Krabong Understanding the Art More I'm glad I listened to Mike, and tried out the more traditional classes at Tiger Muay Thai. Krabi-Krabong has to be the one I enjoy more as using two "swords" is a coordination challenge. Muay Boran (literally "Ancient Boxing") is more about little tips and concepts that were taken out of Muay Thai to turn it from a war method to the sport that it is today. Since they are not taxing on the body like Muay Thai or BJJ, I'll keep the classes going. Maybe even buy a pair of sticks to take home. Reflecting on my Body and Thoughts Live through our actions. Develop awareness, Purpose, and Focus. On what has transpired, what we've learned today, and what is going on within ourselves. Disappointment is what crawls at the back of my mind. I've fought four times now and have only one once. Half of those fights I was knocked out pretty quickly. Monday, I was offered again to fight at the BBQ beatdown. They said they didn't have enough people. Feeling my sore rib and hurt foot, I told them no thanks. There is a piece missing that I just don't have yet. I believe I have potential to be a fighter, to at least enter the professional ring once. I just don't know what I need to do. Thought practice, just for exercise, still does bring me enjoyment. But as coaches and students talk, spar, and drill. The question in my mind becomes, "Can I really use all of this?". Right now, I'm not too confident in my skills. The thought of fighting again does make me nervous, but I want to give it another go. Thinkin' next week I'll ease up on the volume of training. Just have a few sessions where I give it 100% focus, instead of the 50-60% tired focus I've been currently doing. Also, someone at Tiger Muay Thai (sorry I forgot your name) said they liked my instagram and videos. Thanks to all of you for the comments and support. It really keeps me motivated to keep writing, filming, and editing. 📿Johnny Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" -Joshua 1:9 What a Relief... My mind has been conflicted for a while on whether or not I want to fight at the next BBQ beat down. My left side hurts from this week's intense sparring, my left foot is messed up, and I'm just tired all the time. Yet, I went to class today, trained, and waited after to sign up for the BBQ beatdown. As I sat there waiting, nerves came and went. A few things gave me the confidence to fight. A little silver shield that I carried with me, my girlfriend's encouragement, my Missouri buddy's simple logic, and the simple fact that this is what I came here to do. Finally, time came to get matched up and take photos. Something was off to me right away as there were only 4 guys (including me) and two girls signing up. Two of the guys looked really out of place to be signing up for an amateur fight. This thought was confirmed by the fact that one of the guys was from the advanced class. The other guy had 14 fights under his belt. The third guy bigger, fatter, and taller than me. So, as they matched up the folks (and told the 14 fight guy to get a stadium fight set up)... there was no one left to match with me. Which made me relieved. Exploring New Classes Gi BJJ Even though I didn't train as much as I usually do. This week felt like a train wreck on my body. I did Muay Thai and BJJ throughout the week just to see how the other classes are. It has been challenging and rewarding. I think that I'll continue with the Gi BJJ while I'm in Thailand. Another class that I was told to try out was Muay Boran and the Krabi Krabong classes. Both are the traditional side of Muay Thai. They have routines, concepts, and movements to practice in the traditional way. My guess is that it is similar to my Kung Fu training at Maling. I'd like to try it just to get a better understanding of Thai Culture and how Muay Thai came to be the big sport that it is. 📿Johnny Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"

"Zengo Saidan... Do what you need to do without delay... Never put off what you need to do till tomorrow, enjoy each and every day." -A Monk's Guide to a Clean House, Shoukei Matsumoto Preparing for New Adventures... This week has been very different. I've been riding my cheap scooter all around Phuket. Printing documents, getting photos taken, visiting offices and consulates. Visas are a pain but all the trouble should be worth it to have greater adventures. On top of that, I've still been getting some training in. Running when I can. Doing Muay Thai when I can and participating in BJJ. I'm hoping to get two Muay Thai sessions in on Saturday but... we will see what happens. Action makes the Days go by... Horrible Sleep The big issue I've been dealing with is horrible sleep. I go to bed around 10 or 11 most nights. Sometimes midnight when I'm working on stuff. Going to bed so late definitely is part of the issue, but the thing I don't understand is why I'm waking up so often. 2:30 am, boom I shoot awake. Sometimes I just sleep for an hour and I'll shoot wide awake. When this happens, I normally stumble around the room trying to understand why I'm awake. I might wash my face or drink some water before I crash back into bed. It's really odd. This lack of consistent sleep has made it hard for me to wake up on time for morning Yoga. (I gave up evening Yoga so that I could start practicing BJJ) Reeling in the Budget 🎣 Another thing I need to work on is getting my budget under control. This week I've been spending a lot of money. Visa stuff, plane tickets, food, gifts, and more. Before, I was spending about $100 a week and this week has been close to $400 (minus the plane tickets). Still, living in Phuket has been pretty cheap. After meeting some new folks from BJJ class, I learned that Chiang Mai is as cheap as they say. I was talking to a guy named Brandon (Brenden?) who is just travelling around Asia with his friends. He said that he enjoyed Chiang Mai way more than Phuket. So I'm glad that I'll get to see Chiang Mai soon. Reflecting on what I need... One thing that is always on my mind is what will I need in order to train, edit, take videos, and to enjoy my journey. So far, I think I brought everything that I need. There are some things that I'd like to have to make things easier. A better laptop, an extra monitor, a weather sealed camera, and a consistent income. Those things would make my editing work more convenient. Through these restrictions, I've been learning a lot. I have a better understanding of my camera and video editing software. I've learned that my equipment also needs care and rest as much as I do. The biggest thing I've realized is that there is so much for me to learn. The point is, I don't need more. I'm pretty content with where I'm at. 📿Johnny Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"

"Insert Quote Here" -Author Thanks for Following the Adventure... There are not many people that read this journal of mine, but to those who do; thank you for reading. Whether you're a reader from the original blog or if you've discovered this newer blog. Thanks to all. I can't believe that I've written more than 100 posts. Learning A LOT about Visas... Money Going to Fees... Sp, this week I have been learning about the visa processes of various countries. I'm already working on a video to help others plan their multi-country adventures. I'm losing quite a bit of money to flight change/cancel fees. My bit of advice is plan your trips thinking 3-4 months in advance. An example of an issue that I came across was trying to get a tourist Visa for China. Sure it takes 4 - 14 days to get a Tourist visa after your application has been applied. But, you have to make an appointment with the consulate/embassy... which you have to do 2-3 months in advance. Luckily Shanghai has a 144 hr - Visa Exemption that I can sign up for online. Have to pay to change another flight... I'm learning so that I won't have these issues in the future. Hopefully the future video will be able to help others. Reflecting on Martial Arts Started Grappling Again... With all of these visa issues, I still have been able to get a round or two of Muay Thai in for training. This week's goal was to implement BJJ into my training schedule for the remaining month and a half. If you don't know, I don't really like grappling. I'm not good at it (you could argue I'm not good at striking either), and it takes a lot of energy out of you. In order to be a good fighter today, you need to know grappling. So I put on my white belt again and walked onto the mats. Needless to say, my experience is still very similar to before. The thing I'm working on is changing my mindset and attitude towards grappling. Started using my Brain Again... I make sure I say thank you to the teacher and to my partners. (Which I normally do) Another thing I'm adding is saying thank you to myself. Thanks for putting in the work to get better. Thanks for pushing myself to try new things. Another mental battle I'm trying to do for Muay Thai and Grappling is being mindful while sparring. Only using the moves we learned on that day to get me out of my bad habits. Being okay with stuff not working, and to try the moves again and again. Knowing that I'm learning a little bit each time. I'm still not sure why I'm doing all of this. But I'm having fun. 📿Johnny Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"

“Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the Great Mystery into which we were born.” -Albert Einstein Preparing for the Final Month Woah. Time has been moving by quickly. Most of the people I met and "knew" from Tiger Muay Thai have gone back home. I realized that April is almost over, I've been so focused on training, traveling and seeing spots of Phuket with friends that I forgot I have to prepare my final plans for here. What is there Left to Do? You know, blogging in this format is supposed to help my "mindfulness" but I haven't been very mindful while in Thailand.... Remaining Tasks... Next week, I have to rent a scooter, book plane tickets to Shanghai, get passport photos taken, and apply for tourist visa to Shanghai. That way I will be able to visa hop in May and extend my journey another 30 days. The week after that I have to extend my visa. That'll be around 1500 THB or 2000 THB. Again this will require a scooter, and this is the week of the BBQ beatdown. I need to decide whether or not I want to do it. To Fight or not to Fight, that is the question.... As I'm writing this my mind is conflicted. I've already fought once in Thailand and lost. Adding that to all my other losses in Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing), it really puts a blow into my confidence. I think in the end I will end up fighting in the next BBQ beatdown, but my confidence isn't there. I've been training 1-2 sessions a day 5-6 days a week. Sparring, thinking, and trying to improve. Plans for June.... Besides my worries of the fight. I'm thinking what I want to do in June after Shanghai. My last week in Thailand will be spent in Bangkok. This will allow me to see one of the biggest places in Thailand, maybe meet some old Kung Fu buddies, and get a cheaper flight home. The rest of June, I'm not sure what to do. Part of me wants to go to Chiang Mai. There are some great Muay Thai camps up there. While the other part of me wants to go somewhere so that I can train in grappling and Muay Thai. Decisions, decisions. Am I Content? Part of this indecisiveness is possibly due to the fact that I'm not content with my skills. I feel that I train really hard. I feel that I put a lot of effort in. Yet, when sparring nights or fight night comes; I lose. The evidence of progress isn't there. The only benefit that I've gotten out of this training has been being healthy. I'm in good shape. Through this sport, I've learned how to eat better, train smarter, and push myself each day. Except today. Today is a day for editing videos and eating. If you enjoy the journey, please comment below on what you'd like to read about! I'm thinking of doing less "journal" type posts. Instead, I want to shift more into travel locations, product reviews, hotel reviews, and more! 📿Johnny Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"

"You have a life to live, don't let worries pull you down." -"A 21-Day Personal Journal" Coming and Going A month has came and went by fast. I've done so much in this month. Not just training, but challenging myself, learning new things, and getting out of my comfort zone (slowly). This month's victories were: 🛵Finally renting and driving a scooter, even if it was only for three days. 🥊Fighting at BBQ Beatdown with little prep. ⛩️Visited some temples and shrines 🏖️ Checkin' out Karon Beach! 🥋Haven't given up As silly as the last one sounds, it is true. It took me a while to realize I was on my own adventure now. Making my own decisions and being responsible for putting action behind this plan. So, I started free lancing and opened up donations. My goal of one video a week has been manageable. Also, I'm trying to improve my social media presence by posting more often. Balancing my schedule has also taught me a lot about myself. Part of me is really lazy and likes to sleep. Part of me is really motivated and has lots of ideas. One part pops up more than the other... 😴 Thailand ~ ประเทศไทย Thailand has been a beautiful experience. It's cheap to live here, there is a lot to do, and there are a lot of opportunities. For me, the reason I'm here is to gain some sort of fight experience and potentially learn another language. Culture and Temples Buddhism is everywhere in Thailand, along with local beliefs and deities. From little shrines in the back of people's homes or restaurants to big golden temples in city squares. For many, these beliefs go hand in hand with their daily life. Speaking of daily life, it is definitely different than the kind of life I had in Minnesota. The day really doesn't start until 9-10 am as that is when restaurants and shops begin opening up. Plus, service at restaurants is more laid back and slower. Shops are usually run by one or two people. (Besides the big malls and such) But Thailand really thrives on the night life, even beyond tourism. Night Markets, Events, Festivals all usually take place in the afternoon or evening. With such an active night life, it makes sense as to why everything opens up so late in the morning. Karon Beach Karon beach is the first beach that I've visited in Thailand. I think I was lucky, because it is a pretty relaxing beach that has a lot of room for people. Even at the peak hours of people, the beach is big enough that you can always find your own spot. It was clean, and had plenty nearby to eat, drink or buy. The only problem is that there were not any bathrooms close to the beach, so you'd have to walk to one of the nearby restaurants. Thai Food Which brings me to the food. I haven't tried everything yet. There are many street foods that I want to try before getting a full idea of what Thailand's cuisine is like. So far, the food has been simple but delicious. If you really want to challenge yourself, try out "a little bit" of spicy in your food just to see what Thai's consider a little spicy. Food is cheap if you know where to look. That being said, the more expensive places have definitely been worth the price. There is also a wide variety of food to choose from. Not even getting into the Chinese/Japanese influences, where some restaurants will combine Thai style cuisine with that of their neighbors. All very good and I hope to share more food discoveries with you all! Keeping the Journey Going... I'd like to say thanks again to all those involved in my journey. Thanks to those who helped me get here, and thanks to those who I've met while on the journey. Without them I wouldn't have found some of these great restaurants! If you enjoy the journey then share it with others, comment or message me, and donate if you can. Any little bit of motivation helps me keep making content. 📿Johnny Want to support the journey? Check out the links below! Donate to Keep the Journey going... …or check out my Dad's book "21 Day Personal Journey" …or support my buddy's clothing brand "Canine Clothing - For Those on a Journey"