Book Review – How To Get Free Accommodation Around The World
The “Professional Hobo”, aka Nora Dunn, provides readers concise, real-life examples of how to creatively find resources for free accommodation while traveling.
I came across Nora’s website after doing some research on those who have traded in their “rat-race” lifestyle for more “lifestyle design”, as Tim Ferris would put it. I’ve been intrigued lately with the psychology of-
1) letting go of materialistic possessions (living more of a minimalistic life), and
2) escaping the 9-5 and living a more stress-free life.
Many of the clients I see in therapy talk to me about how much pressure and stress they’re under. Working 50+ hours/week while trying to pay their bills, meeting their individual and family needs (they say there are never enough hours in the day), and complain about how many hours a day they spend commuting. Sometimes, I think, “there has to be more to life than this!”
After reading a bit about Nora’s exotic locations, seeing her pictures of paradise, and “care-free” smile on her face, I decided to change something. What inspired me to reach out to her specifically is that she’s an Ontario born-and-raised lady as well. Nora’s bio (in brief): in 2006 she sold her lucrative financial-advising practice, got rid of most belongings, and decided to set sail on an excursion most dream about.
Nora’s Tricks for Those Who Like to Travel and Get Free Accommodation Around the World
In, How To Get Free Accommodation Around The World, Nora walks through 5 areas you can realistically use along your travels to get free accommodation. At first, I was a little skeptical about some of the suggestions Nora points out. However, after some double-checking on the Internet, I found out that lots of other people do it too! What I liked most about this resource is that Nora provides specific examples of how and where you can come across free accommodation. I was curious about most, so I checked out a few of them…
and…
after looking, I actually signed up for some of her suggestions for my travels. Nora also shares hers, or other travelers’ experiences with the suggestions she provides. Don’t most of us look for some type of “testimonial” when embracing something new?
This book, by far, is a comprehensive resource guide for those who are thinking about ditching the traditional lifestyle. It’s also immensely useful for those who already started with it and try to find smart ways to save money. Nora’s bubbly personality is seen throughout the book, and, of course, her personal website: The Professional Hobo.
Book Review – “Love Is Never Enough” by Aaron Beck
Aaron Beck is an American Psychiatrist and professor emeritus in the department of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. In the field of psychology, Aaron Beck is known as one of the pioneers of cognitive therapy – you can call him the Father of Cognitive Psychology.
I’m reading Aaron Beck’s 1988 published book: “Love Is Never Enough – How couples can overcome misunderstandings, resolve conflicts, and solve relationship problems through cognitive therapy.” Here are my thoughts on it.
A Short Review of “Love Is Never Enough” by Aaron Beck
Aaron begins his book describing the Power of Negative Thinking. The way we think about people, situations, ourselves, so powerfully influences our moods and the way we interact with others. Throughout Chapter 1 he gives great examples identifying different “thinking trap” conversations we have with ourselves. These patterns of thoughts can hinder what we feel for our partners. What stands out for me the most is Chapter 4, where he gives examples describing the tyranny of the Shoulds that we place on our partner’s behaviors.
One of the main challenges in a romantic relationship (or marriage) are the unwritten rules/expectations that each spouse has for the other. For example, these rules include how to give and receive love, how much time to spend with friends, how to raise children, how much time to spend with the in-laws on vacation and any other number of things. These unspoken expectations create havoc in a relationship precisely because they go unspoken. Furthermore, they lead to criticisms about the other person that are general rather than specific.
Without proper training, it’s usually difficult for the couple to discuss these expectations aloud for two reasons. One – they are unaware (only semi-conscious) of these expectations in the first place. Two – they are usually too wrapped up in conflict to properly examine these automatic thoughts, let alone express them properly. Usually, these expectations become evoked as the couple grows closer and more intimate. Usually.
Overall, “Love Is Never Enough” by Aaron Beck is great. I am more than happy with the content of the book. It brings enlightenment to the power of our thoughts, and how to work through changing your own cognitive distortions.