Discover What Ignites Your Soul

All I know is I know nothing at all but that doesn't mean I can't attempt to understand this life and our human existence. I started this blog to document my processes and experiences so I can share it with the world and hopefully get a better understanding of myself. I am certainly not wealthy by ANY means but it definitely doesn't mean I can't work hard enough to have the money to do the things I want to do. Just because I'm "average" doesn't mean I have to live an "average" life. And neither does anyone else. If this is our only opportunity at a human existence, then why not do it our way? With this blog, I hope to share bits of my reality and potentially inspire another "average" person to strive for something more, the life they really want. In the end, we are all just humans trying to survive and be happy. Welcome to the inferno within me, here are the winds that breathe life into my flames. ~Sara~

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

Chandelier of Grief I don't know why but pains always emerge from abyss And, the intense light revolving dazzlingly Sinks to the bottom of my heart This body has been metamorphosed into a chandelier Snuggling up to the brilliant scars I will keep living, till the ends of the sky Yes, gently enfolding my wounded heart Forever, forever As long as my life lasts, I want to live As long as my life lasts, I want to live #yayoikusama ✨ 🌌 🌟 ✨ 🌌 🌟 ✨ 🌌 🌟 #chandelier #chandelierofgrief #iwillkeepliving #aslongasmylifelasts #iwanttolive #tiltheendsofthesky #kristallwelten #austria #beautifulpoetry #mirrors #reflections #travelfinds #swarovski (at Swarovski Kristallwelten) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpjW1tvA3iD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=3ljscv3bc58r

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For many years of my life I've struggled with depression. With this sense of not being worthy, of not being enough, timid to let others see the true Sara for fear of judgement and criticism. I'd always dreamed that one day that would all dissipate and I'd wake up happy to be who I was. All of this lingered with me up until the most recent years of my life when I finally began to open my eyes, see the world from a different perspective, let others within these walls and in so doing, step out into the light. It wasn't and still isn't easy. It's comfortable to fall back into previous programs, back to what you "know". But after having made those steps outside, I can only look back and see a dark empty room, a room that I no longer want to sit in alone and afraid, a room that offers no comfort and merely self destruction and frustration and yet one that is so familiar. It's easy to look back into that dark place of "familiarity". What's difficult is to keep walking away from it, where I'm vulnerable, where the darkness can't hide all the insecurities and self loathing, where I'm forced to see myself and either accept it or change it. At this point in my life, I can no longer fathom remaining in that room and with each step it gets further away and I get to know more of myself. I'm finally starting to love this woman, this vessel, and this spirit. I'm finally starting to see my worth. With that, the fear of judgement no longer impacts me and criticism can only assist in the construction of my growth. To love oneself is to know oneself and to know oneself is to love oneself. I'm finally learning who I am. I'm finally loving me for being, flaws and all. I'm finally starting to feel comfortable with just being Sara. I'm starting to live the dream and there is no waking up because dreams can become a reality. Love is everywhere, you just have to acknowledge it within first. (at Swarovski Kristallwelten) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpfWRt6AqHN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qhqpws6qjava

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

What can I say? I'm a museum and art fanatic and a lover of sparkly things! So when I saw information online about this museum I absolutely had to go. It superceded expectations and I walked the entirety, eyes glittering, smiling from ear to ear, and thoroughly enjoying myself. It's just outside of Innsbruck and definitely worth checking out if you're in the area! 💎 💎💎 💎💎💎 💎💎💎💎 @enjoyaustria #swarovskikristallwelten #thisplaceissobeautiful #sparklythings #ilovemuseums #iloveart #coolmuseums #goodtimesinaustria #alltheprettythings #gottacheckitout #traveljournal #austriatravel #randomfinds #austria (at Swarovski Kristallwelten) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpfNHj_gMgC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wkhn9sbvbn6n

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

Innsbruck is yet another beautiful little town that makes up Austria. It's renowned for its Goldenes Dachl (golden roof) which was once a Hapsburg residence decorated with 2,657 golden tiles. It has since been turned into a museum. The classic architecture and slightly old world feel make this Town in the Alps a must-see of the country. 🇦🇹 🇦🇹 🇦🇹 🇦🇹 🇦🇹 @enjoyaustria #travelblog #travel #innsbruck #goldenesdachl #travelaustria #wanderlust #adventuresinaustria #austria #osterreich (at Innsbruck, Austria) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpfG4ogAvm0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=x0pf2cppegnt

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

Yet, taught by time, my heart has learned to glow for other's good, and melt at other's woe. #homer In the middle of the journey of our life I came to myself within a dark wood where the straight way was lost. #dante Never regret thy fall, O Icarus of the fearless flight. For the greatest tragedy of them all. Is never to feel the burning light. #oscarwilde Icarus flew too close to the sun, but at least he flew... 🏰 🏰 🏰 🏰 🏰 #statues #greatphilosophers #marblestatues #castellodimiramare #placestoseeinitaly #philosophynerd (at Castello Di Miramare, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn6J2JiFJU1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wnff81lx1u4d

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad. #janeausten 🌅 ⛵ 🌅 ⛵ 🌅 ⛵ #seekadventure #adventureratheart #goabroad #followthewind #newdestinations #wildheartedwanderer #femaleadventurer #setyoursails #destinedforadventure #italydestinations #italytravel #traveldestinations #breakoutofyourbox #limitless #justgo #foreverchanged #theworldismyhome #alwaysanadventure #exploretheworld (at Trieste, Italy) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn08Cb2n2Mp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=a4hps3bepszj

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

I have this obsession with sunsets. Beautiful endings lead to beautiful beginnings. Light is on the horizon... 🌅 🌤 🌅 🌤 🌅 🌤 🌅 #beautifulhorizon #sunsets #italiansunset #travelitaly #trieste #triesteitaly #sunsetobsession #beautifulendings #beautifulbeginnings #onthehorizon #iloveitaly #nomadiclife #seeeverything #goeverywhere #neverstoptraveling #seeingnewplaces #experiencetheworld #borntotravel #wanderthisworld #roamtheplanet (at Trieste, Italy) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn04O2oH5b-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1v4kgpyr4dgr4

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

There just aren't enough words to describe the magnificence and beauty of Austria. The pictures barely do it justice but you just can't help but try and capture it at every opportunity. The steep and jagged mountains are both welcoming and foreboding to any explorer but the views make it all too enticing. We hiked for a few hours exploring Spiegelsee and the surrounding "hills" and I just could not wipe the smile from my face. The mountains are certainly my element and where I feel most at home. The wild mountain goats approach without fear and I was happy to give a gentle head scratch before running further up the trail. The lakes, the distant peaks, the cool clean air, and the wonderful company made this one of those memories that will forever feed my soul. ❤ 🏞 ❤ 🏞 ❤ 🏞 🐐 #hikinginaustria #hikingroundtheworld #incrediblehikes #ilovehiking #trailrunning #youhavetoseeit #wanderinginthemountains #inmyelement #natureismytemple #wayuphigh #mountainviews #austriaismagical #igtravel #instatravel #hikingpics #climbthatgoddamnmountain #getoutthereandlive #breathethemountainair (at Austria) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnkpmUHBWfh/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bfbd8y12tjl4

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

It's impossible not to be enamored by Austria's beauty. Just driving you're likely to come around a random bend to a view like this and I'm constantly having my breath taken away. The people are amazing, the food incredible, and the mountains, ohhhhhh the mountains. I could definitely call this place home. ❤ 🏞 ❤ 🏞 ❤ 🏞 #austriatravel #cantgetenough #austriaisbeautiful #whyitravel #placestosee #exploreaustria #ilovethisplace #mountainlakes #wolfgangsee #austria🇦🇹 #incredibleviews #thisplaceismagical #beautyaroundeverycorner #mountaindrives (at Lake Wolfgang) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnklAjFBmyW/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=yrzk6k022wkj

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

Because no hike is complete without a headstand... 🕉 🏞 🕉 🏞 🕉 #hikingaroundtheworld #headstand #iloveyoga #iloveaustria #mountainsofaustria #travelaustria #hikingandyoga #longwalksinthemountains #spiegelsee #mirrorlake #austria #inversionsmakemehappy #mountainhighs #theworldupsidedown #naturewalks #trailrunningviews #mountainsmakemehappy #meineberge #womenwhohike #amazingaustria #becausewhynot (at Austria) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnkiD4shCAc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hefmebyt1evv

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One of my favorite aspects of traveling solo is the amount of people you meet along the way. At no point are you obligated to do something that doesn't interest you or to obligate someone else to do the your activities. You're completely free to travel at your leisure and expense and every once in awhile you'll meet someone who's interests coincide with yours and join forces. That's how Sophie and I met. We started as roommates at Elephant Nature Park and became quick friends. When she told me she was going to Pai afterwards, I expressed interest and before I knew it was on a bus to meet her. It worked out well since she has a fear of the scooters and I've had a lot of practice. We cruised around and explored and had someone to take pictures of the other along the way. When the time came, we parted ways with heartfelt hugs and see you laters but never goodbyes. Now I have a reason to visit Canada and a new travel buddy when I'm out in the world. #womenwhotravel #solofemalebackpacker #backpackerlife #photojournal #wanderingwomen #travelbuddies https://www.instagram.com/p/BnEVuD7AzCl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7819zduusvuy

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If you're backpacking through Thailand and have the time and money, I highly recommend experiencing all of the public transport options. The domestic flights are cheap ($50 one way Phuket to Chiang Mai, only 2 hours @thaismileairways ), bus, ferry (expensive but you get nice views of the coast), taxi (make sure they turn on the meter or they'll hustle you ((I learned the hard way)), or train (usually behind schedule). My personal favorite so far has been the trains. On the train, you'll get great views of the countryside and see how the rural people live (rice fields, farmland, and mountains). Plus, you get to people watch the locals coming on and off. Every experience is an adventure and you'll likely get fed along the way. ✈ 🚂 🛤 🚌 🚢 🚕 #travellikethelocals #thailandadventures #trainsinthailand #backpackthailand #planestrainsandautomobiles #experiencethailand #aunatural #iloveadventures #travelingthailand #journeyjournal #thailandisamazing #roamtheworld #travellog #whyarentyouhere https://www.instagram.com/p/BmxkWjth5xS/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=g44rju8vwcca

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

Oh hello, lovely! I came to share some bananas with you! Thanks human! Here have some mud, I'm sure you'll love it too! 😒 😄😆😄😆😄 🐘 🍌 🐘 🍌 🐘 🍌 #enp #loveandbananas #iloveelephants #funnycreatures #mudbath #chiangmaithailand #thailandexperiences #journeythroughthailand #solofemalebackpacker #womenwhoexplore #wildheartedwanderer #travelingadventures #volunteering #elephant #ilovethailand #ilovetraveling #givebacktonature #gypsysoul #wanderlust #keepexploring #thingstodointhailand (at Elephant Nature Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BmtR_s3htgm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17zz1m6bbz9rs

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

Imagine, for a moment, that you live among your family in the jungle happy and free. Then one day a man comes and wounds your mother and rips you from her side. You're then forcibly taken to a distant part of the jungle. They force you into shackles around your neck, ears, trunk, legs, and tail. You're completely immobile, standing in your own excrement. For at least a week you're left like this while cruel strange men come and stab you with pickaxes, beat you mercilessly, and starve you until you've got no fight left in you, until you forget all remnants of your previous life. When you finally submit, they let you "free"- chained to a pole, forced to walk in circles for weeks, constantly being beaten and taught to fear the man with the pick. When you've given up all fight, the training begins and you're taught to do tricks lest you be beaten for failing. You're then taken to a circus or a stadium where you remain shackled until the show begins. The bright lights hurt your sensitive eyes, the thundering of applause and booming microphones scare you and hurts your ears. You're forced to paint and entertain and if you don't, more pain. This is your life, everyday, and in between a short chain and a cruel man with a weapon for comfort. When you finally reach sexual maturity, you're shackled again but only from the front and in a small cage. They then allow an unknown male to rape you until you're pregnant in order to sell your baby for profit and the whole process begins again. This is the life of the elephant. Wild, they have a will of their own and cannot be taught to do these things. Not until their spirit is broken, not until they learn to fear the pick and man. Elephants are highly intelligent with a deep social structure that supercedes our own. And this is the life we give them, after we've taken away their natural territories, after we've taken away their migration patterns, this is what they're left with. What would we call this if it were replaced with a human? Abuse, torture? An elephant never forgets... https://www.instagram.com/p/BmlJltgAeo9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19mjuoymr8v6s

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

This week, I get the honor of being surrounded by these noble creatures in a sanctuary far from the city in the mountains of the Chiang Mai province of #thailand . I can't explain how powerful their presence is and how much soul I can feel when I look into their eyes. Despite a lifetime of abuse, these gentle giants are making a new life for themselves away from the abuse of humans. Here, they're given a new opportunity at the life that was stripped from them in their infancy. For some, the recovery process is slow and they still endure traumatic memories from their past but it doesn't inhibit their capacity for forgiveness and happiness. Many are permanently disabled either physically, mentally, or both but here they're given an opportunity to live out their last years as close to nature intended, among family and friends, where they're free to roam, bathe, and eat at their leisure. It's a humbling experience to be here and give back to them, to rehabilitate them, and show them that not all humans are bad. They have no voice but you can feel their hearts. I'm so grateful to be a part of such a beautiful program and the hours of cleaning up their giant poos and unloading food trucks is well worth the cause. If you're curious about the elephant trade here in Thailand watch a documentary called Love and Bananas and you'll see why I'm here.... 🐘 🐘🐘 🐘🐘🐘 #elephantnaturepark #enp #loveandbananas #giveback #ecotourism #voluntourism #dontridetheelephants #stoptheabuse #noblecreatures #letsmakeadifference #elephants #elephantsantuary #chiangmai #iloveelephants https://www.instagram.com/p/BmhojhWh10e/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=fcqk4ps6svku

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

No filter, just nature in all her splendor. Goodbye another beautiful day. #phuket #phuketsunset #lostinthailand (at Kata Beach, Phuket Island, Thailand)

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

The ocean has lost her baby teeth. They're shells upon the shore. And everyday She grows new teeth. Each night She loses more. She spreads Her teeth Upon the beach I gather up a pile. I bring them home So I can keep A piece Of ocean smile. #amyludwigvanderwater 🐚 🐚🐚 🌊🐚🐚 #seashells #aonangbeach #krabithailand #brokenbits #oceanpoetry #longwalksonthebeach #solodate (at Ao Nang Beach, Krabi Thailand)