Become an activist or advocate of something you BELIEVE in

Before I started writing this post, I Google'd the online definitions of both advocate and activist. It is evident that they are depicted completely opposite of each other and one is seen as being a positive movement while the other one is negative.

As seen in the images section of Google, an advocate is someone who uses their voice in a process of dialogue, exchange of ideas and negotiation of a topic, whereas activism is depicted as the more radical and extreme process of forcing dialogue and negotiation. Whichever one you choose to do or associate with, just make sure it's for a good cause!

The purpose of my post today is to motivate you to become either an advocate or an activist of something you truly believe in and of something in need of serious change. Whether you decide to use your voice, your position, your money or your social media expertise is completely up to you.

In my opinion, both activists and advocates are needed for this world to change. I can't really say I've been one or the other, but rather a little bit of both. You might recall going to Sea World as a kid, and being completely amazed by Tilikum and the other performing whales. You were probably so amazed that the thought of becoming a whale trainer crossed your mind once or twice.

Unlike many, I went to Sea World for the first time when I was 16 years old, and even then I was completely oblivious to what was really happening. Just like you, I had not been educated on the horrendous history Sea World and Tilikum had, nor had I had both the pleasure and disturbing experience of watching Black Fish. 

It has been a couple of years since I became both an activist and an advocate for marine animals in captivity. I have yet to do it on a national level; however I do what I can with what I have such as using social media and word-of-mouth as well as avoiding social outings to places like Marine Land.

Both advocacy and activism are tools to create some sort of social change. You don't need to be Angelina Jolie or Emma Watson to help change the world. Being a student, recent graduate or entry-level employee should not prevent you from fighting towards change. But just like me, you have to work with what you got.

 If you'd like more information on volunteering, donating or even talking about any of these causes, shoot me a message. Fighting for social change should be on everyone's bucket list. After all, it is our world and only we can change it. 

Need ideas? Visit these sites.

http://generationon.org/teens/make-your-mark/65-ways-make-difference

http://www.wellsofhope.com/

http://www.worldvision.ca/

http://www.communitycarestca.ca/

http://www.freethechildren.com/

http://www.torontozoo.com/supportthezoo/adoptananimal.asp

http://wwf.panda.org/how_you_can_help/support_wwf/adopt_an_animal/

https://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/how-to-help/

All this talk about bucket lists...

Having trouble starting a bucket list?! 

Here are some of my personal pointers on where to start:

1. RESEARCH and start a draft: Think of things you have wanted to do since you were little and start from there. Let go of anything that may limit your bucket list and no matter how crazy and unrealistic your ideas may seem, write them down. 

2. Write a second draft: Don't be thrown off by the fact that your list looks tiny or that it has an incredible amount of goals because everyone's bucket list is different. Reading other people's bucket lists can inspire you to take a certain direction or even give you ideas you may have never imagined. The amazing thing about a bucket list is that it'll never be finished, as you will add ideas as they come. At the same time, if a goal is no longer appealing to you, don't be afraid to erase it.

3. Divide your list: Some people find it easier to divide their list into two; calling them their short-term and long-term lists. This will allow you to focus on smaller things that you can potentially accomplish on a day to day basis and maybe start piggy bank for that plane ticket to Australia.

4. Have a variety of goals: Always target different areas of your life such as finances, values, relationships, health, etc. For example: "Do something kind for someone and expect nothing in return" or "Take an Indian cooking class"

5. Do things that are right for you: It is important that your goals fit with your personality. At the end of the day, you must find meaning in your bucket list, and do things that fit your attitude, suit your needs and allow you to grow as a person. 

6. Show it off: If you're already in the process of creating a bucket list, why not show it off?! It's a great way to be held accountable for the things you say you'd like to do and you never know who you'll inspire with your own dreams and experiences. 

Remember, ALWAYS HAVE FUN! Your bucket list is your personal way of achieving your goals and it is all about YOU.

Hope you use these helpful pointers. Stay tuned, I'll be posting my personal bucket list next week!

Cheers, 

Erika

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do"

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" and everyone pretty much knows what the saying means. In this case, it represents the immersion of a tourist into the culture of the country he/she is visiting. I am so excited to share with you the most amazing and life changing traveling experience I've had so far. An experience that I hope will not only cause you a tiny feeling of jealousy, but will also motivate you to book yourself a flight to Morocco :)

I first decided I NEEDED to go to Morocco, when I watched Sex and The City 2. When Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda found themselves riding camels across the desert, I knew that would be me one day. And so, while studying abroad in France, I booked a flight to Morocco.

Samantha, Charlotte, Carrie and Miranda on Sex and The City 2

My friend Carlie and I had planned the most perfect trip, which surprisingly went according to plan. When we finally arrived at The Riad Marrakech Rouge Hostel, my expectations were more than exceeded. Our hostel was perfectly decorated to provide a Moroccan feel and was set up in a way that allowed for togetherness and comfort among all tourists.

My friend Carlie and I at the Riad Marrakech Rouge 

We were welcomed in by whom we continued to call the hostel's "Butler". He made us tea and dinner every night as well as offered us the very traditional Moroccan Shisha. We had booked tons of tours and were eager for them to start, beginning with Africa's second tallest water falls and continuing to Ait Ben Haddou; the famous filming location for The Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy among other movies.

Ait Ben Haddou

Our second day had finally arrived and we embarked on the most epic tour; camel riding into the desert to camp there for the night. We began our journey by driving 3 hours from Marrakech to Zagora where we spent the night, out in the open beneath the sand dunes. During this trip, I got to experience Berber culture and made tons of life-long friendships.

Alibaba & Me :)

Experiencing Moroccan culture gave me a different outlook on life; watching people live comfortably day-by-day, not relying on technology and social media, but rather washing their clothes in the river, and making hair dye from scratch (I really should've learned).

I'm still fairly new at blog writing, so I'm sure this post does not come close to doing my trip any justice. It was the trip of a life time and if I could, I would do it over and over again. Experiencing a different culture is, in my opinion, essential to having and keeping an open mind.

If you're anything like me, I highly suggest you put this on your bucket list. On this trip, what I was more eager to do was immerse myself in the wardrobe, customs, language, food and overall Moroccan culture, and that, I definitely did.

When in Rome...

The total cost of our 4-day Moroccan experience was 230 euros which included a round-trip flight from Spain and Morocco, tours, hostel stay, food and drinks as well as a bit of shopping. This may seem expensive for your average backpacker, however you surely get what you pay for.

If you are interested in staying at this amazing hostel and embarking on similar adventures, feel free to visit http://www.marrakechrouge.com/. Want more details? Shoot me a message :)

Travel, food, entertainment, and MUCH, MUCH MORE

Wow, my first blog post ever, this should be interesting.

I have spent all day on Google trying to figure out what to tell you about my blog. Most "Intro to blog" sections began with, "Hello, my name is Chelsea, and I am a life coach". Let me stop you there, I am NOT a life coach. I don't pretend to be a life guru, nor am I an expert on traveling, trying new food or reading new books. I am however, a wanderlust fiend with a need for knowledge and new experiences.

As the author of this blog, my goal is to attempt to show you  my experiences through the use of words. I am a 22 year-old girl, so I admit my experiences are still very limited, however I'd like to think I've experienced a lot more than some people dream to in a life time.

This blog challenges the traditional bucket list as it is not limited to traveling and jumping off a plane as "things to do before you die". I have yet to decide on a structure for this blog, and I have a feeling I may not have one. As I write this blog, not only am I offering my insight and my experiences, but I am also taking steps towards fulfilling my own bucket list. I will include posts on past as well as future experiences.

1. Do you have a constant need to travel?
2. Do you feel like there's so much more to life?
3. Can't wait to experience the world?
4. Have already planned life experiences from now until you're 90?

Then you're just like me and you will love my blog! Should you continue to read it and want to know more about me or my posts, please feel free to contact me through Facebook, Email, Twitter or Instagram. I hope to provide good reads and would be more than happy to share more information on anything you see on My Ideal Bucket List.