We are spending another few months in Wales and England catching up with family, then it's back to OZ to catch up with some of our regular furry friends and their parents...

And if I get the time I shall update our blog with our recent adventures...

Just Liven what's Given

Gavin and Jill

2024 is just around the corner and we have spent the last 5 months downsizing again to 2 backpacks, preparing for our next adventures...

We are off to Melbourne for a few months then off off into the sunset on a big plane to UK, Europe and Surrounds...

I have just updated our House and Pet Sitting statistics again and am amazed at where it has taken us. As we enter our 7th year I find it interesting to look back at what we have been up to and trust you will find it informative and maybe inspirational as well.

While International House and Pet Sitting is our lifestyle, part of that lifestyle is travel and undertaking other experiences. This expands our world view and helps us gain an appreciation for other ways of life and cultural perceptions.

​So where has this lifestyle taken us?

Camino De Santiago - France & Spain - We recently walked the Camino De Santiago a 900+kms pilgrimage over the Pyrenees in France, then across north Spain to the coast of the North Atlantic Ocean. It was a 55 day journey with rest days in the major towns to explore and appreciate their cultural and architectural beauty.

They say the Camino Frances has three parts, the first third for body, the second for the mind and the last third for the soul. We found it to be a walk full of amazing beauty and people, physically demanding and many lessons in letting go of perceptions and expectations. It was for us a journey into Liven what's Given, letting go and allowing life.

Touring The South and North Island Of New Zealand  - Even though we undertook some House and Pet Sitting assignments in New Zealand, (Tips for Travelling, House Pet Sitting New Zealand (Pt 1)) and ( Tips For Travelling, House Pet Sitting New Zealand (Pt 2)), we took the time to explore as well. To see the South Island we hired a campervan for a month and had a ball. This Island is all about natural beauty, mountains and fiords. Our top tip here is do it by campervan and leave yourself enough time to immerse yourself in the beauty.

The North Island is very different,  as this Island is all about culture, geothermal and movies. Yep they have made some great movies here and if you find yourself in Wellington take the time to go see how. We found traveling by bus was the best option for this Island and some must sees are White Island Volcano, Whakatane, Bay of Islands, Lake Taupo etc.

Traveling Asia - The first leg of our Asian adventure started with a quick stop in KL Malaysia before heading to the Phillipines. We spent time in Manilla, Dumagette, Cebu, Coron, Siquijor, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and passed through a number of other small towns. It was a great country to visit but we would not want to live there.

Next was Singapore where we spent 5 days. The highlights being Gardens by the bay, which included Cloudland, the Flower dome and a night light show, as well as the harbor lights at night. 

Moving around so much, along with the heat and humidity left us depleted so we headed to Phuket Thailand for a rest. We spent a week in a luxurious 5* resort (@75% off) just chilling out, in their rainy season. Having decided to slow down and reduce our travel plans, we settled on only 3 places to stay in Thailand. So after Phuket we went to Chiang Mai and saw many temples and places of historical and cultural interest, but the highlight was the elephant rescue reserve where they provide a beautiful place for elephants who have been mistreated and injured. Our final stop in Thailand was Bangkok where we visited the floating markets, grand palace and the big Buddha. By this stage we started to realise that this part of Asia may not be for us at all.
 
This caused a drastic back to the drawing board moment and we set about replanning our trip as our original plan which included  Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos with the same heat and humidity.​ Then as usually happens when we make a decision a two month House & Pet Sitting opportunity arrived for Penang Malaysia, and we immediately accepted it.

This is where we completed the trip and enjoyed exploring Penang National park, Penang Hill and Georgetown as well as spending time in the local area of Tanjung Bungah. 

Asia was an interesting travel experience and a lot of lessons were learned. The main one being yes its cheap to travel and live like a local but make sure that is really what you want to do :-)

Touring Europe - Now when we say tour Europe it might be a tad different than what you think. You see we had been invited to travel Europe assisting a modern day mystic with her talks, seminars and workshops.

Along with others we were invited to stay in locals homes while running events in their areas. For us it was a great way to meet and immerse ourselves in the local culture, while providing audio, visual and spiritual support.  This particular tour took us through the the major cities and regional towns throughout the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg.

​In addition to the tour we took time out to work in a "pay as you feel" coffee shop in Amsterdam. The focus being on taking every day activities and using them to release any blocks to being in the moment or what we call Liven what's Given.

During this time we met amazing people, had wonderful and heart felt connections, while living in some of the best parts of Europe, and appreciating the great scenery and history of each area.

Volunteering In South Africa Lions and Tigers - When we discovered a volunteering project that would allow us to spend time with lions and tigers in a breeding park in South Africa we were very excited. It was a unique and amazing experience where we were hands on with feeding, cleaning and playing with lion and tiger cubs from 1 week to 7 months old.

The original plan here was to just be two of the volunteers. However after two days the owner had decided that with our experience and knowledge, we would make good candidates to manage the place while she and half the volunteers went to inspect some white lions at a park a few days away.

So here in began our Relief Management experience. It was a unique and amazing experience where we were hands on with managing the park, running the park tours for local and international visitors, organising volunteers and running new volunteer orientation. 
 
Additionally we were involved in the activities of caring for the rest of the park, which consisted of 150 bigger lions and tigers of varying ages.

This was definitely one on those once in a life time opportunities and we had a blast. If you ever get the opportunity then we suggest you jump at it!

Volunteering In Tanzania - ​So on a high from our Lion and Tiger experience we made our way to Tanzania where we had volunteered to teach English to the local school kids. In addition to that we had agreed to undertake some after school programs, then go on a few African safaris.

The teaching English is one experience we will never forget. It consisted of teaching pre-school kids, aged between 2 and 5 years old. There were 2 classes with 75 kids each, two full time local teachers and very primitive facilities. To say this was a challenging experience would be a total understatement, however It was an interesting experience and a total insight into another culture and perception of the world.

After school we spent time at the local orphanages, playing with the children and singing songs. In addition to that we used our business and coaching experience to teach business and life principles at an afternoon class for the local Masai. This in many ways was a rewarding experience as they were very enthusiastic to practice their English and put into practice any business and life principles we passed on.

After our time teaching we thoroughly enjoyed a two week African safari. Now this was a WOW experience. We glamped on the banks of Lake Rukwa watching the wild life over dinner drinks, recuperating from a hard day sightseeing, and getting ready to sleep in our 5* Tents. Then we made our way to the Serengeti National Park to find the "Big 5" and we ended it with a week lazing around the beaches and towns of Zanzibar.

'Well thats about it.

The stats and highlights of our International House and Pet sitting lifestyle. Thank you for sharing our experience.

Just Liven what's Given

Gavin and Jill

PS. If you have any questions or just wish to share one of your experiences please use the comments section below.

jillgavhousesitters.com

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Every time we commercial world we are reminded of why we live the lifestyle we do. In the commercial world it's all about money. People give to get something and there is an ethos of the more money you give the more you will get, and the ultimate is to get something for nothing!

I feel this is born out of the scarcity mindset that is prevalent in the commercial world. No matter if it is  buying or selling a product or service, the driving force is scarcity. That's what marketing is all about, get it now or lose, if someone else gets it you will miss out, pay more and you will be part of an exclusive group and on it goes.

During a recent blog challenge I completed, I realised the commercial world I had been participating in for so many years was generally based on an ethos of mistrust and self-interest. It is why I never really felt part of it, and only over the last five years of International House and Pet Sitting has my world felt different.

You see our world of International House and Pet Sitting is based on Trust and Contribution. We don't provide a service, we find a way to be of service. Now this is not just some sort of marketing spin for us, we do it because it adds a great deal of intangible value to our lifestyle and we feel great about it.

For us the True Currency of International House and Pet Sitting is Trust and Appreciation. We give that not to get it back, but because we feel that is the way we want to live our lives. We trust and appreciate life and our freedom lifestyle, and it just so happens that is what is reflected back to us.

Now i'm not saying here that this awareness and life cannot be reached in the commercial world, as it most certainly can. What I am saying is that with our International House and Pet Sitting, it is at the centre of our lifestyle and is a lot easier to maintain.

With a currency of trust and appreciation the Joy is found in the giving, and if anything is received that is just a bonus. We extend love to all our furry foster friends and receive it back 10 fold. We trust and appreciate all the home owners and see that reflected in their attitude toward us. Our sits are for the most part drama free, and when not, a solution is easily found. The relationships built are based on our values and the values of the people we seem to attract.

Following is a video we have on our website which goes some way in showing this, not to say yay we are so good, but more of an example of the attitude we experience.

While we are grateful of our home owners appreciation, it is not why we do what we do. We only participate because by extending trust and appreciation we start to see the whole world differently. It is a mindset that house and pet sitting was built on from the early days and I trust will remain as the industry moves forward.

I understand that there are many motives for house and pet sitting, both from owners and sitters, and I don't see anything wrong with that. However I do know there are a tribe of International House & Pet Sitters living a lifestyle of freedom who feel as we do. A lifestyle based on trust and appreciation, and directed by gut feel, intuition, guidance or whatever we would like to call it. We do it because we love it. It enhances our whole world and inspires others to a new way of living. We take total responsibility for all that we do and know whatever happens is for our own good and learning.

I feel it's important that we keep this message out there. It's important to speak out. To show by example and through experience that there is another way.

There is a way, and by changing our mind about the world through trust and appreciation, it does actually change the way we see and interact with it, and in doing so extend that to others. We use International House and Pet Sitting to do this and are very grateful to be part of a wonderful group of people who feel the same way.

I must say when I felt to do this challenge I really didn't think there would be much in it for me. This is why i just let go and let "Life", because doing this challenge was the perfect thing at the perfect time.

Challenge Day 1 - The Challenge Of Freedom - I realised my challenge was not really about obtaining freedom, it's about what I do now I have it!
Challenge Day 2 - The "Y" Of My International House Pet Sitting Lifestyle - This is where it struck me that my inspiration comes from the "Y", and my freedom lifestyle "Y" starts with "To inspire people to trust and appreciate life so that they may change their minds about the world."
Challenge Day 3 - Freedom Day - The Perfect Day - I came to understand that a vision of my perfect day is more of a constant attitude or mindset, rather than a location, place or experience.
Challenge Day 4 - My Freedom Lifestyle Superpowers - I learnt to value change, adaptability, intuition and guidance, and how they will play their part in expressing my "Y".
Challenge Day 5 - My Daily Success Plan To Expand Freedom - I can now see how some structure can be very inspiring to my free flowing lifestyle, and in expressing and extending my "Y".
Challenge Day 6 - Finding My Trust Tribe - I realised the importance of finding and collaborating with a tribe that shares my values of Trust and Appreciation in life.
Challenge Day 7 - Beating Procrastination and Overwhelm - I realised that in beating procrastination and overwhelm I had to feel the imperfection and do it anyway.
Challenge Day 8 - My Freedom Adventure - This showed me that sharing an adventure with others just enhances the joy.
Challenge Day 9 - My Location Independent Lifestyle - I shared the importance of me allowing "Life" to balance and guide my work and  adventure.

This challenge gave me the excuse to examine and reflect on my current lifestyle. I loved the way the challenge structure took me on a journey of rediscovering "Y" I live the life I do, how to move forward and what tools to use.

I enjoyed and resonated with so many other posts written by people with similar mindsets, and they inspired to keep on keeping on. This freedom tribe also showed me the importance of others and collaboration, a lesson I will use as I expand my freedom lifestyle.

Mostly I just enjoyed the journey, and the experience of the gradual revealing of what it takes to not only live a freedom lifestyle, but to also to be in the Joy of it.

My favourite challenge day was two - The "Y" Of My International House Pet Sitting Lifestyle. Actually revealing and defining "Y" I live like I do provided the inspiration and new ideas that had been missing for some time. I had never intentionally done this exercise before and I found real value in it.

My biggest takeaway from this challenge! Well that is easy commitment, focus and consistency. This particular challenge came at a busy time of traveling, new locations, new properties and new experiences.

It was through making a commitment, focusing on my MIA's and consistently blogging that I was not only able to finish the challenge but reap the value from it.

Find and collaborate with a tribe of like minded souls who share my values of Trust and Appreciation of Life.

This is the end of the challenge but not the end and I look forward to all that is to come . Additionally I wanted to say thank you to @nataliesisson and those who took part in the challenge, I appreciate your efforts and am inspired by you all.

​As always feel free to express you thoughts and feelings in the comments below.

Just Liven what's Given

Cheers

Gavin

jillgavhousesitters.com

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#10DBC   #freedomplan

The thing is I don't have to imagine that lifestyle, as I live it. In the past 5 years of International House and Pet Sitting I have traveled to 17 Countries on 5 Continents. House Sat 45 properties and looked after 150 pets. I have experienced beaches, bush, mountains, churches, temples, vibrant cities and rural communities. Visited major tourist attractions and been off the beaton track. Yes I live a location independent lifestyle and love it.

The interesting thing is I have no "One" way of balancing the adventure and work as it changes all the time when life presents different opportunities. You see while I am location independent and live a freedom lifestyle I don't have, yet, what I would call a freedom business. The balance comes from reducing living costs while still living in a style I enjoy, and by doing so, I have reduced my income requirements. For example two months motel relief management will pay for 9 months travel while house & pet sitting.

How do I balance this? Well in reality I don't, "Life" does. I just do my part by listening and taking action when obvious. I stay open to the opportunities offered and go where life guides me. My balance is Trust. Trust that life knows best and in my experience it does. I work when I feel to and travel and house-sit the rest. I say yes when I feel to and work out how to do it later if required. My balance is "Life" and my currency is Trust and Appreciation. The rest takes care of itself.

You see as International House and Pet Sitters we travel around a lot and rarely get to see family and friends. We have many amazing adventures, however at times we long to catch up with old friends, go out and generally connect on a level as only good friends can.

So when this challenge arrived it was time to write about today, we spent with some of our best friends. These friends have supported us and our freedom lifestyle by putting us up when we are in town, listen to our crazy plans and join us on some of our more other out-there adventures. Like today, it all started with a 16.5 kilometre hike along the beach where we saw whales and turtles and got some much needed practice for our Camino walk next year. (BTW one of these friends has decided to do it with us).

Then it was back to their house where we met another friend who we have not seen for a long while and at night we were off to the Big Bush Dance. Now our friends have Grey Hounds, who we have cared for, and they are the most amazing breed of dog you could ever meet. They are all rescued from racing and make the most amazing pets, and this fundraising event was put on by an organisation,  which they belong to is called friends of the hounds.

A great night was had by all with dancing, bonfires, food, drink and socialising all in the company of our friendly puppies and for a great cause.

While traveling the world and having experiences is fun, the adventures I enjoy most are in the connections and relationships I have made with others and the experiences I have with them.

As always feel free to express you thoughts and feelings in the comments below.

Just Liven what's Given

Cheers

Gavin

jillgavhousesitters.com

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#10DBC   #freedomplan

The thing is I have found at least two people who live a life of total freedom. They have let go all blocks to life's presence, and have total trust in what's given. I have followed them for years, adopting their advice in letting go and letting life and eventually joined their community.

They inspired me to radically transform my life, and let go of my perceptions and beliefs without the need to replace them with anything other than a sense of extending Trust and Appreciation and developing a lifestyle around it. They are responsible for me living my life of freedom and helping bring into my awareness that true freedom will only ever come from a total trust in life.

I have met, traveled and lived in close proximity to both of them and asked many questions. Three of these questions provided answers, which consequently made the most impact on my life:

• What do I have to be willing to give up to achieve total freedom?
• What does "To have, Give All To All" mean?
• What is the one most important thing you did  to achieve freedom?

My journey with them now feels complete and that search is over, and while I live a freedom lifestyle of sorts, I am not totally free.

During the last few years I have always struggled with the need for some sort of plan for the day.

The simple fact is I have developed my freedom lifestyle without one and I enjoy the free flowing feeling of life, just making obvious what the next thing to do is and then doing it.

​It seemed to me structure was just a way of me wanting to control my life and and thinking I knew better.
​

So with all that said here is my initial Daily Success Plan To Expand Freedom ...

1. Upon waking and clearing my mind, allow the MIA's to come to mind and document them.
2. Set time(s) to undertake these MIA's in set 25 min slots, in an environment where they are the only things I focus on.
3. Celebrate the completion of the MIA's each day.
4. Undertake other tasks and activities as given outside of the set MIA's time slots.

Ok there I have it. I will run with this and see what else life has to offer. 

​As always feel free to express you thoughts and feelings in the comments below.