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International House & Pet Sitting
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My Freedom Lifestyle Superpowers

13/9/2016

1 Comment

 
This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 4
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This blog is to be all about superpowers. Now superpowers as defined by this challenge are things I am good at, enjoy or love to do, and what others see I am good at. What I find interesting about this challenge is defining what they are and how these particular superpowers have made my current freedom lifestyle possible.

​Being a mature person with a lot of life experience, i.e. old and done a lot of stuff, I have developed many skills that has allowed me to take part in many and varied activities both online and off. Additionally these skills have been instrumental in developing the lifestyle I have today. However, while important I don't feel they are my superpowers as defined by this challenge. ​


I have written about this before when I did a post on my Lifestyle Review and after some reflection, and asking people, these are my superpowers that have not only made my freedom possible, they will be the things that move it forward. So here I go, the superpowers:
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Change and Adaptability

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As the old saying goes "The Only Constant In Life Is Change." Which I find really interesting because from my experience most people hate it and will do anything to avoid it. It was only when I learnt to embrace change that life opened up a whole new set of possibilities that I never really thought were possible.

For me change is an every day occurrence, either new country, new house, new pets, new technology, new people, new experiences and the list goes on. e.g. In the last day I have traveled hundreds of kilometres to a new location, house, people and pets. It is my ability to adapt to that change, and then by embracing it that I identify and utilise the opportunities it offers. 

​Additionally I have found life is always moving me on and presenting me with situations and opportunities to be free of long held beliefs and society dogma which remains essential for me to expand my freedom lifestyle.
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Intuition, Gut Feeling, Guidance

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Now this superpower I feel is probably one of my most important. I would love to say I have really honed, developed, and worked on it, however in truth it is something we are all born with, and our only task is to learn to value and listen to it.

I am told I read people and situations very quickly, I understand what the underlying motivations and intentions are, I tend to choose situations and events that are perfect for whatever it is I am doing at the time. When in reality I just follow a feeling. It may manifest in many ways but it is what I have come to accept as Intuition, guidance or just plain old gut feeling.

​Over the years it is this single superpower that keeps my freedom lifestyle simple and on track. In my experience if I ignore this superpower life has a way of reminding me it was probably a less than wise decision.

Other Superpower Skills

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Like I said I have done lots of stuff and in the process developed a lot of many and varied skills. Currently the skills I like to use are writing, photography, videography and marketing. These are skills that I have been refining and developing over the years, and the ones that others seem to value the most. They are also the ones that my gut feel indicates will move me forward into collaborative projects that are currently missing from my lifestyle.

I am really enjoying this challenge as it is allowing me to take the time to identify and appreciate what has helped me develop and live a freedom lifestyle, and what it is that will expand and move it forward.

I trust it is of some benefit to others who are considering the same. As always if you feel to comment feel free to express below.
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Just Liven what's Given

Cheers

Gavin

jillgavhousesitters.com

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#10DBC   #freedomplan
1 Comment

Freedom Day - The Perfect Day

12/9/2016

6 Comments

 
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This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 3

With my International House & Pet Sitting lifestyle I am moving from place to place, country to country and experience to experience regularly. I have come to appreciate what each has to offer and the joy in each day there.

So when this challenge Day 3 Creating A Vision For the Future - Write your perfect day came about it took some reflection as to what that would look like. You see for a long time now I have lived a life based on being happy with what is, allowing everthing that happens to be ok and appreciating each moment as life presents it, without any expectation of needing it to change. So in saying all that my perfect day is more of a constant attitude or mindset, rather than a location, place or experience and it goes like this.
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"I wake in the morning to a calm mind. As the new waves of thought start to ebb their way into my consciousness. I give thanks to life for being. As the appreciation builds and any non-helpful thoughts float away I hear the quiet voice giving me the guidance for the day.

Suggestions and prompts that give the intentions to pursue and undertake. An innate joy reveals itself as I rise from bed and just be in the company of our latest pet friends. Appreciating their energy, presence and just being one with them while we all participate in the exercise for the day.

With my life energy now pumping I refresh my body, and prepare my mind, and undertake the given tasks with a single focus ... TBC ..."


As you can see my perfect day is more a mindset, and I appreciate this challenge by allowing the vision of that mindset to filter through every cell of my body. I will continue to be with this day and finish the vision as life reveals what my Perfect Freedom Day looks like.

​Now for my iced coffee and muffin ;-)

​Just Liven what's Given

Cheers

Gavin

jillgavhousesitters.com

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#10DBC   #freedomplan
6 Comments

The "Y" Of My International House Pet Sitting Lifestyle

12/9/2016

2 Comments

 
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People often ask me why I live the lifestyle I do, and my easy answers are:
  • Its very financially efficient
  • I travel the world
  • I experience new places and spaces, cultures and countries
  • I always meet new people and develop on-going relationships
  • And the list goes on.
However this blog challenge has shown me that they are just the results of the lifestyle I live, and International House & Pet Sitting is just one of the tools (all be it a big one) to facilitate the actual "Y" in why I live the way I do.
After reading and listening to:
  • Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 2 - Discovering your WHY
  • Podcast [240] How Transform Your Business With The Power Of WHY with David Mead
  • Simon Sinek - Tedtalk How Great Leaders Inspire Action
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I am on the way to really understanding why I do what I do.

David Mead in the podcast above summed it up rather perfectly when he was talking about two different leadership styles and the types of environments they promote. Well I love being part of, and extending, a community of people who promote "Trust and Co-operation" rather than  being part of an increasing worldly standard of "MisTrust and Self-Interest".

​A community and lifestyle that takes responsibility rather than passing it on and blaming others, or inventing new rules to punish. Being part of a community, and then showing others through our attitude and actions, how the currency of "Trust and Appreciation" is a very tangible and valuable commodity and a worthy cause to pursue.
​

So for me to start  articulating a why statement it would go something like this:

To inspire people to trust and appreciate others so that they may change their minds about the world.

Now of course this reflects our long held values of "Seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world" ACIM, and "You must be the change you want to see in the world." Gandhi, as well the others stated on our website.
​
So the task of this blog and challenge was to write down the reason "Y" I live this freedom lifestyle and I feel the statement above makes a good start.

I would also suggest it is a great exercise for those who are thinking of starting the International House & Pet Sitting Lifestyle. Because there are many different types and ways of doing it, and in my opinion developing your "Y" will give you a great head start into the style you want to adopt.
​
Well I really enjoyed that exercise and I trust it is helpful to others who are persuing or living the freedom lifestyle.

​Just Liven what's Given

Cheers

Gavin

jillgavhousesitters.com

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“This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 2”

#10DBC   #freedomplan
2 Comments

The Challenge Of Freedom

11/9/2016

6 Comments

 
I was watching a movie last night and a line out of it was of particular interest "It's not really about obtaining freedom, it's about what you do when you have it!".

The reason for the interest is because in my case its been not much. For so long it was all about obtaining financial freedom, time freedom, spiritual freedom, and all the other freedoms that I was told I needed to have to achieve ultimate happiness. It was this search that made life interesting. It's why we started International House & Pet Sitting, sold all our stuff and traveled the world. All in the name of freedom and what it represented to us.

It was why we did all the programs, seminars, online courses and workshops. We wanted what was being sold a life where you have the money, time, health and resources to do whatever I wanted when I wanted. However what I was not ready for was what happens when I got it! 

​You see I never really thought freedom in these areas was actually possible so the question of what I would do with it never occurred until now. It was only when I came across "Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge" that I explored what is stopping me from living a life of freedom.
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The answer is nothing! I have it. I am living it.

I have all the criteria I had set (or was set for me), to live a life I and many others had only dreamed about. Time freedom - Check, Financial freedom - Check, Spiritual freedom - Check, Health - Check, Relationship - Check, Check, Check, Check ... 

For me the freedom lifestyle (as I had defined it), was a wonderful motivating goal but after living it for a few years, a really boring destination. Everything that was bright and shiny became same old same old. Yes I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, but it's just 'That"... knowing what I want!

So the question then remains what next? If I truly had a lifestyle of freedom then why do I feel a need to do something else? And herein lies my reason for undertaking this blog challenge.

Its about expanding my view of what I thought a freedom lifestyle was all about. Because after living my version of it for some time now, I have realised it's not just about achieving those things then sitting back and enjoying the fruits of my labour. There is something more, and my challenge is to find it.

I suspect it's about switching focus from trying to achieve something, to actually giving back and living in the joy of freedom, however at this point I have no idea how that looks. I'm sure as I progress through this challenge it will all start to become clear, but for now its just noice to get some clarity about were I am at and how to move forward.

As always I am open to your ideas, thoughts and input so please feel free to express them below.

Just Liven what's Given

Cheers

Gavin

jillgavhousesitters.com

To have these blogs delivered direct hot off the press, add your email and name to the entry form top right.

“This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 1”

#10DBC   #freedomplan
6 Comments

House Pet Sitting Chiang Mai - Wat Pa Lat

5/9/2016

4 Comments

 

Photo Tour Wat Pa Lat

Wat Pha Lat, which means “Monastery at the Sloping Rock” is on the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It is not a well known Wat and is seldom visited by tourists. It can be found in the forest off the main road just a few kilometers down from Doi Suthep.

It is a Buddhist temple surrounded with serenity and a peaceful energy that is not often found in other parts of Chiang Mai. When we visited there was only us, some monks and birds in surrounding trees. Along with temples, alters, waterfalls and trees, Wat Pha Lat comes with some of the most amazing views of Chaing Mai you will see.

​Enjoy our photo tour of Wat Pha Lat:-
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​Until next time


Just Living whats Given

jillgavhousesitters.com

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4 Comments

House Pet Sitting Chiang Mai - Royal Park Rajapruek

29/8/2016

2 Comments

 

Photo Tour Royal Park Rajapruek Highlights

A photo tour of the highlights in ​Royal Park Rajapruek Chiang Mai Thailand.

This park is missed by many people visiting Chiang Mai, which is a pity as it is worth the visit and gets you out of the hustle and bustle of the town.
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Other parts of the gardens which are not featured here are the corporate and international gardens. While not as nice as these sections it is worth taking the time to see them.
​
Until next time

Just Living whats Given

jillgavhousesitters.com

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2 Comments

House Pet Sitting Penang - Kek Lok Si

22/8/2016

5 Comments

 

Photo Tour Kek Lok Si

​Part of our International House Pet Sitting lifestyle is to immerse our selves in the culture of the places we visit. As part of that in Penang we took a trip to Kek Lok Si, a Buddhist temple in Air Itam in Penang. The temple is reported to be the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and commands great view of the surrounding area.

​The complex is on many levels with the highlights being a seven-storey Pagoda of Rama VI with 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha, and the 30.2 metres tall bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.

​Enjoy our photo tour of Wat Pha Lat:-
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​This is worth the visit if you are out and about in Penang.

Until next time

Just Living whats Given

jillgavhousesitters.com

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5 Comments

A House & Pet Sitting Lifestyle Review

5/8/2016

3 Comments

 
​Reviewing the Lifestyle of “International House & Pet Sitting” is based on my life experience over the past five years and highlights the areas I believe to be most important.
​Must Love Uncertainty
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New Places New Experiences
If you like the security of having your own home or similar then this lifestyle is not for you. We sold all our assets and have not rented anywhere for five years. This makes it really challenging when asked for a home residential address by bureaucratic systems that don’t understand some people choose to be address-less. So our motto is “Houseless But Never Homeless”. Additionally we are on the move a lot. We prefer sits of around 1-2 months and depending on what’s next it can be a new area, state or country. We have stayed in million dollar water front properties, beach shacks, in cities, suburbs and rural areas.

Pros
  • So much cheaper to live with no ownership or renting costs
  • None of the regular hassles associated with ownership or renting
  • Visit new areas, states and countries
Cons
  • Have no security of a guaranteed place to live
  • Have no real fixed residential address
  • No place to store stuff or vehicle
​Must Love People
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People Come In All Shapes Sizes & Personalities
International Lifestyle House & Pet Sitting is in the people business. If you don’t like people then think seriously before adopting it. The simple fact is this lifestyle only works by building relationships with all types of people, and when I say all, I mean ALL. This lifestyle teaches us how to be OK with all personality types and see the world from their point of view. We get to appreciate there is more than one way to look after a house and pet, and we are constantly mixing with people, who up until now, we may not have.
Pros
  • Opens up your view of the world
  • Meet new people and make new friends/connections
  • Learn to accept people as they are
Cons
  • Living in confined space with strangers
  • Accepting others habits and routines
  • At times limited personal space
​Must Love Animals
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Must Love Animals
Yes there are some house sits without animals, however there are many more with them. We love all types of animals and they are a big factor in the sits we select.  If you don’t love animals then think seriously about whether this lifestyle would suit you. Over the years we have had so much fun looking after all types of animals with many types of personalities. Additionally it is usually us that fit into their routine rather than the other way around so being flexible in the way things are done is a necessity.
Pros
  • Enjoy playing and being with animals
  • Learn more about different types/breeds of animals
  • Enjoy time with animals without the full-time responsibility
Cons
  • Leaving the animals you grow to love
  • Dealing with animals behavioral issues
  • Changing your routine to fit into theirs
​Must Love Change
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Change Is The Only Constant
As the old saying goes “the only constant is change”. Well that's it for our lifestyle. Developing and maintaining a constant routine is next to impossible, and this applies to all areas of our life. Eating, sleeping, activities, working, you name it and it usually varies with each sit. Because we travel with two backpacks only we can’t take our juicer, pillow and other things we are used to, so making do with what’s available is a necessity. 
Pros
  • If something is not working for us it is sure to change soon
  • Get to try a variety of new things and ways of doing them
  • Opens up new opportunities by removing comfort zones
Cons
  • Hard to develop a routine, both physical and mental
  • Finding a favourite food, place, pet, etc. then having it taken away
  • Always adapting to new circumstances
Conclusion
This lifestyle is not for everyone, in fact its probably not for most. however if you feel that
  • Being of service is more important than what's in it for me
  • That people, relationships and pets are more important than money
  • Collecting experiences is more important than collecting stuff
Then it just may be right for you.
​
Until next time
Travel Well


jillgavhousesitters.com

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3 Comments

What Is International Lifestyle House & Pet Sitting?

4/8/2016

0 Comments

 
​As House and Pet Sitting becomes increasingly popular and mainstream there are some very definite segments developing. Just some we have noticed are:
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Pet Sitting With Friends

House and Pet Sitting Styles​

  • Local Paid House & Pet Sitting
  • Travellers House & Pet Sitting
  • Savers House & Pet Sitting
  • Vacation House and Pet Sitting 
  • Grey Nomad House & Pet Sitting
  • Expat House & Pet Sitting
  • And the list goes on
These are just some examples of the different ways people are using House and Pet Sitting to compliment their lives and enhance their lifestyles.
​

​International Lifestyle House & Pet Sitting

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A Day With Elephants
Then there are those of us who have decided to embrace House and Pet Sitting as a lifestyle. It is a way of living that allows us to travel the world, make new relationships, embrace and appreciate new cultures and continually experience the best of human nature.

Over the years we have been asked many questions about this lifestyle, and with this post I shall endeavor to answer some of the popular ones.
​
​Is It Full Time?
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Our Camper Van Paris
For us yes. We have sold our own properties and no longer have a home base. At some stages during the last five years we did have a camper van.
​
​How does it work?
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Website
Basically we get invites from home owners around the world who want us to live at their home, maintain it and look after their pets while they are away. The invites can come from many places such as our website, dedicated house and pet sitting websites, social media etc. Once we accept an invite we travel to the property, meet the homeowners and pets and undertake the sit. When the homeowners return we generally move onto the next sit. Ok yes, there is a little more to it than that, however essentially that's it in a nutshell!
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Is It Free?
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Free Activity We Indulge in... Walk In Rain Forests
With our style of house and pet sitting the homeowners do not charge to stay at the properties and cover utilities. We do not charge for our services and pay for our costs such as: 
  • Transport
  • Food
  • Activities
  • Other Living Expenses
What are your usual duties?
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Hard At Work
It varies with each sit and the requirements of the homeowners. In general most include:
  • Maintaining the property and surrounds. E.g. house, garden, pool etc
  • Ensuring safety and security of the property and pets
  • Looking after the pets. E.g. Walking, Feeding, Medicating, Playing, Loving etc
  • Regular up dates to homeowners
  • Mail collection, sorting and forwarding as required
  • Bins and rubbish collection
  • Other basic tasks as required by the homeowners
​
​Are their always pets?
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More Friends
No. We have done sits with no pets where the homeowners just wanted us to maintain and keep the property secure. However we tend to accept more with pets.
​
How long have you been International Lifestyle House & Pet Sitting?
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Just Some Of Our Furry & Feathered Friends
We are in our sixth year of full-time sitting. With 43 house sits, 144 animals looked after, across 4 continents and 14 countries.
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​What do you love about the lifestyle?
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Joyful Life
​Apart from traveling the world and making new friends both human and furry, International Lifestyle House & Pet Sitting allows us to live a life based on our values of Trust, Appreciation and Gratitude. In a world increasingly based on money and what’s in it for me, we have found this lifestyle allows us to be of service to others and accept the intangible (but more important) rewards of mutual appreciation and gratitude.
​
​Well that is some of the popular questions answered. If you have any others or want to add to what’s been said feel free to use the comment section below

​Until next time
Travel Well


jillgavhousesitters.com

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0 Comments

5 Years House & Pet Sitting - Fun Facts & Stats ...

13/7/2016

0 Comments

 
So ask yourself, what have you done over the last 5 years of your life? 

This is what we asked and in the process came up with some surprising fun facts!
The reason we used 5 years is because that is when we decided to live a new life and start Travelling and House Pet Sitting full time. Now the fun facts don’t tell the full story like how much our life has changed by:
  • Living by our motto of just "Liven what's Given",
  • Having a total "Trust" in life and what it has to offer,
  • Having a continued "Appreciation" for the
    • Wonderful animals and people we connect with,
    • The amazing experiences we have had, and
    • Those yet to come
  • And much more, but they are stories for another day.

The fun facts however are kind of fascinating, well at least for us, and we thought you might be interested, but before that here is a scrap book of most of our furry and feathered friends, enjoy:
Cool hey, we loved them all :-)

As for the properties we have looked after everything from beach shacks, to multi million dollar properties on the water. We have House and Pet Sat in the cities, bush and beaches of the world, and will continue to do so.

Ok now for 5 years with of fun facts and stats:
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5 Years Travel House & Pet Sitting Fun Facts
  • Number of House Pet Sit nights:-         1095
  • Number of continents visited:-                  04 
  • Number of countries visited:-                    14
  • Number of House Sits Including:-             43
                                   City & Suburbs    21
                                   Regional              18
                                   Rural                    04
  • Number of Pet Sit animals inc:-                 144
                                   Dogs                    52
                                   Chickens             37
                                   Goats                  18
                                   Cats                    15
                                   Other                   11
                                   Fish                     04
                                   Horses                03
                                   Cows                   02
                                   Sheep                  01
                                   Birds                    01

So there it is, a brief summary of what is possible with this lifestyle. If you asked us is this what we imagined 5 years ago I would have to say no. However what I can say is we have no regrets and have learnt continued valuable lessons in just "Liven What’s Given" and being the joy in life.

Until next time
Travel Lightly


jillgavhousesitters.com

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