Stop Doing What Makes You Happy – It's Making You Miserable

Unhappiness is an epidemic in our society.

More people are anxious, stressed, depressed and on meds than any other generation in the history of the world. So what's the problem?

People chase around happiness without the slightest clue about what it actually means – running around unaware there are really two types and that they're pursuing the wrong one.

Think About Life Like It's Your Birthday Every Day

Most people do it. The clock strikes birthday o'clock, and we start evaluating and analyzing our lives.

Along with New Year's Day, our birthdays are a time that makes us ponder our accomplishments, motivations, direction, and general how's-it-goingness of life.

3 Simple Ways You Can Be Less Gringo (And More Brazilian)

We need to face this reality hard and fast. We are gringos.

If you already understand that this word is used in Brazil much different than other parts of Latin America, you are ready to take the next step.

Thailand and Brazil: Side-by-Side Reflections on Adapting Abroad

I've now adapted in a short list of countries, and the two that have given me the greatest amount of time to go through the process and develop deeper observations are Thailand and Brazil, respectively. It's time to reflect on some of the differences, as I try to rummage through my thoughts to see what I might share with Tom.

"Hey," he said to me as I turned to exit the room, "don't fuck it up."

So goes the general and less than eloquent advice of one of my greatest influences. They were applicable to just about anything, but always reserved for those moments when he knew that a person needed an extra prod to strive for greatness, and the comment would land perfectly so you knew what it was about.

5 Things to Take Home From Brazil

Do you remember how good you felt the last time you stepped into a new city, experienced a new thrill, or met someone that really captured your attention?

When people move to a new place, or even just visit, they start off in "the honeymoon phase." This magical time is filled with the thought that, like a teeneager in a fresh romance, all of these new things are amazing.

It is only natural that a person is going to like some things during this phase so much that they will think, "Why don't I do it like that?" With that idea in mind, I want to offer you five things that have only furthered my fascination of and appreciation for the Brazilian way.

A Hassle-free Guide to Obtaining a Brazilian Visa

Brazil is known as being a country that can turn just about any process into a bureaucratic circus. It doesn't take much exposure or Internet research to find stories of paper pushing and hoop jumping in a variety of contexts. Don't let that turn you away, it's well worth the work if you are looking to get south of the Equator to experience what anyone who has been here boasts about.

This beautiful country hosts a rich, vibrant culture that captivates anyone who gets near because it's energetic, passionate and contagious. The following breakdown will ensure that you can get your visa sem problemas (without problems).

13 Similarities of Brazil and Thailand

One might think that after living in Thailand for three years, living in Brazil must be massively different. Well, not exactly.

While there are plenty of differences, I have spent the first month here documenting things that I feel are similar between the Land of Smiles and the Land of Samba. Since arriving, I have really felt like Brazil is a great balance of my home culture and my first adopted one.

Long Distance Relationship Tips to Bring You Success

No matter who you are, being in a long distance relationship (LDR) is another level of commitment. If you have doubts about the relationship you are in, an LDR probably isn't for you.

I don't mean small, general insecurities about the future. Specifically, I am referring to the possibility that you have ideas about the person not being "the one" for you. This is very important, because who wants to commit time and energy to an LDR that isn't founded on mutual long-term intentions? Really, that's a bit masochistic.

A Name of Sorts: The Crummy Life Exposed

Sometimes people, usually non-native English speakers, ask me, "Jairet, why did you name your blog 'The Crummy Life'?"

I think it's a good, and valid question. For example, consider the following:

Why would someone want to market themselves under a name that implies inferior quality?
Are you trying to give the impression that the standard of the writing, information, products, services, etc. are of low caliber?

Quick Language Learning Tip: italki notebook entries and community supported learning

I have written about italki.com in a few posts, describing what a great asset the site is to language learners. For this quick language learning tip, I want to talk about one thing I really like about italki, notebook entries and community supported learning.

International Driving Permit and Inter-American Driving Permit

It's pretty normal for people to want to prepare for the unexpected events that inevitably come up in our future, especially for us westerners. In the case of moving abroad, that means it is important to have a plan for health insurance, bank accounts and money management, emergency contacts at home, and legality of driving.

What follows is a simple explanation of how to cover your butt so you don't have any troubles while driving abroad. For many people, a standard driver's license is likely accepted overseas, but don't expect it.

5 Important Phrases to Learn When Traveling

Image © GL Stock Images

When we travel, we don't usually make a decision and then leave immediately. Most of us plan trips well in advance. We make an itinerary that tentatively outlines what we will do during our time away. So, why not make part of the planning process the native lingo?

It is important to show host country people that we have come to their country with more than just the intent to enjoy the sights. While we we have come to soak up the country's splendor, it shows an extra appreciation and effort if we learn some of the host country's language, too.