{"id":505079,"date":"2023-05-10T12:18:40","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T16:18:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=505079"},"modified":"2023-05-10T12:27:53","modified_gmt":"2023-05-10T16:27:53","slug":"lifestyle-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/10\/lifestyle-2\/","title":{"rendered":"LIFESTYLE."},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/EiYsEM3z?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After all of my world travels, nomading around, experimentation with lifestyle etc \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 this is what I have discovered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Honestly, all places suck.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even more,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even think there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s any place which is more \u00e2\u20ac\u0153optimal\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 for anything.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What do you care for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-3ae9bc18-a02e-41b5-81f8-bed266f29ff8\" href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Lifestyle-Thoughts-10.pdf\">Lifestyle-Thoughts-10<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Lifestyle-Thoughts-10.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-3ae9bc18-a02e-41b5-81f8-bed266f29ff8\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/gtWiLAZX?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first thing to address is first, critically think about what you really care for. For me, I care for the gym, weight lifting, hypelifting, the Costco business Center for meat, thinking, blogging, vlogging, etc. Also traveling and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I think with a lot of people try to do is chase some sort of lifestyle, mode of living, or place which they consider \u00e2\u20ac\u0153successful\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. For example, think about all these people who moved to the Bay Area, San Francisco, the city, New York, Brooklyn, London etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a lot of these cities, it seems that people desire this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I desire to become a more interesting, influential, and more important person. If I move to more important cities, I shall become more important.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But is this true? No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I forget which great Greek philosopher said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I would rather turn my own city into an Athens, instead go to Athens.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back in the day, Athens was essentially the New York City in ancient Greece. All of the happening things were in Athens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However in terms of mentality, I do find it much more interesting and noble to strive to turn your shitty city into an Athens, instead of just moving to Athens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">THE NEW ATHENS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/5oM5W4my?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How can you create your own new Athens?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve found my paradise?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/00tekoIO?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe instead of wasting time and meandering around, just set down your feet, fuck it, and just start getting shit done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t wait for optimal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Critical lifestyle thinking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/YsAk2VOQ?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once again, what we need to critically think and consider is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is it that I really desire out of my life?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more critical thinking, have a chat with <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/why\/\">WHY APP? ZEN OF ERIC KIM<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The ideal life?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/XyZZ0ljO?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some more critical thinking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is the ideal life, for me?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Physics Experiments?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/zVCKhz48?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A turbo thought I had while giving Seneca a bath\/shower, and running the showerhead water, and letting him play with the mobile showerhead, and also letting him play with all these buckets of water, buoyancy, etc;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Seneca, it seems that one of his supreme joys is physics experiments.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, we are taught that it is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153bad\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 for kids to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153waste water\u00e2\u20ac\u0153. Yet, what if having kids waste water, and natural resources is actually one of the best ways for them to learn?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another thought that I had about just things in general;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What if all of life and existence were simply experiments in physics?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, physical strength. Physical, physics, it is the same thing. For example, I am actually still pretty shocked that I could <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/08\/900-pound-eric-kim-squat-atlas-lift-demigod-insanity-fuck-up-the-world-hypelifting\/\">atlas lift over 900 pounds on my shoulders<\/a>. And so is everyone else at the gym.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, I just did a rack pull today of <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/09\/demigod-one-rep-max-lifting-795-pound-rack-pull-fit-for-the-gods-texas-power-squat-bar-pr-eric-kim\/\">795 pounds<\/a> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and I overheard one of the guys talking, to his friend, and astonished that I kept adding more plates onto the rack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe also entrepreneurship is simply physics experiments. In real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example if you think about Elon Musk, what is Elon Musk? I think he is a designer, and also a mastermind in physics. Considering that more or less he self-taught himself rocket science to start spaceX. Also Tesla, and his ideas on the supercharging network was simply applied physics in reality. Also building the grasshopper space ex rocket ship that automatically land itself; physics. Same with the Boring company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Physics vs \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Science\u00e2\u20ac\u009d?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/IbXQIs2R?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps physics is empirical, science is soft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Science simply means knowledge. And what we know as the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153scientific method\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 is not 100% objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Physics is interesting; much of it as a binary. Can you lift it off the ground or off the rack even half an inch, or not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to live?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/qqs0tHyW?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another thought that I had, just walking around the portion of Cindy\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcs mom\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcs house that we are renting;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are simply renting some square cubic meters of space, on the earth, and it is amazing that other places might charge $3500 a month for this. Fortunately, to rent more or less three bedrooms and two bathrooms and Cindy\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcs mom\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcs house, we are only paying $500 USD a month.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tricky thing is we are moving to LA, which means trying to figure out a novel living solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Living?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/giQkFXkq?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately you need somewhere to live and sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are different ways to do this. First of all, you can rent, you could rent either a apartment unit in an apartment complex, you could rent a townhouse, you could rent a unit in a luxury condo building, you can buy a condo within a shared condominium structure, you can buy a standalone house, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the tricky things I have discovered;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Property tax. Also HOA fees. Let us say that you buy a house for $1.3 million, or you buy a condominium. Still, assuming you paid it all in cash and you have it 100% paid off, you still gotta pay property tax, which often is around $1500 USD a month. And assuming you live in a condo or you buy a condo, and you have a fully paid off, HOA fees can range from $500 USD to even 5000 USD a month. This seems like a massive rip off. also, you got a pay for property insurance, and also, sooner or later things will break, and you got a pay money to fix it, pay for the part if you do it yourself, or do you gotta pay a contractor or someone else to do it, which often takes forever and has lots of problems. And lots of headaches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The remodeling trap; from what I have observed, funny enough one of the downsides of homeownership is that there will always be things you will want to fix, remodel, redo, etc. And it seems like a never ending Sisyphean trap.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How renting seems interesting; at least here, there is no \u00e2\u20ac\u0153gotcha\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 fees. Rent, while it can seem high, at least it is transparent and everything is on the table.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Another problem about buying a house, assuming you do not buy it 100% in cash, and also assuming you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t just have $2 million in hard cash sitting around, or in the bank: interest rates, even if you have a small interest rate of around 3.5%, it seems that almost the first decade or two of your house, you aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even paying off the house, you were simply paying the interest. And it is insane. Assuming you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re down 40% in cash for a $1.3 million house, I think you still end up spending around $700,000 USD in additional interest in fees over the course of the 30 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you have the option; honestly it seems the wisest thing to do is not live in America if you have the option. Mexico City, you can rent an insanely nice apartment or studio for only around $1300 USD a month. Also when me and Cindy were living in Vietnam in Hanoi, I think we only paid around 350 USD a month for a brand new studio apartment. We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re also in Phnom Penh Cambodia, lots of new buildings to live in, super nice. Or also in Saigon, a lot of these brand new apartment complex buildings are insanely nice, they look like the brand new structures in Hong Kong. Some of them even have a Starbucks attached to it!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should we strive to earn more money, to live in a nicer place, or should we seek something else?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/IbXQIs2R?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t hurt to do both; striving to earn more money, as a means to have more buffer in life. At the same time I think what I am principally interested in is lifestyle innovations, in regards of how to live, where to live, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps some sort of minimalist approach seems wise here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/axB6hV0r?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another funny thought I had in regards to lifestyle is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe an interesting life strategy is to barbell it; live in the super boring suburbs, where it is slightly cheaper, and then during the summers, you travel to exotic places in Asia, Seoul, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia etc.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why lifestyle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/xeYGuTqS?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difficult thing about lifestyle is that it has just become a marketed concept, in regards to clothing. For example, you think this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I desire to have a certain lifestyle, and in order to become that lifestyle, I must purchase clothing or watches or designer objects or cars associated with that lifestyle concept.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, let us say that I really like doing yoga. Sooner or later I will feel pressured to buying Lululemon clothing, Lululemon leggings, etc., in order to fit the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153yoga\u00e2\u20ac\u009d lifestyle. And also other silly things like becoming vegan, buying more plant-based things, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or let us say that I am really into rap, hip-hop culture, etc. Sooner or later I might be pressured into buying insanely expensive athletic sneakers, Nikes, Jordans, supreme clothing, Bape, Adidas, Yeezy etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Creating your own lifestyle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/d7QsE2DT?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My concept is EK \u00e2\u20ac\u201d the <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/lifestyle\/\">EK LIFESTYLE<\/a>. Simply put, maybe the best idea is to just transform yourself into a lifestyle concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, it can be in regards to everything about you. What you wear, what you eat, what do you think, how often eat, how frequently or infrequently you eat, what you decide <em>not<\/em> to eat or consume, what you believe in what you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t believe in, your philosophy, your photography, your blogs, your art, <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/21\/why-you-must-own-your-own-platform\/\">your platform<\/a>, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How your lifestyle is efficient<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/0hDykLWn?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It isn&#8217;t lifestyle for the sake of lifestyle; rather, it is simply this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Figuring out what you truly desire in life, and then figuring out the living strategy which best suits that end.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, I am insanely passionate about weight lifting, hypelifting, and discovering new truths about my body and the human body through <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/09\/demigod-one-rep-max-lifting-795-pound-rack-pull-fit-for-the-gods-texas-power-squat-bar-pr-eric-kim\/\">insanely epic one rep max lifting<\/a>. Therefore for my lifestyle, going to the gym every single day is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, in terms of my lifestyle, or living situation, I simply want to be close to a good gym. It doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even have to be even the worlds best gym; as long as it has sufficient enough equipment, good enough for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also another tip, if you feel that the equipment or the bars in your gym are insufficient, simply ask the general manager whether you could bring in your own equipment, or just leave your own bar at the gym. This is what my gym manager Chris suggested to me; to <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/06\/texas-power-bars-squat-bar-review-black-zinc-shaft-chrome-sleeves-fit-for-the-gods\/\">buy a Texas power bar<\/a>, and just leave at the gym and use it whenever I wanted. And this is what I did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purchasing things?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/QfDGtZsz?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once again, figure out what your truly truly care for life and what you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t, is critical. For example, all in all I probably <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/06\/texas-power-bars-squat-bar-review-black-zinc-shaft-chrome-sleeves-fit-for-the-gods\/\">spent around $500 USD which includes shipping for my Texas power bar<\/a>, and it was literally the best $500 I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve ever spent my life. It is half the price of an iPhone, and I think a quadrillion times more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, an interesting experiment; I just leave it at the gym, on the weight lifting rack that I typically use at the gym. And the funny thing, it is 55 pounds which is about 10 pounds heavier than the standard 45 pound bar. And therefore when I am just watching people lived with it, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d love to see how confused they are, because it feels so much heavier than what they are used to, and they are not sure why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also another fun thing, even seeing the staff touch the bar, and see how phenomenal that the grip and knurling feels, and also commenting on how thick the sleeves are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore this is a big lifestyle concept I have;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quasi-ownership, quasi-communal things.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, I just leave my Texas power squat bar at the gym, for anyone to use. But ultimately when I move to LA, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m taking it with me. So from efficiency perspective, I like the idea that 99% of the time during the day when I am not at the gym, someone else can be using it well in place of me. Kind of also like Uber, 99.9% of the time people just park their cars in the garage, or at home. If your car could semi autonomous they just drive itself everywhere, while you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not using it, this seems like an interesting idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also kind of like the idea behind Airbnb, assuming you have a spare bedroom, or you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re traveling during the summer, being able to simply have somebody else rent that while you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re gone is an intelligent efficiency thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apparently there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s also this new funny service that you could even rent out space in your garage, for other people to store their stuff in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe this is also how banks work; most people when they just put their money in the bank, they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not doing anything with it. And therefore the banks try to make it more efficient by reinvest in your money into other speculative things, earning a net positive for both you and the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even in terms of <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/crypto\/\">cryptocurrency<\/a>, apparently now you could even lend your crypto, you become a bank, and you simply lend out your crypto at a certain interest rate, allowing you to earn \u00e2\u20ac\u0153<a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/05\/25\/why-passive-income-is-a-myth\/\">passive income<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u0153.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Curating your inner circle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/QQeaFiX0?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe in terms of social relationships, it should also be seen as an ikebana thing;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t try to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153keep in touch\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 with people and friends and family, but rather, you ruthlessly prune, until you get to what is truly core and critical.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example for myself, when it comes down to it, it is Seneca Cindy and me. Nothing or nobody else. Pretty simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prioritizing yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/C6eQeFCa?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also what is truly critical is prioritizing yourself. If you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t prioritize yourself, you cannot help anybody else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Photography, creativity and art?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player wp-block-jetpack-videopress--has-max-width\" style=\"max-width: 631px;\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/pxxTRt7z?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately when it comes down to it, I think the end goal for most people is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Focusing on their artwork.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Artwork can be anything. For example, I think philosophy is simply the art of thinking, and also producing and sharing and publishing your own thoughts. Or the <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2020\/04\/09\/the-art-of-bodybuilding\/\">art of bodybuilding<\/a>, thinking of your body as sculpture. Or photography video etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to innovate your own lifestyle concept<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"831\" data-attachment-id=\"505048\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/10\/bucket-list-places\/img_3106-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_3106.jpg?fit=1280%2C831&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1280,831\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Haptic lifestyle\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_3106.jpg?fit=1280%2C831&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_3106.jpg?resize=1280%2C831&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-505048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_3106.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_3106.jpg?resize=768%2C499&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_3106.jpg?resize=920%2C597&amp;ssl=1 920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I suppose the art of <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2022\/11\/12\/how-to-build-your-own-self-brand\/\">building your own personal self brand<\/a> is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proposing a new mode of living, a new lifestyle, a new way of thinking of things.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, let us consider how innovative Tim Ferriss was when he published the four hour work week. His notions of the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153new rich\u00e2\u20ac\u0153, and also, some pretty innovative thoughts on how to use your time in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Authenticity.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-videopress jetpack-videopress-player\" style=\"\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jetpack-videopress-player__wrapper\"> <iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/fM8PeBSU?cover=1&amp;autoPlay=1&amp;controls=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;playsinline=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, there is not a better lifestyle or worse or lifestyle. Rather, whatever you propose; just be authentic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ERIC<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to prioritize to do more of what you want to do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have gained the precision of knowing what you want in life, then, it seems that you could better strategize on how to achieve what you want in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Being insanely selfish?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To pursue what you truly desire in life, you must become more \u00e2\u20ac\u0153unethical\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, this is the funny thing;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apparently it is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153evil\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 to be \u00e2\u20ac\u0153selfish\u00e2\u20ac\u0153.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, when people call you \u00e2\u20ac\u0153selfish\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, what they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re really saying is<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How dare you act in such a way which is contrary to my personal belief system!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore the first thought; become more selfish, bad, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153evil\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. What does it mean to think different?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the quotes coined by <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/steve-jobs\/?amp=1\">Steve Jobs<\/a> is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153think different \u00e2\u20ac\u0153. Yet\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are only permitted to think different in the same old ways.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, let us consider how surprisingly <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/19\/the-intolerant-left\/\">intolerant liberal<\/a> or left-leaning people are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, I am not permitted to like meat, and I am also not permitted to openly say that I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t really care about the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, I am not allowed to be masculine, or even propose notions that the more <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/03\/why-manliness\/?amp=1\">masculine<\/a> you are the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or, even though I am a liberal and I did not vote for Donald Trump, I am not allowed to say as a liberal, I think Donald Trump is hilarious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The new thought police?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest things that I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve learned from George Orwell\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s 1984, and also Brave New World, is the notion of the thought police. This is that you are not permitted to think differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I think a free society should be permitted to think however one wants to think. I suppose this is the nuance;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How to promote free thinking without promoting hate?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is hate anyways? Hate is strong emotions, and that is fine. However, I think what is not permissible is when you incite or provoke some sort of physical or verbal violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stagnant thinking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why travel, move around, live in different places, live in different living situations, experiment with lifestyle, etc.? This is why I have observed; <strong>when you stay in one place for too long, your thoughts start to stagnate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I believe there is a strong bond between man and his environment and his thoughts. For example, the type of thinking and thoughts which come to me while living in Orange County Southern California is different than the thoughts I get one I am in downtown LA, different when I am in LA, different when I am in Saigon, Phnom Penh, Seoul South Korea, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Dubai, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Insane tenacity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a lot of things that we cannot control in life, yet one thing we can control is our tenacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tenacity means to simply hold on, to grip hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is an interesting thought, because at least in matters of the gym, and weightlifting, grip strength <em>is<\/em> strength. Which means, the stronger your grip strength, it is a great indicator I just how strong you are period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I have another funny thought, perhaps in order to become more mentally and metaphorically tenacious in life, you must become physically more tenacious, that is, to literally improve our grip strength. How do we do that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First and foremost, it seems wise to <strong>not<\/strong> use wrist wraps, or hand straps at the gym. These prevent you from building your grip strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, just use liquid weightlifting chalk, just buy it for super cheap on Amazon. And at least with some types of weightlifting with a barbell, at the higher weights, use the mixed grip, which means one of your hands is overhand and the other one is under hand, so the bar doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t rotate and slip away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some simple exercises include doing <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/09\/demigod-one-rep-max-lifting-795-pound-rack-pull-fit-for-the-gods-texas-power-squat-bar-pr-eric-kim\/\">one rep max rack pulls<\/a>, or also <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/08\/150-pound-dumbbell-lift-farmers-carry-grip-strength-training\/\">one rep max farmers carries<\/a>. For example, chalk up, and just find the heaviest dumbbells at the gym, lift it off the rack, and just see how far you can walk it out. For me and my gym, that is <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/04\/150-pound-farmers-walk-gopro-pov-workout-porn-eric-kim\/\">150 pound dumbbells<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the beginning, my grip strength wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even strong enough to lift up to 150 pound dumbbell off the rack with my left hand. Now I can lift it off, and actually walk it out a little bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The philosophy of travel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the huge upsides that I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve discovered about teaching <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/workshops\/\">workshops<\/a> is that it is hugely beneficial to myself as well. How? When I am teaching a workshop in a new place, whether foreign or domestic, essentially anywhere which isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t typically seen as \u00e2\u20ac\u0153home\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to me, it is always an advancing opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, when I am in southern California, not on the road, typically me Cindy and Seneca are just squatting Cindy\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcs mom\u00e2\u20ac\u02dcs house, in the boring orange county suburbs. So the times that I go to downtown LA to teach a workshop, it is always such an insanely great experience, because it resparked my enthusiasm for life. Ultimately I would prefer to live in downtown LA than I would Orange County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another example, I am very lucky that I married Cindy, <a href=\"https:\/\/cindyanguyen.com\">because she is an academic<\/a>, it affords me and gives me the opportunity to travel, and also live in places that I would have never even imagined visiting or living in in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if I had never met or married Cindy, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think I would have ever even gone to Vietnam, let alone live there for about a year. The same goes with last summer, her research took us to <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2022\/07\/28\/life-update-from-phnom-penh\/\">Phnom Penh Cambodia<\/a>, which initially, I was indifferent towards, but after going there and after the experience of being in Cambodia and Phnom Penh, it totally transformed me. Because almost a decade ago, I want to see siem reap, but the same place where Angkor Wat is, and I really didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like it. Yet <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2022\/07\/29\/thoughts-on-phnom-penh-cambodia-travel-vlog-eric-kim\/\">Phnom Penh the capital city of Cambodia<\/a> was such a phenomenal eye-opening experience to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What do you want out of life anyways?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I think the foolish and na\u00c3\u00afve life aspirations and dreams you had when you were younger is wise. For example, when I was still a tenderfoot green thumb in college, my insane life ambition was to <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2020\/08\/08\/how-to-become-a-self-employed-photographer\/\">become self-employed<\/a>, essentially not \u00e2\u20ac\u0153work for the man\u00e2\u20ac\u0153, travel the world, shoot photos, etc. And funny enough beyond a decade later, it still seems to be the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, a fun thing I like to do often on my iPad, is using Apple Maps, just zoom out and look at the whole world. See <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/10\/bucket-list-places\/\">how much you have yet explored or been to<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The ideal mode of living?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I do not think there is a universal mode of living which is supreme to everybody. But some philosophical thoughts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2019\/01\/04\/why-you-must-become-self-employed\/\">Self employment<\/a>. In modern-day capitalist society, I think this might be the most critical. Why? It doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t matter if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re being paid $5 million a year from your company as CEO, if you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have any personal freedom, it ain\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t worth it. For example, a simple heuristic from Nassim Taleb on whether you are self-owned or not, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153When you want to, can you just take a nap?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/10\/quasi-nomadic-lifestyle\/\">Quasi nomadic<\/a>; that is, you are not perpetually on the road, which is energy expensive. I think being semi-nomadic is best, which means maybe in the summer, you just live in a foreign place for about three months or so, and then you might have a homebase elsewhere. Or, if you can, Every year or two, spend a year or two living in a new foreign city or place which interests you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Embark on an insanely epic and life transforming <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/workshops\/\">experience<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Respark your passion for living and life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>June 17th, Saturday, 2023: <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/04\/21\/eric-kim-downtown-la-workshop-june-17th-2023-saturday-turbocharge-your-photography-and-life\/\">DOWNTOWN LA CONQUER YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY AND LIFE<\/a> \u00e2\u20ac\u201c New!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>July 15-16th: <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/04\/27\/eric-kim-saigon-vietnam-travel-street-photography-workshop-experience-july-15-16th-2023\/\">ERIC KIM SAIGON VIETNAM TRAVEL STREET PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE 2023<\/a> \u00e2\u20ac\u201c New!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oct 14th (Saturday) <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/06\/eric-kim-conquer-street-photography-workshop-philly-2023-october-14th-saturday-2023\/\">PHILLY CONQUER STREET PHOTOGRAPHY<\/a> \u00e2\u20ac\u201c New!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/workshops\/\">EK EXPERIENCES &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CONSULT WITH EK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Get the thoughts \u00e2\u20ac\u201d eric@erickim.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/shop\/\">EK SHOPPE<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elevate what is possible:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/product\/muse\/\">MUSE YOUR IMAGINATION<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/product\/henri-neck-strap\/\">CONQUER THE WORLD WITH HENRI MARK IV<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/product\/henri-shoulder-strap\/\">CARRY HEAVIER WITH HENRI SHOULDER STRAP<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/shop\/\">Dream on &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Things I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m into<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Just <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/06\/texas-power-bars-squat-bar-review-black-zinc-shaft-chrome-sleeves-fit-for-the-gods\/\">buy a Texas squat power bar<\/a>, either for your own home gym, or for your own local commercial gym. Buy it, it literally shipped to me within three days, it got here so insanely fast. Assuming you just go to a local gym, just bring it in, and say that the general manager allows you to just leave it there. Just leave it at your local commercial gym, and let anyone use it when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not there.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.balenciaga.com\/en-us\/new-arrivals\/discover\/fall-23-men\">Balenciaga<\/a> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d crypto shirt. Mind blown \u00e2\u20ac\u201d the B for Balenciaga and Bitcoin are both \u00e2\u20ac\u0153 B\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s\u00e2\u20ac\u009d? Get the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.balenciaga.com\/en-us\/crypto-hoodie-medium-fit-black-faded-742603TOVN71055.html\">hoodie<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mbusa.com\/en\/vehicles\/class\/maybach-s-class\/sedan\">Maybach<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deathwishcoffee.com\">Death wish coffee<\/a>, also the NGUYEN coffee brand. Robusta is the future?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Forward the turbo!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you feel that this turbocharger thinking even in one tiny way, feel free to forward this to a friend!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\">EK TURBO NEWS &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Things I still gotta do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start my own streetwear company, gym attire, lifestyle apparel and clothing brand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch John Wick 4<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New? <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/start-here\/\">START HERE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After all of my world travels, nomading around, experimentation with lifestyle etc \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 this is what I have discovered: Honestly, all places suck. Even more, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even think there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s any place which is more \u00e2\u20ac\u0153optimal\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 for anything. What do you care for? The first thing to address is first, critically think about what you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":505001,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-505079","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-posts"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_3099.jpg?fit=1280%2C894&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/505079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=505079"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/505079\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":505119,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/505079\/revisions\/505119"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/505001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=505079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=505079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=505079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}