The Benefits of a Nomadic Life

Have you ever felt trapped in the monotony of daily life, yearning for something more? Rick Higgins did, and he ditched his conventional suburban existence for an adventurous life on the road in a converted school bus.

Rick, a software engineer by trade, found himself at a breaking point. The daily grind led to a massive burnout, and he realized he couldn’t continue living the life he had been. With the support of his girlfriend, he made the bold decision to quit his job and embark on a two-year journey to discover himself. What started as a temporary escape turned into a permanent lifestyle change.

Living in a renovated school bus, Rick and his girlfriend have traveled across the United States and beyond, experiencing the beauty of nature and the kindness of strangers. From swimming with whale sharks in La Paz to finding peace in the quiet deserts of Utah, their adventures have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Rick’s decision was spurred, in part, by the death of his friend. The message iwas clear: don’t wait. Whether it’s taking a gap year or making a significant life change, the time to act is now.

And Rick did. This is his story.

You can learn more about Rick at https://www.masteringthesecondhalf.com/2ndhalfmastery/

Learn more at BumpInTheRoad.us

It's an Amazon best selling book!

What they're saying:

“This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove

“Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for

souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.”

–Gary Hensel

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Joey MacDizon’s story is a narrative of teamwork, sacrifice, and the desire to do something greater than oneself.

Joey’s six years in the Marine Corps, marked by deployments to Iraq, Mongolia, and Norway, not only shaped his worldview but also instilled in him a camaraderie that would later become the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial venture. For Joey, his love of cigars was inextricably tied to his memories of camaraderie among his fellow marines.

He decided to channel this love of his fellow soldiers and cigars into a business whose purpose was to bring people together, to create connections and memories similar to his own. To do this, Joey co-founded a mobile cigar lounge. The purpose: to create memories. Whether it’s a wedding, a golf outing, or a celebration of life, his company ensures that the essence of the event is captured in the rich aroma of a well-crafted cigar.

This is a story about the ties that bind us and the memories that stay with us. It’s about shared experiences to create a life well lived.

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It's an Award Winning, Amazon best selling book!

What they're saying:

“This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove

“Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for

souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.”

–Gary Hensel

Learn more at BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

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We all face challenges, but what if the key to overcoming them was as simple as laughter? In this podcast episode, we delve into Kim’s personal story of facing a health scare and discovering the transformative power of laughter therapy.

Back in 2001, Kim encountered a “bump in the road,” quite literally, with a bump in her mouth that led her down a path of medical consultations and stress. After an initial surgery that ruled out cancer, she found herself navigating a sea of opinions and potential treatments until she found a life-changing support program called “Getting Well,” where she rediscovered her laughter and play therapy. She learned that laughter isn’t just a momentary escape from stress—it’s a tool that can reset our entire being. As she puts it,

But laughter is just the beginning. The podcast explores s the broader implications of mental health, the value of being present, and the concept of a mental toolbox—a personalized set of strategies to cope with life’s challenges.

Join us in this heartwarming episode as Kim reminds us that sometimes, the best medicine doesn’t come from a pharmacy—it comes from within us, and often, it’s just a laugh away.

It's an Amazon best selling book!

What they're saying:

“This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove

“Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for

souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.”

–Gary Hensel

Learn more at BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

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Are you feeling stuck in the traditional path of life? Ever wondered if there’s another way to live that aligns more closely with your core values? Laura Lynch's journey from a corporate career and a big house to tiny living might just inspire you to make a change.

Like many of us, Laura followed the prescribed path: education, a steady job, and homeownership. But during the pandemic, she had a moment of realization that this path wasn’t a good fit for her. This led her to explore tiny living, a lifestyle that has brought her much closer to her true self and values.

Laura credits Brene Brown’s book, "Dare to Lead," for helping her identify her core values. Through exercises and deep reflection, she discovered that independence and exploration were essential to her happiness. This revelation set her on a path to downsize her life significantly. She moved from a 2300 square foot house to a tiny home, embracing a minimalist lifestyle that allowed her to focus on what truly mattered.

One of the most challenging aspects of this transition was letting go of material possessions, especially those with sentimental value. Laura shares her struggles with downsizing, from parting with family heirlooms to finding new homes for her belongings. She emphasizes that this process is iterative and requires a lot of self-exploration and compassion.

Living in a tiny house has also brought practical challenges. Laura talks about the importance of finding legal parking for tiny homes and the need for additional functional spaces. Despite these hurdles, she and her husband have managed to create a fulfilling life that aligns with their values. They now live debt-free, with more time and freedom to explore the great outdoors.

Laura’s story is a testament to the power of aligning your life with your core values. It’s a journey of self-discovery, emotional resilience, and ultimately, joy. If you’re contemplating a major life change or simply interested in the tiny living movement, this episode is a must-listen.

It's an Award Winning, Amazon best selling book!

What they're saying:

“This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove

“Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.”

–Gary Hensel

Learn more at BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

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In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Marjorie Hope to explore the transformative power of the Olympics. As the world grapples with numerous issues, the Olympics emerge as a possible pathway of hope and unity, promoting diplomacy and cultural respect.

Marjorie shares her experiences in diplomacy, emphasizing the universal language of a smile. Marjorie and Pat discuss how fear, often stemming from anxiety, can be a powerful emotion that divides rather than unites.

With the Paris Olympics starting shortly, Marjorie addresses the potential of the Olympics to bring people together, promoting mutual respect and understanding. She praises athletes like gymnast Simone Biles, who have shown incredible courage and resilience, embodying the true spirit of the games.

Marjorie also shares insights from her nonprofit, America Connected, which aims to connect people and nations through diplomacy. She emphasizes that while we may have differences, respect and understanding can bridge these divides, fostering a more connected and peaceful world.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of diplomacy, respect, and positive thinking. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or looking at the broader global picture, Marjorie’s insights offer valuable lessons on how to navigate these issues with grace and optimism.

Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover how the Olympics and the principles of diplomacy can inspire us to create a more united and respectful world. 🎧

It's an Award Winning, Amazon Best Selling Book!

What they're saying:

“This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove

“Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.”

–Gary Hensel

Learn more at BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

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Lisa Sugarman is changing the narrative around suicide and mental health.

Lisa's journey began with a personal tragedy—losing her father to suicide at a young age, a truth she only discovered decades later. This revelation propelled her into a life dedicated to mental health advocacy, where she now serves as a crisis counselor for The Trevor Project, among other roles. Her mission? To normalize the conversation about mental health and to echo the message that

"it's okay to not be okay."

Lisa shares her insights into the common threads she's noticed in her interactions with those contemplating suicide. Desperation, hopelessness, and feeling like a burden are recurring themes. But Lisa doesn't stop there. She offers strategies and resources, hoping to reach anyone who might be struggling in silence.

This is more than just a podcast episode—it's a lifeline for those who need to hear that their struggles are seen, their voices matter, and that there is hope. Her story might just change the way you think about mental health and the power of sharing our experiences.

#MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealth #Suicide #SuicidePrevention

It's an Award Winning, Amazon best selling book!

What they're saying:

“This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove

“Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for

souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.”

–Gary Hensel

Learn more at BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

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Life often has a way of surprising us with challenges we never anticipated. Whitney’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the power of transformation.

As a teenager, Whitney experienced the pain of her parents’ divorce, a moment that shattered the stability of her world. Instead of succumbing to the turmoil, she channeled her energy into a singular focus: to become a pharmacist. Whitney’s journey was marked by determination and a refusal to let her circumstances define her. However, the facade of wellness she had built came crashing down in pharmacy school when the suppressed emotions from her past emerged, leading her to therapy and a road to healing.

But just as she began to feel like she had made it, another unexpected bump appeared in the road. Whitney developed a crippling pain in her wrists, an early sign of the autoimmune disease that would soon turn her life upside down. From an active, adventurous life to being nearly bedridden, her story could have taken a turn towards despair. Yet, it didn’t.

Inspired by the stories of others, like Lady Gaga, who have transformed their pain into something powerful, Whitney began crafting a new chapter in her life. She developed a health transformation program, not just for herself but to help others navigate their own life’s challenges.

Throughout the episode, Whitney’s tenacity shines through. Her insights on self-love, emotional resilience, and the power of choice offer listeners a roadmap for navigating their own bumps in the road. Her story isn’t just one of overcoming; it’s about redefining what’s possible.

Tune in to hear Whitney’s full conversation, and let her journey inspire you to look at your struggles in a new light. Whether you’re dealing with personal turmoil, health issues, or simply the weight of unmet expectations, there’s wisdom to be gained from someone who’s walked through the fire and emerged with a message of hope and empowerment.

Listen now to discover how Whitney turned her biggest obstacles into stepping stones for a life filled with purpose and joy.

More at BumpInTheRoad.us

It's an Award Winning, Amazon best selling book!

What they're saying:

“This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove

“Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for

souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.”

–Gary Hensel

Learn more at BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

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Have you ever felt like you've achieved everything you've been told to aim for, only to find yourself feeling empty and unfulfilled? This is the story of Constantin, a high-achiever who seemed to have it all – a successful career at Microsoft, a loving family, and all the 'shiny toys' one could desire. Yet, amidst this seemingly perfect life, he felt something crucial was missing.

In our latest podcast episode, Constantin takes us on a journey, one that begins in communist Romania and stretches across continents to Canada, where he and his family sought a better life. His tale is one of resilience and ambition, as he navigates through the world of engineering, mathematics, computer science, and the corporate ladder to entrepreneurial ventures.

But the real turning point comes when Constantin shares about the onset of the pandemic, a period that pushed him to his limits, working twelve-hour days and most weekends. Despite his hard-earned success, he faced a profound internal struggle, leading him to question the very fabric of his achievements and the definition of happiness.

Constantin's quest for understanding and self-discovery leads him to an unexpected place – a mental health retreat in Ecuador, where he engages with indigenous plant medicine in a quest to see himself and the universe with newfound clarity. His candid recount of the experience and the subsequent highs and lows upon his return paints a vivid picture of the transformative power of introspection and facing one's inner demons.

As we listen to his story unfold, Constantin's insights on redefining success, confronting emotional trauma, and the lifelong journey of personal growth resonate deeply. His narrative is a bold invitation to us all to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves if we're truly living in alignment with our core values and purpose.

It's an Amazon best selling book!

What they're saying:

“This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove

“Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for

souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.”

–Gary Hensel

Learn more at BumpInTheRoad.us

Follow Bump on:

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