Perception is Key. Travel to the Third World and Discover Gratitude.

Early 2013 I decided I needed to do something drastic. I had just finished a particularly bad month, falling into a deep depression which if not for the encouragement of friends and family, I may not have climbed out of.

I decided to go to a country I had previously visited, Nepal, to volunteer/live for 6 months.
"Why?" you ask? - It was because Nepal was the one place I could think of out of numerous countries I had visited, where I knew everyone was unconditionally happy.

So I booked the flights, booked a 'voluntourism' tour, and eagerly awaited my date.

• I'm the big white guy in the blue top

Now, this post isnt about volunteering abroad, it isn't about how amazing the country of Nepal is (even though it is incredible) it is much deeper. It's about gratitude.
Something I noticed in this incredible place, was how happy everyone was. It didn't matter if the kids I worked with in the orphanage I was volunteering in were orphans, it didnt matter if the shop owner I talked to made $200 USD in the last YEAR (think about that, $200 USD in one year), these people were happy, eager to talk, and always welcoming.

There is a lesson from this wonderful nation, and its that you can be happy without possessions. You can be happy when the future is somewhat bleak. You can be interested in your fellow human, want to learn about them and their culture, and be a welcoming happy person, even if you have nothing. Simply put - when greed isn't an option, these people are simply content.

The point of this post is purely to give some insight into my personal experience, and to also encourage others to look into third world countries to travel. If you do go, whether it be SE Asia, Eastern Europe, Nepal, India, I encourage you to look past the tourist areas. Find a local or make a friend who can show you what the country is really like. Only then will you see what I am talking about and really discover a whole new take on just how lucky we are to live in such amazing countries.

PS - I speak on the perspective of an Australian, and I consider myself extremely lucky to live here. Please dont take offence to this post if you feel your living situation is dire. I do not intend to offend, only to encourage us to look beyond material possession when seeking happiness.