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You ever have those moments when a simple piece of advice just hits differently? That happened to me this week while listening back to my conversation with Tiphani from The Axplorers on Episode 136. Her family took an international gap year with their teens, and they’ve lived through so many lessons that are both inspiring and eye-opening.

But the part that really stuck with me was something so simple, yet so profound. While in Costa Rica, Tiphani’s family was chatting with a local when they mentioned their fantasy of moving there for a year. Without hesitation, the local responded, “Do it.” That’s it—just two words. And yet, it’s exactly what I needed to hear.

In a world where we tend to overanalyze every decision—thinking of all the reasons not to do something—it’s easy to lose sight of how simple things can be. What if instead of analyzing why we shouldn’t, we shifted to asking ourselves why we should? Sometimes, the hardest choices can be reframed when we strip away the noise and simply ask, “Why not?”

This week, I’m reflecting on how often we complicate things when the answer is right there, uncomplicated, waiting for us to just do it. I took my own advice and will be excited to share an upcoming adventure for ME! Have you ever found yourself stuck in indecision or overthinking? Maybe this is a little nudge to take that leap.

Untourist Highlight

The Untourist Highlight feature showcases hidden gems and unique communities that go beyond typical tourist destinations, offering a hyper-local experience rooted in authenticity. Given that our guests were from New Mexico I thought I'd share one of our favorites from our time there.

If you’re like me and love following those mysterious brown signs, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a hidden gem worth exploring. While Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains shouldn't be missed in New Mexico, they get the attention from their National Park designation. Tucked deep in the Gila Wilderness of western New Mexico, this spot offers an immersive experience into the ancient world of the Mogollon people, who lived in these cliffs over 700 years ago. Walking through the dwellings, you get a real window into what life was like back then—it's hard to imagine surviving in such rugged terrain without today’s modern conveniences!

Unlike many historical sites, here you can actually climb inside the dwellings and explore firsthand how they lived. It’s a rare chance to step into the past and learn about their daily life in such a hands-on way. This untourist experience truly brings history to life, giving you a unique and unforgettable connection to this ancient world.

The best way to unwind after the hike is with a soak in nearby Gila Hot Springs, another hidden gem that locals swear by for its soothing, mineral-rich waters. We topped off our day with one of the best pizzas I've ever had (and that slice of raspberry lemon pie MWUA) at the Log Cabin Restaurant in Mimbres, NM. All of this was such an unexpected gift of a day that we still talk about it!

Value add

Occasionally I’ll feature a product or service that has truly added value to our adventurous life—something I’m especially grateful for in helping us make the most of our experiences. Last month I went through all of my pictures (30,000+) and was so grateful I set up a system to backup my photos prior to leaving. About 3 years ago I took Miss Freddy's Backup Bootcamp. IIt walked me through the tools, and systems I set up to make sure days like this were just easier. I recently spent time determining which pictures to include in our upcoming gallery. Thanks to this system I had everything I needed in one place from multiple different sources (my phone, my husbands phone and the rare DSLR pictures) to make decisions on what photos were wall worthy a relatively painless task.
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Now if someone could help me narrow down the 216 pictures I selected for the gallery wall so they actually get printed and hung on the wall that would be a HUGE win in bringing gap year home :).

PS. I am not an affiliate or anything, I just like her content and the system worked for me. She has no idea I am promoting her so if you do find it worthwhile, let her know I sent you and maybe I can work out a discount for you in the future.

Heidi Dusek
Founder and Host of Ordinary Sherpa Podcast and Author of Beyond Normal​
​Listen: Ordinary Sherpa

Read: Beyond Normal: A field guide to embrace adventure, explore the wilderness, and design an extraordinary life with kids. ​

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Inspiring families to connect through simple adventure experiences