Reaching the peak of our lives

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(Edited)

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While roaming through the desert in Cairo recently, I looked at the pyramids in wonder.

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My first impression was "Holy shit!"... and a 3-minute freeze, as my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

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I was so close to the magnificent grand pyramid that it felt as if it was manipulating my mind, and glaring at the Sphinx with the other pyramids in the backdrop felt surreal.

For all the years that I have read about and seen these ancient wonders in films and books, I never imagined just how domineering the pyramids are on the landscape.

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Looking up at the pyramids, I diverted my focus to a more figurative understanding of Abraham Maslow's theory of human needs, to self-fulfilment, which is the equivalent of being at the pinnacle of the pyramid.

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Maslow believed that we all have basic needs ranging from physiological needs for basic things such as food, shelter, clothing, human bodily functions, and air to breathe. The need to feel safe in terms of health, finances, and emotions; love and a feeling of belonging; and the knowledge that we are capable of loving in return all contribute to a feeling of high self-esteem.

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It feels good to be loved and to be capable of returning love, and there might be truth to a lot of his theories. Also, Maslow's theories correlate well with a lot of what we are taught by society, school, and our upbringing.
Still, I feel that mental and physical freedom and creating space in our lives to live in the present are what can propel us to the peaks of our lives.

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We have the freedom to choose different ways of creating our lives and livelihoods and developing our potential. Also, accepting circumstances, putting things into perspective, setting achievable goals and working towards them, and going with the flow can help make things possible.


A big part of reaching our peaks also has to do with gratitude.

For example, look at just how happy grown men can be for fulfilling a little basic need such as washing their hands!

Isn't gratitude worth something, eh?
Commitment; I think it took commitment and determination to build the pyramids, don't you think so too?

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Life unfolds in mysterious ways, despite whatever goals we set and work towards.
We may derail, delay, or detour our journeys, but we need to be open-minded to shift our focus and make astute adjustments when necessary, yet stay committed.
I'm a committed person, but I can easily identify when change is needed. However, I know that change is good and takes us out of our comfort zones for personal development.


When criticising Maslow's original 5 levels of human needs, and corporating them with his Expanded Hierarchy of Needs - (Cognitive, Aesthetic, and Transcendence Needs), I believe the two combined are more in line with my minimalist mindset.

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As I travel and get to understand more about the world around me, I find new ways of creatively expressing myself, gaining a higher level of spirituality, and connecting with the nature that surrounds me, which, in essence, encompasses Maslow's expanded theory.

Still, change is only possible with freedom, and freedom goes beyond physical though, as it's what's in the mind that matters. A free mind can take away fear and worry.

Some days might be rocky and rough, and sometimes life might feel like it's slipping away, like sand beneath our feet. One of the main things to remember is to always have a focal point to avoid distractions, settle and calm our minds, and enjoy the ride until we reach our destinations.


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I trust that you've enjoyed my little photo compilation with some of my thoughts. I'm pragmatic, but I also rely on laughter therapy, which involves applying Maslow's theory to help people analyse their lives, needs, and things that might be limiting them from reaching their highest potential. Loss of laughter in one's life is one limitation.

Thanks for stopping by (•‿•)
All photos are mine:)



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I see alot of motivation and advice in your story i must say i am moved by your words and i appreciate it.

It a good thing to explore and i love all your beautiful pictures 🥰

Thanks for sharing with us have fun

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I'm happy about your appreciation of my post. Thanks for taking the time to let me know:)

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You have done a great work i must say 😊 you deserve more than appreciation 🤗 thanks once again.

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"My first impression was "Holy shit!"... and a 3-minute freeze, as my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets."

😂😂😂 Ha ha ha... I love reading these kinds of phrases, make my day!... Thank you @millycf1976 friend!!!...

It's the first time I read about Maslow's theory and so I googled a little more and I saw his pyramid (Maslow's and the hierarchy of human needs)... Very interesting... I loved how it goes from the "base" very physical and visceral... Until reaching the "cusp" much more subtle, intimate and even spiritual (from my point of view)... Thank you also for making me learn something new today!!!...

But the best thing about this post, I have to say, have been some of those photos... Especially where you and @scubahead friend come out!... Awww... I've laughed a lot looking at those images!... They are like a pair of modern pharaohs wandering around Egypt!... The new Cleopatra and Marco Antonio, but now super fun!!!.. I send blessings to both of them!!!...

Thank you very much for this post... It was one of the first article I opened on #Hive today... I've had a difficult day and reading this made me very happy and made me feel better... Especially for those photos!!!.. They are charming!... Applause!!!...

I send a hug and my best wishes to you... Greetings from Venezuela!!!...

!discovery 35

!PIZZA

!VSC

!BBH

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Hello @jlinaresp
Thanks for your deep, and thoughtful comment. I'm happy that the photos and posts brightened your day, and made you feel better. Your comments made me laugh.
Yes, Maslow's theory is one that I admire, but also challenge, since I have an unconventional mindset. Still, his pyramid analogy made a lot more sense to me.
Scubahead and I had an amazing time, and we were both stunned by the magnitude of the location.
It's a special place.🙏

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Hla amiga, what a pleasure to read you, you know that I like to be part of my publications in the photos, I like to be the protagonist hahaha and thus show in detail how I do the step by step to show my golden curls, virtual hugs for you.

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Wow! very nice, and the 1st one is stunningly funny 😜😂😂
How it is the situation with coffee? It is not within the post's topic, but I hope there will be more to show in this specific aspect, please. I am curious is the 'turkish' coffee making (jezzwa + hot sand) can be found there somewhere, at all?..
!PIZZA

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Hey Qwerrie!
😊
Turkish coffee, yes! I had my first one there and I forgot to take photos 🤦‍♀ It was very good. Very strong, and I went for a little sugar for a rounded flavour.
Now that we know exactly what to expect, we met the family who runs the lodge with the best view of all the pyramids, so we will return. They are lovely lads. 😍

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and I forgot to take photos

awwwww!!!!! 🤦‍♀🤦‍♀🤦‍♀🤦‍♀🤦‍♀ but there will be more opportunities further on, I am sure 😉

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🤦‍♀ Haha! yeah, I'm sure there'll be more opportunities 🙃

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PS. Of course, I am familiar with Maslow's pyramid, tho I have never read any of his books, but this certain thing ofc is impossible for one not to be in the know. I have always considered it solely as a vivid illustration that human needs cannot be satisfied; when they are satisfied (at the current level) you just move on to the next level. Non-stop! !LOLZ

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Yeah, the Maslow theory is an important one. It helped me to put my life into perspective when I went through a difficult time accepting change. When I understood his theory and had a critical and honest assessment of my life, I was able to move on. My mindset changed, and I found value in living in the present, letting go of the past, and realising that the future is an illusion; a wishful one. This helped to free my mind, and lead me to embrace his "expanded theory", which is where I found happiness to "laugh" again 🤗😍

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what else can I add? Milly, you are a well-rounded example for a lot of decent folks. 😀

I will add more !PIZZA, thats it! 🍕

PS. I am desperately trying to complete my post about my reading year of 2023. Maybe, a few more days to go. After that I may return to blogging (that was a vow I made to myself). atb!

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Thanks, Qwerrie! That's a big compliment coming from you 😊🤗

You'll finish that post. I have missed seeing you around the blockchain. I hope all is well in your life 🤗

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Thank you so much. Your support is highly appreciated:)))

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Wow that looks like an amazing trip. The photos are spectacular. It looks like a very inspiring place - clearly it was. Nice analysis of Maslows theory. Sounds like the pyramids really got you thinking.

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Thank you 😊
I think it would be impossible to go there and not be inspired. I am still marvelled and thankful that I got to witness it and I have a feeling that we will return.
Yes, the pyramids had me thinking really deep 😆

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Those setbacks, delays, and others else are part of living. And we can't deny the fact that the world is a perilous place, yet it's beautiful when we look at it from different perspectives...we can see it as we travel around, and the main reason why I travel more. We get to know the life of other people which contributes to our growth as a person. We change and become happy when we experience new things and see the world clearly. 😊.

Thanks for the good read and photos.
It's like I'm seeing Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in the desert. Although they aren't a couple anymore, still a good match, hehe.

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Those setbacks, delays, and others else are part of living.

Very true! I have been through so many changes in my life, that when I reflect, it feels like I have lived many lives. I embrace the highs and lows, and all the good and bad encounters and circumstances that I have been through. They've all made me truly learn the power of self-love.

I am happy that you like the photos and the comparisons made me laugh 😊
I'm even more pleased that you found value in my post, and I encourage you on your journey as you explore the world and discover more about people and yourself 🙏

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Thank you.. I'm always pleased with your thoughts in your posts..although sometimes, I'm just silently reading when I have no enough time to leave a comment 😅.

!LADY

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I know how it goes. You still manage to do a pretty good job with your engagement on Hive, so it's commendable.👏

Have a lovely and relaxing weekend:)))

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It’s totally remarkable to look at the things human focus can achieve. The pyramids are a decidedly awesome example of human focus, and I reckon that it must be humbling to stand in their shadow and think about the effort and engineering that it took to build them.

Humanity is so inspiring when it’s at its best, and you’ve shown us more than a titbit of that “best”. As for laughter, you’re so right; it’s probably the only thing that really makes us human.
I know that you had the most awe inspiring trip and that it gave you much pause to think and assimilate the great endeavour that is life, the way you’ve chosen to share it spreads that awe and makes us think too. That’s a gift that you have and it’s lovely.

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Thank you 😊

I reckon that it must be humbling to stand in their shadow and think about the effort and engineering that it took to build them.

Exactly!!!

It gave me moments to think. It inspired me and reinforced my beliefs in determination, persistence, focus, and belief. The last time I was in such awe, was when I entered the Panorama Mesdag Museum in The Hague, Netherlands. I wasn't prepared to be taken on a journey back in time that felt real. Still, the Giza Pyramids surpassed it😍

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Amazing photographs with so much history. Were you able to ride the camels?

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Thank you! It felt unearthly being there.
Of course, I went for an hour's ride. It was both fun and scary.

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Can you see that little wooden stump at my foot? Well, it's only one like that in the front for you to hold on to. I expected a harness or a rope or something but there was none. The arid climate made my palms sweaty so they kept slipping off. I think going uphill felt better than going down. Still, the camels are well-trained and obedient, so they only do what their master tells them.

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I kept seeing the headline "Camille Killed by Camel" and I thought it had a nice ring. Still, I focused on the "camel's toe"... they are massive, so it increased my confidence. Now I understand the famous analogy 🙃😆

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What an adventure! I've never given thought about how you ride a camel. Interesting that they use the wooden stump and no harness/rope. I imagine sweaty palms is no good to grab onto it. I'd be slipping and sliding. That's wild.

I kept seeing the headline "Camille Killed by Camel"

🤣 I didn't realize riding a camel took some doing. Great technique of looking at the camel's toe and get a few giggles on the way. Thank you for sharing!

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Haha! yeah, riding a camel takes a lot of getting used to. The worst part is that you sit on it when it is humped down (kneeling/sitting)... Then the camel stands on his two back legs first, which makes you feel like you gonna pitch forward, then a sudden rapid hump up, when his front legs straighten... and all you are holding on to is the stump. 🤣
Trust me, your life flashes in front of you.
Camels are tall, and you're exposed sitting on their backs.
Eventually, I got comfortable, but it was quite an adventure.😁

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REAL NICE PHOTO GRAPHS, those are pretty good.

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Yeah, I'm happy you like them!
Thanks for stopping by to tell me 😊

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No trouble at all. Looks warmer there as well , warmer than Saskatchewan.

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Hell yeah! Way warmer.
I have caught the tail end of the UK winter, and I'm not liking it at all. Maybe Saskatchewan has a white, fresh kind of winter which is different from the grey, dull, wet ones we have in the UK.

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Yea, lots of cool snow & some bright sun.

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Wow! You're so blessed having a chance to visit that great pyramid. I also read, heard and saw them in pictures like yours.

Your photographer must be so good taking pictures of you like holding the tip of those pyramids.

Yes we need some love and belongingness.

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Hello there!
Yes, I feel truly blessed to have spent some time at the location to witness this ancient wonder. It's an experience that will stay with me forever 😍

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Yes as long your memory will be with you, this is a great moment to remember. Congrats for being there.

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(Edited)

Love it. What a great trip!

It's been on my list of wanna sees since I was ten years old.

Your photos are brilliant! marvelous. Original. Creative. Fun!! :D

Really nicely done, M 👏

In fact I reckon you could add some of them to a stock library #justsayin'

That good!

!LUV

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😍 Thanks, Nicky 😊

The day just unfolded nicely, and in the end, we felt like it could not have been better. We set off early and were the first ones on the ground. I honestly didn't know what to expect, and just went with the flow of everything. The photos were just a bonus.

Visiting the pyramids was never on my agenda, but man, to say I'm happy I visited is an understatement.
It would be awesome if you get to go.

Thanks for the suggestion for the stock library 😊

I hope you are well 🌻

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(Edited)

You got to make the trip eventually and that's amazing! I would also pause in track if I finally got to witness One of the many things I've read from books.

These photo compilation look amazing. I like the picture that made it look like you were touching the tip of the pyramid.

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Thank you!😊
I was pleased with how the photos came out too. The memories will last forever 😍

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The memories will last forever 😍

Indeed.

Thank you for sharing

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Gorgeous pictures! I'm glad that you've taken the time to visit so many places, particularly these powerful structures. I'm sure you've returned to your normal life with an indelible sense of wonder and renewed purpose. Blessings!!

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Thank you 😊

I'm sure you've returned to your normal life with an indelible sense of wonder and renewed purpose.

Indeed!

I'm at one of those stages in my life that feels like I'm about to embark on a new journey. There's much uncertainty, but I'm taking my time to process everything.
Thanks for stopping by 😊

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Lovely to see these photos and you thinking and discussing Maslow at the same time. I can imagine that you were just as awe-struck as I was. Being there I felt so different because one cannot help but go back in time in one's mind. I did it constantly and felt special being there.

Indeed freedom of the mind is the most important and it is truly a minimalist's mind. Being attached to nothing and being really free can be challenging. However like you said having something to focus on is helpful. Laughter certainly helps.

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