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Khao Lak

 After a two hour cab ride from the harbor in Phuket it was off to Khao Lak. My mission here in Khao Lak is to visit an orphanage where my good friend Chris Knill has done some awesome service. The beaches here are so beautiful and the sunset last night was breathtaking. This is out of the big city so a sense of calmness and peace away from the hustle and bustle is definitely nice. Nice to experience the contrast and much anticipation on my behalf has been awaiting the opportunity to give some love and service to these special kids. I have a feeling that today will not only open my mind more , but impact my heart and soul in a big way. I look forward to sharing my story of the orphanage in the next few days.

Much Love -Ryan

Last day Phi Phi

 I wanted my last day in Phi Phi island to be simple yet special and I had a little bit of luck on my side. I met a man named Koko almost two years ago when I was there that gave me two tattoos on my chest. One saying GOOD LIFE, and the other saying LOVE, both written in Thai writing. I’ve felt this strange indescribable connection to some of these island people ever since coming to Thailand in 2005. One of Koko’s good pals gave a me a steal of a deal and charged me no more than what it costs to fill up his very old long tail boat with gas. Long tail boats are these old style boats that have belted these necks of the woods for many years. I didn’t feel the need to rent some big speed boat. I just wanted to experience the feel of being on one of these old boats in the midst of the Andaman Sea. My wish came true and the weather was just perfect. The man who took us on the adventure was named Bow. He was a very peaceful man that wanted our day to be just perfect. He took us to some amazing spots which seemed almost surreal, I had to pinch myself to realize I wasn’t in a dream, or maybe I was…that’s the kind of feeling you get when you meet some of these amazing people in this part of the world.

 He had an ear to ear smile on his face the whole time. And introduced us to an old friend of his that was just as interesting. It’s as if these people on the islands have no sense of time. They don’t really ever have to grow up. They are just so satisfied with their family, small possessions and of course good friendship. The island of Phi Phi has changed a lot since my first visit close to 7 years ago. There’s a lot more tourists that come to see the beauty and party the night away. It’s a popular spot for sure but I don’t recommend more than a few days as there’s so much more to see in Thailand. I end up designing a new tattoo for my back and ended the day off with a some new bamboo art on my back. I got the sign for infinity with my parents initials, brother and daughter in Thai writing another memory for my time there. Koko presented me with an old buddah necklace when I left and a warm hug to boot.

 Next stop Khoa Lak to visit an orphanage…

 Much Love – Ryan

OLD HAPPY MONK, PHI PHI ISLAND

 The contrast of life and the unexpected is what makes my life so exciting. I try and practice positive expectation in every moment and when I do I find myself in a much finer tuned high vibration where I attract very special things that I embrace with all my soul. After a short roller coaster ride testing my health physically and mentally in Phuket I left on such a high note. I was up early as usual, I love my mornings! I was just about to check out of the hotel when I was walking on the barren street when I looked ahead to the other side. I made piercing eye contact with an old monk in his 80s. I could feel his energy as we exchanged very warm smiles. We were drawn to meet each other and shake hands. As I shook his old small hand he squeezed mine with a lot of force and looked up at me with an intense look in his eyes. He said “oh happy happy, just be happy!” my body was invigorated with chills as if he knew the mission I’ve been on to spread more LOVE and HAPPINESS in the world. I was positive he has the wisdom that spreading your love and happiness is a source to ones own inner reflection to what pure happiness means.

 He proceeded to put a bracelet on my right wrist and started saying a prayer in the Thai language. After it was applied to my body he looked at me with those amazing old wise eyes and simply said “be happy!” How such a simple encounter could have such a profound impact on my life in that moment and forever for that matter. It will be etched in my mind as I felt our paths crossed for a reason. I don’t always have days where I’m as happy as I desire, but when I’m feeling a bit down or lost I just have to remember little things like that, that makes this journey of life so worth living. I was blessed enough to capture it on film and will share it eventually with all of you. Then it was off to the next life segment. A two hour ferry ride to the beautiful island of Phi Phi. The large mountainous islands that surround this small car less island was a real cool ride. So many people back packing from all over the world soaking up the experience. I just watched all the diversity of people and the smiles that graced their faces. The joys of travel and hearing different stories from people all over the world is what makes it so interesting. People young and old all traveling in uncharted places and seeing things for the first time in many cases. Lots of couples, lots of groups of people and some traveling alone. In all I could only feel immense love and adventure in the air.

SAFE TRAVELS TO ALL, GOOD LIFE AND LOVE! RYAN

Phuket

 After a horrendous battle with food poisoning I’m back Thank GOD!!! It just goes to show that you never really do know the circumstances life can throw at you in any given moment. And me being an energy junky that is constantly on the go got tested in my first few days on this amazing journey. All I wanted to do was get filming and exploring the amazing landscapes Thailand has to offer, but this little test just goes to show that I just need to slow things down sometimes. I’m only human and when our bodies get poisoned or run down we really need to listen.

 So yesterday I felt I was at about 80 percent and got down to work, I explored half of Puhket on my mo-ped and filmed some great beaches and people along the way. The day before I met a Thai boxing world champion that gave me a lesson as well that I was able to film as well which I’ll be posting parts of on a short episode in the next few days. As much of a fierce warrior this man was, he was all about respect, love and family and his warrior mentality was left for the ring. I was honored that they embraced me into their training facility for a short time and showed me a thing or two. It was all about self discipline when it came down to their success, just like anything else in life that we want to succeed at, it takes long hours of work and dedication. My plan today is to arrange a ride to Koh Lak to visit an orphanage . I’m really looking forward to that experience. My short time in Phuket is almost over but so far even though I haven’t been totally healthy things are great and I look forward to giving my best in everything I do.

Much Love -Ryan

FIRST NIGHT IN BANGKOK

 After a grueling 10 hour layover in Hong Kong I finally boarded my plane to Bangkok. The second I arrived in the land of smiles I felt a piece of me was at home again as the country of Thailand has touched me in such a profound way in the many times I’ve been so blessed to come here. I walked out of the airport to grab a cab and I was bombarded with offers for cabs and limos, everyone just trying with all their might to make a buck. Whenever your traveling abroad I find it so very important to have your whits about you. Having a clear mind and letting your intuition guide you is such an important thing. A man from Israel in his 50’s approached me and instantly started telling me “the way” things are here in Thailand. He was persistent in wanting to share a cab with me. Not knowing this man from a hole in the wall I proceeded to tell him I had everything handled and it be best if he went his way and I went mine. He wouldn’t let up on informing me about the various places I should be visiting for sex.

 It’s very common knowledge that Southeast Asia is a melting pot for sex tourists, but I told him that wasn’t my game or intention for my trip. Being a fairly “street smart” dude myself I’ve seen a lot in my life that has been hard at times to accept when it comes to what he was trying to converse about. I finally had to be rather stern in telling him to go his separate way. I understand full well that these countries have their problems with making money and that prostitution is very out in the open and accepted. Then he started in on me how he’s killed many men, how I should live my life and ” fuck” all the girls I can while I’m here. How I should live in the “future” not the past! This was all after only knowing this man for less then 5 minutes. I felt he was looking for a partner in crime so to speak, but when he saw I wasn’t taking the bait he finally walked off.

 Amidst the sex trade which is such a small part of this country, Thailand is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world. These “ladies of the night” were born into this world just like every other human being in this world. It’s just one of those things that again, we become victims of our environment. I’m here to enjoy the beauty. It’s a very real thing that the sex trade exists. But in my mind sex is something that needs to be respected and acted upon with emotion. I haven’t always had that mindset. But now at this stage of my life I just look at things in a different way. Bangkok is usually a stop over place for many people going to the islands and other parts of Southeast Asia. There’s a lot of really cool places here to check out and experience. I went for dinner with Khalil and one of his pals from France who is a very interesting person, his name is JC. He’s working on a very cool project called Find Your Way In The World. His work is all about Global networking and educating travelers. We had some good conversation and it was nice to connect. Looking forward to tomorrow.

Ryan

HONG KONG

The city of Hong Kong is huge! 7 million with the surrounding area. I arrived here with Khalil at 7am in the morning and because we had some decent sleep on the plane we hoped on to the train and made our way into the city. Well the year of the Dragon is here and last night the city celebrated in style. When we arrived in the central area it was like a ghost town. We were in the middle of a massive concrete jungle, with giant sky scrappers surrounding us. For a a moment it was a little overwhelming. We got some really good filming in to start the trip that made us both happy. And we also met some really nice people that were very friendly. Guess we may have stuck out just a bit….

 It’s funny, We’re so far away from home yet people are so much the same. We’re  sitting in a pizza place right now reflecting on just the beginning of this journey. Eager to get to Thailand but still trying to rejoice in the moment. Airports are usually always hectic. Lots of emotions swirling in the air, people coming and going anxious to reunite with loved ones or just coming back from a work trip. Off to Bangkok, talk tomorrow…

Ryan and Khalil.

Leaving Home

 I left home at the age of sixteen. Wide eyed and full of expectation ,I had nothing but intense anticipation for a life that I knew I wanted so very badly. It was Hockey then, and I was just a boy with dreams. My dreams didn’t work out exactly as planned due to circumstances and situations that I created mostly. And for the reason I believe that everything happens for a reason,that career path wasn’t meant to be. I’ll never forget that day when I said my goodbyes to my mom as tears streamed down her face. I didn’t have a clue what kind of ride I was in for. A lot of adversity accompanied by lots of amazing memories are still imbedded deep inside my mind and soul. Friendships and lessons that I cherish and will carry with me forever. For I believe my journey has prepared me for what I’m about to embark on now. After hockey was cut short due to me making some choices that led my into prison in 2000 and a life that took me into the underworld so to speak. I feel as though I was sucked through the vortex. I was “involved”, but I wanted a life so bad, a real life. So I chose a different path.

 I don’t judge anyone in this world. I don’t have the right, nor do I think anyone has the right to judge people at all. I just wanted to live! My path took me into some dark places and I lost not only my self but people who were at the time very close to me as well. For some people that lifestyle is ok. But for me I had to become a different person that I wasn’t proud of. I’ve played hard and fast and flirted with death on many occasions. It’s been years now since my awakening process began, and it feels good that I can wear my emotions on the surface with no shame of being labeled or judged. with  Cause and effect I of course payed the price in many aspects of the reality I was involved with. I created the character of the big show I personified. Now that life is all but a blur. I put myself and my family and loved ones through a lot, and thank god the people I love still believe in me and  see me for who I am.

 The adventure starts in a few hours. The adventure of a lifetime I feel is on the brink of manifestation. A lot of planning and heart has gone into this project that will be filmed over in Southeast Asia. I feel so drawn to that place of beauty and sacred temples. Travelers from all over the world will be crossing our paths while we’re on our mission to find where the “true” source of happiness comes from. We’re going to be tapping into infinite possibilities and amazing people along the way. I want to take as many people along with me as I can. I truly with all my heart intend to give you guys cool videos every few days. I’ll be blogging on stories daily of the journey in store. I feel from my vantage point that true happiness lies within all of us, and bringing it to the surface through love and intention is our mission. Our aim is to inspire you the people with ideas and breaking out of your comfort zone. Awakening to all the infinite possibilities that await you in life.

 I was very blessed to meet with a dear friend of mine Helen Whittle last week. We had an amazing talk about the past, present and future. I felt so interconnected to her inner audience and positive vibrations as she fore told what I had in store for me on my journey. This isn’t just a journey for me. I feel as if I’m being guided by a higher source to places in the world where people have no idea about western civilization. My cameraman is such a intricate part of this positive project. His name is Khalil, and he’s one of the most creative souls I’ve been so blessed to meet. We both are running on high emotions leaving family and going into uncharted lands that are calling. We both want to make a difference. And it’s going to be our sincere desire to share with you every step of the way. Stay tuned to many laughs, and emotional rides in the upcoming months.

 I want to take this time to thank my loving parents and family. My good friends and to all the people that read and watch our videos. Return to Happiness is all about finding and spreading more happiness in the world, and for that I’m so blessed.

Much Love Ryan Phillips.

Family love and giving back.

 I had a conversation with a very special man today. His name is Christian Knill. Chris and and I have known each other for some time now although we don’t see a lot of each other. I’m off to Thailand in a few days, “the land of smiles” and I had to see Chris before I left because he has some very strong ties over there that intrigue me and warm my heart in a big way. Chris had a family tragedy happen in 2004 when he lost both his parents in the tsunami disaster that killed a mass of people. Since the tragedy Chris and his brothers have shown such strength to overcome the adversities of losing two special people that meant the entire world to them. A year to the day I found myself walking on the beach in Patong where many people lost their lives. I walked in a flood of strong emotions as I saw family members morn and honor the deceased , throwing flowers into the sea and releasing doves and numerous other traditions.

 The next day I ran into Chris and his brothers and found out that they were involved in giving back service to orphans close to where they lost their parents. That moved me and struck me as such an amazing act of courage and faith. After such a loss to go back to the same area and be of service and give love! That made me respect my friend more than he probably knows. It’s been a little over 7 years since the tragedy that impacted millions of people. Time truly does fly! I’m going to go to the orphanage that Chris and his brothers went and gave back to while I’m on my journey. I look so forward to connecting with these gentle souls that haven’t had it exactly easy in life. But I know from experience in that part of the world it doesn’t take much to make people happy. I want to take this time to thank Chris for making it possible for me to connect to these people, and look forward to sharing in the adventure of Southeast Asia with all that tune into Return to Happiness…

Much Love Ryan

CREATE WITH PASSION

 I’ve been on this path lately where I’ve been studying the patterns of the universe. I’ve been doing so much thinking about our planet, and how really it’s just one big living organism that is constantly changing in cycles. No matter how still we may be in our homes or in the business of the city or our own mind, everything is constantly changing and evolving. That’s why when we aren’t moving in a mindful manner and at times having a idle brain getting conceptualized by our thoughts we feel overwhelmed because this world we live in is moving at a faster pace as time goes on. Proof of this is through technological advancements where at the simple push of a button we are granted access to pretty much whatever information we desire. An idle mind is s a deadly mind. and the same goes for the body. we need to be constantly feeding our physical apparatus with new information and data to keep up with the pace of this highly intensifying world of ours if we plan on keeping up.

 I we come into communion with the natural laws of the universe and demand what we want with passion and emotion, and of course with an open mind and heart. We will find it much easier to get into the groove of that golden thread of life which will take us into spaces of a creative nature just as we humans were intended to be. We are here to create plain and simple! from the smallest gadget to the biggest sky scraper, it’s our nature to be on a creative platform. We’ve been given unlimited resources to formulate plans into action and concrete form. It’s just a matter of inducing ourselves into that divine inflow or golden thread of life we all have the capabilities. If you have a dream or a vision, that may be a direct message from an infinite source of power, my suggestion is to act on your inspiration and put some sort of plans to the attainment of your desire. That’s the blessings of being on the physical plane can bring all of us. The freedom to create and the actualization and manifestation of desires is what life is all about.

CREATE WITH PASSION – RYAN

PERSISTENCE

 With enough persistence in anything you will win! It’s a known fact that all the biggest successes in the world had drive and focus backed by persistence in whatever they accomplished. It’s like the old saying goes “if at first you fail, try and try again”. In my mind there is no such word as failure. Failure is just a word that represents a fallen plan. But whatever name you may call it. I call failure a test! And at the end of every test are not only lessons but realizations of goals that were finally met through persistent effort. In order to win, you must first pass the persistence test. People that don’t succeed always seem to give up at the first sign of failure. If the plan is not sound, change it! Everyday take time to refocus on your definite purpose with passion and faith.

 I used to laugh at people when they told me meditation was a great thing that would help me because I’m so intense and all over the map and energy driven. Well it took me a few years to listen and give it a shot. But once I started to allow myself to try new things such as meditation, it was amazing how my energy changed. Not only are better things enter my life now, I’m more grounded and centered and at peace with myself. I’m far from where I desire to be in life, and believe that we never really “get it done”. We’re constantly going to be giving birth to new desires that burn inside our hearts. That’s what life’s about! It’s about getting all fired up and charged with energy with excitement for the future. Don’t be afraid to try new things. And never ever stop chasing your dreams with persistence.

Much Love -Ryan