The Magic of Getting to National Parks Really Early (Like "Why Am I Awake?" Early)

Let’s talk about something that separates the casual visitors from the true National Park fanatics: the before-sunrise arrival.

You know the type. The people stumbling out of their cars at 4:30 AM, sipping bad gas station coffee, headlamps blazing, eyes half-shut, wondering if this was really a good idea. Spoiler alert: it absolutely is.

Getting to National Parks crazy-early is one of the best ways to experience nature in all its glory—and here's why:

You Get to Witness Nature’s Private Show

Before the sun comes up, the park feels like it’s letting you in on a secret. The sky is still heavy with stars, animals are just beginning to stir, and the world has this peaceful, untouched vibe that makes you feel like you accidentally broke into Mother Nature’s dressing room before the big show.

And then the sun starts to rise.

Colors you didn’t even know existed begin to pour across the sky. That towering rock formation, waterfall, or mountain peak suddenly looks like it was painted in real time just for you. The tourists who sleep in will see the view—but they won’t see this.

Wildlife Thinks You’re One of Them

Want to see animals? They’re morning people. You’re more likely to spot elk, deer, coyotes, or even the occasional bear doing their breakfast rounds while you’re stumbling around with your trail mix.

And let’s be honest: watching an elk graze in the morning mist beats fighting a family of four for parking any day.

No Crowds, No Noise, No "Accidental" Photobombs

At 5 AM, there are no screaming toddlers. No giant buses unloading 40 people wearing matching shirts. No one blocking your perfect photo because they’re staging the world’s longest selfie session.

It’s just you, your camera, and about 1,500 empty Instagram-worthy shots waiting to happen.

Parking Is Actually a Thing That Exists

If you’ve ever tried to get parking at a National Park at noon on a Saturday, you know it’s like competing in the Hunger Games with rental cars. Arrive early, and not only do you get a spot—you get options. Shade? Close to the trailhead? Practically VIP parking.

You Can Actually Hear Things. Like Birds. Or Your Own Thoughts.

There’s a quiet serenity to the park in those early hours that’s impossible to find once the crowds arrive. You hear the crunch of gravel under your boots, the rustle of trees, the occasional owl wrapping up its night shift. It’s meditative. It’s peaceful. It’s your personal retreat center with way better scenery.

You Beat the Heat (And the Afternoon Meltdowns)

Especially in the desert parks, early mornings are cool, crisp, and sweat-free. By noon, you’re not only fried like bacon, but you’re also navigating a sea of grumpy, sunburned tourists who are on the verge of losing it because someone forgot the granola bars.

Start early, hike happy, nap guilt-free in the afternoon.

Bragging Rights Are Built In

Let’s not pretend this isn’t part of the fun. There’s a certain joy in saying, “Oh, yeah—we already finished the hike before breakfast.” Bonus points if you post a sunrise selfie while your friends are still sleeping.

Embrace the Ugly Wake-Up Call

Yes, it’s early. Yes, your alarm will go off while your brain begs you to reconsider your life choices. But trust me: when you’re standing alone on a trail, watching the first rays of light hit a mountaintop, you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked a secret level of the park that most visitors never get to see.

And when you’re driving out while everyone else is still circling for parking? Victory tastes even sweeter.

 

The Most Strange and Unusual Date Night Ideas (Because Dinner and a Movie Are Boring Now)

Let’s be honest: the classic dinner-and-a-movie routine is great… for about the first five dates. After that, it starts to feel like you’re stuck in a rom-com that never quite makes it to the exciting part. If you want to truly impress your date (or your long-time partner who’s secretly begging you for a little creativity), it’s time to embrace the weird.

Here are some of the most strange and unusual date night ideas that will either make you fall even more in love—or at least give you stories to tell for years.

Taxidermy Class (Yes, Really)
Because nothing says "romantic bonding" like stuffing a squirrel together. Sure, it's weird. Sure, your friends will judge you. But by the end, you’ll either have matching professionally preserved chipmunks or matching therapy appointments. Either way: memorable.

Visit a UFO Museum
A little mystery. A little conspiracy. A lot of blinking at strange artifacts and wondering if the guy in the corner is an actual government agent. Nothing brings people closer like shared confusion over alien autopsy exhibits.

Silent Disco in a Cemetery
Romantic moonlight? Check. Historic setting? Check. Wireless headphones blasting Beyoncé while you awkwardly shuffle between gravestones? Absolutely. It’s spooky, it’s surreal, and it's perfect for couples who can laugh together while side-eyeing every rustling bush.

Goat Yoga in the Dark
Normal goat yoga is already odd enough. Now do it at night, under fairy lights, with little hooved creatures hopping on your back while you attempt downward dog. Flexibility optional; sense of humor mandatory.

Cryotherapy "Spa Day"
Because what better way to bond than by willingly freezing yourselves in subzero temperatures while pretending you’re totally fine? Nothing says "I love you" quite like chattering teeth and blue lips.

Haunted Doll Museum
Creep each other out while walking past dozens of tiny glassy eyes staring deep into your souls. If you can survive this one together, congratulations—you may be unbreakable.

Rent a Random Animal for an Hour
There are places where you can rent llamas, alpacas, or even donkeys to join you for a picnic or a walk. Is it weird? Absolutely. Is it Instagram gold? Even more so. Plus, you can finally live out your dream of double-dating with a goat named Gary.

Escape Room... Blindfolded
You thought regular escape rooms tested your relationship? Try solving puzzles while blindfolded, relying only on your partner’s questionable sense of direction and ability to describe things under pressure. Either you escape—or you realize who’s really the boss in this relationship.

Ghost Tour While Dressed as Ghosts
Why just see the ghosts when you can be the ghosts? Dress in full spectral attire and join a haunted walking tour. The guide will either be highly amused or deeply concerned. Either way: priceless.

Miniature Golf, But in Reverse
Instead of trying to get the ball in the hole, invent your own ridiculous rules: putt with your non-dominant hand, bounce it off two obstacles, or play blindfolded while your partner provides “helpful” commentary. It's pure absurdity, and that's the fun.

Final Thoughts
The truth is, the best dates aren’t always the ones that go smoothly—they’re the ones you’ll never forget. When you step outside the predictable and into the absurd, you’re not just having a date night—you’re making an experience, building inside jokes, and possibly learning how well you and your partner handle taxidermy accidents.

So ditch the reservations and embrace the ridiculous. Love might be serious business—but dating? That’s where the weird magic happens. 

Why Visiting The Temple of Positive Energy Might Be the Best Thing You Do Today

 

Why Visiting The Temple of Positive Energy Might Be the Best Thing You Do Today

If you ever find yourself grumbling at your coffee, misplacing your keys three times before 10 AM, or wondering why your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open—and no close all button—then The Temple of Positive Energy might be your metaphysical caffeine boost. This site explores different ways to tap into positivity, clarity, and inner peace through a variety of meditation practices, including guided sessions, loving-kindness meditations, and mantra work that can soothe your frazzled thoughts like a warm blanket for your brain. 

But here’s the real kicker: it doesn’t just preach sit quietly and breathe (though it has that too). It invites you to actively question, explore, and experience more about your own energy and how you interact with the world around you. It’s like a spiritual playground where curiosity gets a VIP pass, and where metaphysical wonder isn’t just welcome—it’s encouraged. Whether you’re into mindful movement, expanding your inner awareness, or simply trying to find something that helps you feel less like a stressed-out human and more like a cosmic cupcake of potential, this place gives you tools, perspectives, and occasionally a gentle reminder that sometimes the best answer to “Why am I so tense?” is just “Wow, life is weird—but you’re doing great.”

So if you’re ready to peek under the hood of your own energy system, laugh a little at life’s absurdities, and maybe learn a meditation trick or two that doesn’t require you to sit like a pretzel, give it a spin. After all—positive energy isn’t just a hashtag, it’s a way of living that might make Mondays feel… well, slightly less like Mondays.

Click the link below to visit the Temple 

https://www.thetempleofpositiveenergy.com/

Magick Is Not a Myth—It’s the Energy You’re Already Using

 

Magick Is Not a Myth—It’s the Energy You’re Already Using

Magick: From Chaos to Clarity is a powerful invitation to recognize what has always been flowing through you. Magick is not rare, distant, or reserved for ancient stories—it is happening constantly, created by billions of people every day, often without awareness. This book exists to pull that energy out of chaos and into clarity, helping you understand how magick actually works and, more importantly, how you are already using it. And yes, the “k” matters. Magic without it is illusion. Magick with a “k” is creation—the conscious shaping of energy to bring good into your life, your relationships, and the world itself.

Inside these pages, you’ll learn how to create, direct, and share magick intentionally, whether working alone, with small groups, large communities, or even on a global scale. The book explores the deep connection between love and magick, revealing how intelligent and responsive this energy truly is. You’ll begin to see how thoughts, intentions, emotions, and actions all combine into a living metaphysical practice—one you’ve been participating in your entire life. What changes is not your ability to create magick, but your awareness of how effortlessly you already do it and how much more powerful it becomes once you understand it.

By the time you finish Magick: From Chaos to Clarity, your perception of energy, intention, and possibility will be forever shifted. Magick is the most unlimited resource we have—there is no shortage, no competition, and no ceiling to what humans can create together. This book teaches you how to recognize, refine, and consciously use the magick you are already generating, turning everyday existence into an intentional metaphysical practice. As a bonus, you’ll also gain access to a free class on Happiness Notes, showing you how to spread magick through simple, powerful acts that brighten lives one person at a time. The myths of magick may start to look less like fantasy—and more like forgotten truths. Are you ready to step into clarity and change your life from the inside out? 

Click here to get your copy of

Magick: From Chaos to Clarity

on Amazon / Kindle / Kindle Unlimited 

  

A Perfect Post-Narrows Pit Stop:  My Delicious Experience at Zion Canyon Brew Pub

After a full day of splashing, stumbling, and borderline swimming through The Narrows at Zion National Park, I was tired, soaked, and hungry enough to consider chewing on my own trekking pole. My calves were negotiating a union strike. My feet looked like prunes. And my brain had one very specific request: beer and a burger, immediately.

Enter the hero of my story: Zion Canyon Brew Pub.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to wrap up a day of hiking Zion’s iconic slot canyon, this place practically calls out to you like a beacon of hope—and carbs.

The Service That Felt Like a Warm Hug

You know that moment when you sit down, completely exhausted, and your server just seems to get it? That was my experience. The staff at Zion Canyon Brew Pub deserve medals, or at least some kind of honorary park ranger badge for knowing exactly how to take care of road-weary, water-logged hikers.

Smiling, attentive, and somehow radiating “we’ve got you covered” energy, my server instantly made me feel like I’d made one of the better life decisions of my adult existence by walking through their doors. Water refilled, beer recommendations offered, and no judgment when I practically ordered my food mid-sit-down.

The Burger: A Post-Hike Masterpiece

Now, let’s talk about the burger.

After a day of hiking, it wasn’t just a burger—it was a full-blown spiritual experience. I went classic: burger with cheese, perfectly cooked, juicy enough to require extra napkins (which they provided like pros), topped with melty goodness and a fluffy bun that managed to hold its structural integrity like a champion.

Each bite felt like my body was whispering, “Yes, this is the fuel we needed. This is the moment we trained for.”

The fries? Golden. Crispy. Gone before I even realized I’d finished them. I don’t want to say I inhaled my plate, but the table next to me might’ve looked mildly concerned.

The Burnt Mountain Brown: Sweet, Smooth, and Exactly What I Needed

And now, the beer.

I chose the Burnt Mountain Brown, and honestly, I might start writing love songs about it. Smooth, slightly nutty, with just the right amount of sweetness—it was like my taste buds were getting a much-needed massage while my legs recovered from hours of navigating river rocks.

It paired with my burger like they were childhood best friends who’d grown up to open a pub together. I might be romanticizing, but after hiking The Narrows, you’ve earned the right to be a little dramatic.

The One Tiny Heartbreak: The Pint Glass That Got Away

Now, I’m a collector. And not just any collector—a collector of brewery pint glasses from around the world. They’re my trophies, my travel souvenirs, my highly breakable reminders of good times and good beers.

So naturally, after such an incredible meal and drink, I was ready to hand over my credit card for a Zion Canyon Brew Pub pint glass. Sadly, my server had to break the news: they were out of pint glasses for sale.

Cue the tiny violins.

I took the news well (externally). Internally, I was already mentally rearranging my collection shelf to make space for the glass that would never arrive. The dream lives on for my next visit.

Absolutely Worth It (Even Without the Pint Glass)

In every other way, Zion Canyon Brew Pub delivered exactly what my tired, hungry, canyon-soaked self needed: great service, great food, great beer, and the perfect atmosphere to relive the adventure I’d just conquered.

If you find yourself hiking in Zion and need a place to decompress, refuel, and toast your sore feet—this is your spot.

Just maybe call ahead and ask if the pint glasses are back in stock. 

 

Manifest Anything: A Complete Guide to Manifest What You Desire (Love, Wealth, Health, Success) (Manifesting Miracles)

   

 

Manifest Anything:

A Complete Guide to Manifest What You Desire (Love, Wealth, Health, Success) (Manifesting Miracles)

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to manifesting anything your heart desires? Look no further! Introducing "Manifest Anything: A Complete Guide to Manifest What You Desire (Love, Wealth, Health, Success)" – a transformative book designed to empower you on your manifestation journey.

Discover practical tips, insightful exercises, and invaluable wisdom to attract and manifest all aspects of abundance into your life. Whether you're seeking love, wealth, health, success, or any other desire, this book offers a roadmap to manifesting your dreams.

📘 Inside "Manifest Anything: A Complete Guide to Manifest What You Desire (Love, Wealth, Health, Success)," you'll find:

✨ Proven techniques to harness the power of manifestation and align your energy with your desires. ✨ Strategies to clarify your intentions and overcome limiting beliefs that may be blocking your manifestations. ✨ Tools to cultivate self-love and build a strong foundation for creating the life you desire. ✨ Inspirational stories and practical exercises to guide you every step of the way.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your life! Get your copy of "Manifest Anything" today and start manifesting the abundance you deserve. Embrace the journey, manifest your dreams, and live a life filled with love, wealth, health, and success. 🌟💖📚

Click here to get

Manifest Anything:

A Complete Guide to Manifest What You Desire 

on Amazon / Kindle 

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

 

The Let Them Theory:

A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About 

Over 7 Million Copies Sold!
#1 New York Times Bestseller
#1 Sunday Times Bestseller
#1 Amazon Bestseller
#1 Audible Bestseller

A Life-Changing Tool Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About

What if the key to happiness, success, and love was as simple as two words?

If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn't you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words—Let Them—will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. The Let Them Theory puts the power to create a life you love back in your hands—and this book will show you exactly how to do it.

In her latest groundbreaking book, The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins—New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's most respected experts on motivation, confidence, and mindset—teaches you how to stop wasting energy on what you can't control and start focusing on what truly matters: YOU. Your happiness. Your goals. Your life.

Using the same no-nonsense, science-backed approach that's made The Mel Robbins Podcast a global sensation, Robbins explains why The Let Them Theory is already loved by millions and how you can apply it in eight key areas of your life to make the biggest impact. Within a few pages, you'll realize how much energy and time you've been wasting trying to control the wrong things—at work, in relationships, and in pursuing your goals—and how this is keeping you from the happiness and success you deserve.

Written as an easy-to-understand guide, Robbins shares relatable stories from her own life, highlights key takeaways, relevant research and introduces you to world-renowned experts in psychology, neuroscience, relationships, happiness, and ancient wisdom who champion The Let Them Theory every step of the way.

Learn how to:

• Stop wasting energy on things you can't control 
• Stop comparing yourself to other people
• Break free from fear and self-doubt
• Release the grip of people's expectations
• Build the best friendships of your life
• Create the love you deserve
• Pursue what truly matters to you with confidence
• Build resilience against everyday stressors and distractions
• Define your own path to success, joy, and fulfillment

. . . and so much more.

The Let Them Theory will forever change the way you think about relationships, control, and personal power. Whether you want to advance your career, motivate others to change, take creative risks, find deeper connections, build better habits, start a new chapter, or simply create more happiness in your life and relationships, this book gives you the mindset and tools to unlock your full potential.

Order your copy of The Let Them Theory now and discover how much power you truly have. It all begins with two simple words.

The cover has been updated to include the name of co-author Sawyer Robbins. Customers may receive either version of the cover at random.

Click here to get The Let Them Theory on Amazon / Kindle