CURRENT MISSION

To be inspired by great people and great places. To live out my full potential

ABOUT ME

Thinking of my life to date, I realise that my entire life has been comprised of small journeys.
Each of these journeys might seem random and not related at first but when you put some thought into it, the connections start to emerge.
My personal journey spans across three continents and three countries I called home. However, only one of these countries (being Australia) was a country that I have made my home by choice and through conscious efforts.
I was born in Minsk, the capital of what is now Belarus but back then still part of the Soviet Union. When I was 4, we migrated to Israel where I grew up and which I still consider home (albeit second home by now).
I came to Australia for the first time in 2002 as part of a big post-uni backpacking trip and my first true journey of self-discovery. I returned in 2004 to do my Masters and earned the right to call Australia home in January 2009 when I became a citizen on Australia Day (Australia's national day).
I have gone through some significant changes in my mindset in the last couple of years as far as what is REALLY important in life and have come to understand that the most valuable œcommodity we all have in our lives is.......... TIME.
No one can give you more time on this Earth regardless of how powerful, smart or wealthy you are. This is the world's ultimate non-renewable resource and yet most people tend to overlook that and only realise that later in life, when it might be too late. I am determined to prevent that from happening to me and to those I care about.
None of us should ever underestimate the value of this most precious thing called time.
True wealth and happiness in life, in my opinion, can only be achieved when you spend your most valuable resource (being time) doing something that you are passionate about and with people you love that share your passion and push you forward to achieving your dreams and true potential.

Michael Ginsburg‎Create Your Badge‎

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that humanity has been segregated into smaller groups through bogus institutions like countries and religions and this has become the main obstacle for us to achieve our full potential.
The next stage in human evolution will no longer be physical. Our bodies will not change.
The only ‘place’ left for us to evolve is in our minds and in order for us to be able to do that, we have to break free from the shackles put on us by the likes of national governments, religious clergy and archaic social classes.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Been introduced to this project through a friend who has taken part and had some very positive experiences.

I find the whole concept entirely fascinating as unlike
'normal' social networking websites, it actually aims at getting people together face to face instead of just interacting online.
I look forward to meeting new people and being exposed to new cultures and outlooks on life as I find it to be the best part of travelling.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've had some amazing and potentially life changing experiences thanks to CS during my trip in South and Central America in 2010 and 2011. I have met amazing people, some of whom I now consider as friends for life.

Being involved with CS has inspired me and helped make me optimistic again regarding our prospects and future as a race. If you are new to CS, welcome to the most amazing community you ever had the privilege of being part of!

Interests

I am interested most of all in learning about new cultures and outlooks on life. I am also very keen on learning new language/s. Hopefully my brain will be able to handle learning a fourth (or even 5th) one.
I enjoy Scuba diving and sailing. Even though I live in Australia, I haven't yet mastered the art of surfing and would be very keen to practice that with some people who are willing to show a newbie the ropes.
I also have a keen interest in investing, wealth creation and personal development. I strongly believe that the current education system is inherently flawed since it does not give us the tools, and more importantly, the mindset to look after ourselves financially without needing to rely on governments to support us. I strongly believe that working in a job you are not totally passionate about and not totally consumed by simply because you have bills to pay is nothing but a modern form of slavery!
I love experimenting with new foods and new drinks and am game to try anything, if given the opportunity (yes, including those creepy crawlies). So come on, is there anyone out there who's got a challenge for me? (-;

• arts
• education
• drinking
• traveling
• investing
• backpacking
• surfing
• scuba diving
• sailing
• teaching
• languages
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies that blew me away: Apocalypse now, The Game, The Matrix, JFK

Books that changed my mindset: Rich Dad Poor Dad, Think and Grow Rich

Music that inspires me: Celtic music for its unique sound, Salsa for its passion and sensuality, Samba for its absolute embracing of life, happiness and living in the moment.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Making the great leap of faith of leaving all that is 'safe' and familiar behind and migrating on my own to a new country on the other side of the world where I had no family and didn't know anyone.

Looking back at it now, it has also been one of the most rewarding challenges I have ever taken upon myself.

Teach, Learn, Share

Would love to share the concepts I have learnt around mindset and wealth.

I would also love to try and learn another language and teach people languages I know.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Belarus, Israel

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