CURRENT LOCATION

🇨🇦

CURRENT MISSION

Living the life of a nomadic writer, collecting experience, absorbing wisdom, contributing to the well-being of every person I meet. Instagram: @Words.by.shua

ABOUT ME

I am currently working on publishing my first book, a collection of poetry, reflections, self awareness and conflict management exercises, short essays, and art. Anyone who reads it will be offered insights and perspectives that they can immediately apply to their own life and relationships, or perhaps just take a single nugget to ponder for a day...

To write this book from the road, I seek to meet people passionate about authentic conversation, and people with stories to share. I want to see how I can add value to your journey, to help you find solace in your struggles, and to revel in your own wisdom and skills that you can impart on me. Let's dig in.

PHILOSOPHY

I intentionally live outside my comfort zone most of the time. Last fall, I quit my very enjoyable career, sold nearly everything I own, and decided to discover who I was without the possessions, routines, and relationships that I had collected. It's not that I didn't like who I was, or that my life was unrewarding. I just want to be sure that I'm doing things because I choose to, and not because it's convenient or safe. I now commit to spiritual and geographic exploration, and all the chaos and enlightenment that I can bear to hold.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I seek to have meaningful connections with people and places. I want to learn how to create community, inspire others, and be inspired by the extraordinary and the mundane.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I arrived in Antwerp not knowing the name or number of my host. I didn't even know what he looked like. After 5 minutes of standing in front of the train station, a guy leaning against a light post and I looked at each other. He asked if I was Josh. Of all the train stations of all the times, he showed up at this one looking for me at the same time that I was looking for him. When fate becomes flow state...

I once hitchhiked barefoot and shirtless, with nothing but a guitar, bread, and spinach dip. And I don't even like spinach dip. A trucker picked me up and offered unlimited blueberries. That night I slept on the grass outside a hotel, only to be woken at sunrise by a curious elk.

Interests

Guitar, trading music, tennis, frisbee, photography, architecture, patios, writing, climbing, biking, wine, rooftops. Check out my instagram @words.by.shua

• writing
• architecture
• photography
• cooking
• wine
• socializing
• juggling
• music
• guitar
• cycling
• rock climbing
• tennis
• philosophy
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

MOVIES:
In Bruges
Slumdog Millionaire
Pursuit of Happiness

BOOKS:
Kiterunner
This: Becoming Free
A New Earth
Sapiens

MUSIC:
Radiohead
Coldplay
The National
Weezer
The Fray
Manchester Orchestra
Para For Cuva
Elderbrook
Rufus Du Sol

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The Northern Lights may be the most beautiful thing that can be seen.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach: Guitar, deepening self reflection. conflict resolution, beginner meditation, cultivating self worth, repairing relationships, and mindset.

I want to learn: van life, financial management, loopholes and hacks, and anything about the things I said I can teach!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Music, connections, adventure, spiritual exploration.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Iceland, India, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United States