A particularly personal share today - this was 8 years ago for those that asked - hope everyone is well - new shop open for USA subscribers now 👍 👉 SUBSCRIBE: www.youtube.com/@thenakedguruthailand 👉 MAIN CHANNEL: www.youtube.com/@LifeInRuralThailand 👉 OUR FULL STORY IN UNDER 20 MINS: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6ctdGJqBaUg.html 👉 OUR COTTAGE BUILD: tinyurl.com/bdd8uh3a 👉 COSTS OF LIVING IN THAILAND 2024: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wWhns2J1Lxw.htmlsi=5MQb89Nykwfsjaml 👉 PATREON: www.patreon.com/lifeinbamboo
84 yrs. old, 10 yrs. retired in Thailand. I met my Thai wife in Australia in 1958. We parted and she found me in 2013, came to the US and we married and moved to Thailand. With all the annoyances of living in Thailand, she has taken care of me. Looked out for me and is very protective of me. I've never met another woman like her. If you find a good Thai woman, never let her go. Stay out of the bars, you won't find one there.
I will be 81 in October, and can still take care of myself..Thank God. Many people have been killed by spouses for retirement and assets, and ex pats have done the same. I give to none beggars, but I kept my money in my bank account. I live in Queretaro, but I have to be alert no matter where I live. Happy I never had a drug or alcohol problem. Thank God. I listened to my elders, and I obeyed, and I watch how others mess up their lives, and I learn not to be them. I kept written, audio, and video journals.
Thank you. I am 73 years old so know how life is filled with cycles. Like you, my Thai wife of 25 years has stuck with me through a couple of them and we now live in Chayaphum province in a house we built and love more than anywhere else. I have never been happier :)
Southeast Asia is the best place to retire. Recommend Vietnam and the Philippines, also Indonesia because the people understand English much better than those of Thailand
@@RajanatTitanI'm 38 years old, well-travelled, and I'm going to Vietnam for a month and then the Philippines for a year. Anything I should look out for? How is the heat
so relate to your story Ryan.. 21 years sober here and grateful.. spent the first half of my life in bars and night clubs etc.. was my life and it nearly destroyed me but through some sheer tenacity and AA I'm able to write this today.. i started drinking at the age of 12 to numb some very deep hurts that was happening.. I'm now 56 and own 25 acres in the mountains of NZ with a menagerie of animals living mostly off grid married to a good soul.. grateful to have built myself back up from self destruction and also grateful for the lessons i went through.. built me into who i am today.. at peace with myself and life.. awesome vlog my friend.. much love to you Damo and Tis and Hugo.. 💜🦋🥀
No fancy editing, no drone shots. J cuts, L cuts, mood music, nothing!. And I watched it all the way through! Thank you for sharing. A very touching story that far too many of us can relate to.
It's not how many times you fall, it's how many times you get back up. You have been blessed with a great lesson. You are young and can start again many times. I am starting again at 70. Just get up and keep going.
I enjoyed listening to your story. I met a woman in Bangkok, a school teacher, and came back to visit her many times as the years went by. After four years, we gotmarried after the Covid lockdown was over. I was retired but worked an addition year in 2021 and had a well paying job. She was from a rural area in Eastern Thailand called Sisaket. Her family were farmers and she had a plot of land of her own. Therefore, I contributed to the property by building a two bedroom house. We moved in two months ago, it is finished but we have a metal gate and metal tops to be installed on our front wall. We did completely inclose our property with a brick and concrete wall. I have lovedThailand since my first visit in 1969 visiting from the Vietnam war. I could tell you are a bright young lad, well because you knew the first law of thermodynamics. The other thing you said that caught my ear was about not being the same person as when you were young. I wrote a poem once about that. “My children are dead though they sleep soundly in their bed…They were replaced by ones that grow…But I can help missing those young ones so.” By Robert D. Womack
Great story Ryan. I'm glad you conquered your addiction and managed to bounce back in life and be in the postion you are now with your family. Seeing the damage alcohol can do as child is the reason I don't drink at all today.
Thanks for being so raw and honest mate. I'm currently going through a similar thing at the moment, coming through the other side now, but COVID and being made redundant after 15 years all at the same time, almost destroyed me. All whilst trying to find a new job, paying a mortgage and raising kids. It's not easy, and yes, it nearly destroyed me. Your self esteem, self worth and self confidence take a massive canon hit. Glad I'm almost through it now though. And, I pretty much did it all alone. Never mentioned a word to anyone.
My wife of 30 years divorced me last Christmas. It was unexpected and I died awhile but got back as what you said about yours. I suffered general anxiety disorder over a decade and got its worst during Covid. My mood changes, frustrated, fearful and dispirited. I have a violent temper and much have to be blamed on myself causing the divorce. At first, I couldn’t accept it but with help from some good souls (was lucky), I picked myself up and found I am now reborn and aspiring to live my last phase of life retiring in a place like yours in north-east Thailand. I chanced upon your video while following vlogger (Ben from the UK) in the video “Living in Thailand” where he built a house in Nong Bua Lamphu. Life shouldn’t be complicated and tied to many ‘things’. We live in a consumerism world and got trapped !
Thanks for sharing your story, you may enjoy out many channel Ryan & Mo life in rural Thailand where we also have a build for inspiration. Sounds like you are born a new can be happy again 🙏
Having traveled to Thailand regularly since mid 1980s. A common pattern I’ve seen, is a foreigner would open bar/restaurant. Spend $200k+ USD on a huge restaurant. Have seating for 100-200 people. And charge $3 USD for a bottle of Leo and $12 USD for a meal. Have 4 to 6 customers on a Saturday night. You can’t compete with that business plan.
@@lifeinruralthailand or you Ryan ! omg the last shot was you in your lounge days ?! I couldnt recognise you ! Would love to see some video of you playing from back then ! You are both very special & inspiring humans !
I too had a drinking issue for years ( also lost a brother in Thailand 8 years ago) I still have a couple of beers but my partner of Ten years got me to chill out Meditation some times - gratitude practice / Rural farm life - “” The universe gives you what you need in order to learn” glad you’ve found inner peace
Ah man this one really hit me with a dose of humility. I've been through a similar path, in recovery, and have a Thai woman who has also stayed through it all. I got off of most social media because it's always "glamorous and show boating." I look forward to the book.
That was a beautifully human story and one I can relate to. I find the temptation of alcohol is even greater in Thailand and it is easier to drink everyday. Life is much better without alcohol especially for those who can't control it like myself. Thanks for another interesting vlog
You are amazing. I agree with you 100%. Lived here in Issan for 12 yrs on and off. Now here permanent. I've met some shit Farlangs. I'm here alone among all the wonderful people😊
Exactly- alcohol everywhere here and I made it a point to quit before arriving in Thailand. I met a chap on the beach the other day and he said the amound of people that he knew and dropped dead here in Thailand was absolutely crazy. If left unhinged - Thailand is the worst place to be.
As the saying goes, "Alcohol, the cause and the solution to all life's problems" Exaggerations and "stories" abound here in Pattaya, normally it is all in fun, but if not, time to walk on. Am so happy to hear Damo stayed with you through your hardships and you made it to where you are now. Hugo's eyes are so mystical, beautiful, and wondrous. Shaman trance! 555 Stay healthy and happy all You keep it real Ryan.
Very honest and open vlog, been in that place and by choice. Not touched booze for over 40 years (except for an occasional shandy 2% vol and Irish coffee at Christmas) Your a lucky lad in that you had a extremely supportive wife at your side. Carry on with the vlogs always informative
Thank you, Ryan, I respect your honesty, and life experience. Most people would find it hard to talk about failure and addiction but you summed it up brutally straight forward. I always enjoy watching you guys around your paradise. We have a slice of the same, but only get to enjoy it 3 to 4 months of the year as we are based in New Zealand .My wife's Mum , with help from loyal workers and relatives help maintain the property. And Hugo , he is growing !!!. Take care
Wow!! Ryan i really didnt recognize the guy at the end --as you-- // with that thousand yard stare & the rockstar look[[vibe]]going on // i wouldnt have thought that was you at all // probly too bc you have no hair to speak of//& now you do // but looking at you now i would have never guessed// you looked like you were in a really dark place but you look so much more happier & content now // happy for you //that (you) & the universe 🌌 & a solid wife helped put your life life back on track & turned your what you call your personal failures into (silver linnings )of those dark days (clouds)into todays sucess & valuable life lessons learned //its been enlightening knowing you didnt come by everything through some thai 🇹🇭//mystical magic // but you worked & struggled very hard to get where you are today & had alot of help & support along your journey// thank you for your honesty in this video// ive been so mad at myself for not getting further in life as i think i should & be in a position in life like you are im nearing retirement now & not happy with the state of things so i know i have to make big changes // you had alot of courage to move to thailand🇹🇭 id like to have that much courage
Damo what a lady she is to stay with you though all that , well thats true love . As you say some of us go through hard times in our lives like you did , as i am myself right now . Its inspiring that you came through it all so thank you for sharing is part of your life
As I get older, I look back and I think I am more shaped by failure and loss vs success and gain. I think we do better when we struggle and fight for things that are important. Good on you for be reflective and learning from your dark experiences!
Really commend the honesty of this guy!. Find your Channel by chance and tryna' keep up on your postings, Im alil bit behind but Thanks so much sharing and showing the things we need to know in Thailand. This could saved lives for sure. ❤
Your story hits home with with me, Im 54 years old and have a soon to be Thai wife and 4 year old daughter that lives in Surin. I hope to meet you someday.
Really pleased I found this enjoyed listening to your story named guru … looking to vist Thailand soon for a month I have found a female friend to show me around and hoping to meet her family so looking forward to that . Going to be doing a little tour of the areas . Hopefully I will love it and mabey settle out there who knows thanks for sharing your stories ❤🙏👍🏻
Your video appeared in my timeline today (by chance, I guess?)... started watching and your story rang a bell... then you mentioned Damo (sorry, I haven't watched any of your vids until today!).... Damo.... Ryan... Hua Hin..... English school... Saxphone Bar.... OMG! You and I didn't have a great deal of contact (though I do remember one somewhat heated school meeting LOL), but I worked with Damo for quite some time (super-lovely lady). So glad to see that you are both doing well and are settled and happy... and babies! Best of luck to both of you and so happy to see you back on your feet after losing it all. Been there, done that (too many times already)
I think you have some real good dogs. They have their friends, and a lot of play and adventure in that rural area. It looks like you are doing OK now. What a calm rural area.
Beautiful life story Ryan. It shows what a real couple you and damo are. You stay through thick and thin when you love someone. Glad you are on the other side now and you and damo are reaping the rewards with your lifestyle 😘😍
RU-vid can be addicting as a drug. Once a video or two that has gotten a lot of views and subs. You what more. It like a drug. People say and do anything to get more views. This is true for most channels on RU-vid. That is why I take everything I see on RU-vid as a grain of salt. I have been in the same boat Ryan, its easy to let the good life gets the better of you. I once had four restaurants and I went down that drinking hole, drinking everyday with friends and customers. My health feel apart and lost everything. I have been to hell and back a few times. If there is one thing I have learned. Do not cry over the past and do not worry about the future! Now, I am just happy to be healthy and enjoy the simple life.
Hi mate, good to hear about your past life experiences, you certainly lived your dreams, no one can take those away from us. As we've lived through those past life chapters, for good or for bad. For me alcohol always given me negative energy but I still tend to drink but not very often due to its after effects. I admire how you adapted to a rural Issan life, you have a beautiful family. Seems now your on a spiritual path, enlightened by your creativity, academia, good luck mate, enjoy your attitude, honesty, self awareness in reaching out towards others, cheers.
Thank you so much for your personal tale. The booze just takes over. You have a wonderful lady, and congrats on how you've come around and what you are doing now.
Living by truth and having a simple life is an authentic life and a life well lived. It's the real gold and the ego is in balance. You're had so much growth Ryan ❤ Congrats to you and Damo, Real evolutionary progress and it cannot be bought, it is earned. ❤ 🙏
Thank you for the absolutely wonderful message. I am many seasons older than you, and have done many big things. I no longer have to "hurt people", as I am retired. I can be myself. That management shit is for the birds, I would rather herd cats. Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself. (How many of your listeners are worthy of hearing that message .... but being Bhuddhist, I get it). Best wishes to you and your family. Perhaps someday our paths cross.
A great video! Life is cycles of ups and downs. Everything is temporary. While we could do without the downs. I find I learned the most from my mistakes not in the great times. It helped me learn what is really important in life and have a plan B. Being truthful is much easier than hiding things by omission.
Congratultions on your family, total win! I retired 7 years ago for the 3rd and hopefully final time, and became a multimillionaire 2 years ago only to fk it all up and lose 80% of my wealth. Still retired (46 now, and happily single after low times) but it is a fine balance and live lean. also quit all drugs & alcohol through plant medicine.For the most part, I limit my exposure to other people and their unresolved trauma, drama and created emergencies with my main goal being to get on the ocean and sail. for the moment I live on a motorbike and just travel. I've just got no interest to returning to my old life (lcohol, drugs, music, tech career, social and family chaos & stress/drama), now it's all about the simple things......like you say, the human experience. I wonder just how common this is. One thing I know is most people never gain introspection, and you have to leave them behind.
I'm new to Thailand and newly married to a Thai lady. I was scrolling through clips and watched "How I lost everything", great testimony. I'm an alcoholic/addict stopped drugs 40 years ago, drinking 20 years ago. No matter what happens to me, I see the challenges in life as opportunities to grow wiser, stronger and for me to increase my faith. I don't have what I used to have, but I am living the dream, the best part of my life. I commend you for sharing, we definitely make a difference by doing so. Doug
100 %. The nightlife , bars , booze, late nights and all that goes with it is a killer. Not just in Thailand. My recommendation for anyone trying to get a life in Thailand is .... Forget the nightlife. Completely. Focus on early nights in bed , wake up very early and go swimming, gym and to the beach by 7.30am. Walk and Enjoy the best part of the day , have a beer or 3 , eat , chill and relax. Go back home and chill. You will waste huge amounts of money, health and sanity on the bars and nightlife. Up to you.
Hi Ryan, you always come across as an honest and genuine guy, you have a beautiful loving wife, two lovely boys and family that care about you and you live in a beautiful piece of this world...I'd say you are doing alright.. You have learned what is important in life from your past experiences both good and bad. Continued success in your path in life, God Bless 🙏 you and your family..🍀🇮🇪.
Fantastic vlog Ryan it’s very true we are different people from what we were in our teenage years and when we get broken in spirit from one thing or another we are different people again as certain things change us forever loosing can be a good thing even though it may not feel like it at the time but fate is a funny thing or is it Gods better plan for us who knows thank you for sharing your journey
Wow Ryan you are an amazing guy and have done so much in your young life. Your philosophy on life shapes who you are at this moment in time and other factors will influence you as you get older and experience other life events. In many ways I wish that I had realised the way I now live earlier in my life, but then I wouldn't have been the person I am now without going through all the changing scenes of life. We evolve through our mistakes and failures plus our successes. There are no shortcuts in life and being honest with ourselves and others and admitting who we are, in my opinion, leads us to finding our own happiness and the happiness of those we love. God bless you today and every day and keep you evolving with all those you love. 🙏❤😀
Just joined watched a few enjoyed your honesty and thanks for sharing your life I think we are quite similar you where your heart on your sleeve keep your head up your doing a great job Dave
The most fascinating stories on RU-vid are peoples' simple lives and their thoughts, far more interesting than seeing someone in a flashy life. I.e, a guy in England just living his life with his dog and their funny relationship and travels doing everyday things we all do. It's the personality and the talks to the camera, not the clothes, the car, the house, (i suppose for some people)
I also think with social media everything always sounds better than it is. I think someone like myself has a lot to learn from certain expats but its easier said than done to know whos genuine and you certainly get hate from some people who see you doing ok. It sounds like you've come a long way and for the better!
just came accross this video how refreshing i hold honesty in high regard subbed straight away looking forward to more of tour talks,regatds from canada
Just stumbled upon your channel. I enjoy listening to your insights and musings. When do you expect to release your book? Is there a way to get notified?
Enjoyed your talk brother. Very refreshing to hear someone speak the truth. Still looking good though in spite of all those mishaps. Yeah…. You’re gonna be ok man.
Hey bro. I lived in Ubon Ratatchani for a couple years but am back home in the states now. I landed on your video and really needed the message. Thanks for your story
Ryan I hope you don't mind me asking you how long it has taken you to find peace? I am a British ex-pat in Indonesia and have a similar journey. For me it manifested itself as being a victim of black magic, for some 12 years. But I have come to recognise that despite very real and disturbing evidence of black magic and its effects they are simply a reflection of my own fear. The only way to rid myself of this experience and thinking is to completely release my past and embrace the present. I am very happy leading a simple life in the mountains of Java, but my step daughters are in Jakarta where my wife wants to be. Embracing the present means understanding and committing to my loving Indonesian family. Whilst few ex-pats actually experience what I have, so many of us have a similar journey and the baggage we bring comes out in many strange ways.
Yes indeed, mine has been a journey of knowing myself and loving myself, understanding that so much of my baggage was not my own. That this goes back to what I had assumed was a normal childhood and remained with me throughout my 50+ years in the UK. I think this is the baggage we all bring with us as ex-pats, most of us refuse to confront it. But it would seem that more important forces have forced both of us to confront our own shadow.
Beyond that story there is a deeper level of self that has nothing to do with childhood or this birth. Knowing who you are is knowing that you are not just this body, or this expression. 🙏
@@thenakedguru I love our response Ryan, a response that few dualists can get their head around. It would seem that we have both been very much affected by the belief systems of our adopted SE Asia countries. I took my family to Bangkok for the New Year, it now being cheaper for Indonesians to visit than Bali. We were all struck by the massive spiritual similarities and indeed practices between our two nations. Indeed, my wife burst into tears at the Golden Buddha. We were brought back to reality by an Australian pointing out that Thailand is Buddhist, Bali is Hindu and we were Muslim. We were therefore personally responsible for many atrocities in the world. But as non-dualist these are meaningless man-made constructs.
Lol, so true... It's so cringe going to a expat bar and within 20 seconds of a guy's introduction he's telling you how much he's worth. Glad to hear your story. You learned your terrific life.
You are a fine man Ryan and your videos are excellent. A good story teller you! And by that I mean you hold the interest of the listener. Good sharing on alcohol and how fast you can spiral down. Look at you now. May your life be blessed as it even was because of that experience.
I love your content because you are telling us a very honest story of each content you post .. your family is beautiful.. keep going ! Can’t wait to grab a copy of your book in making
