The 5 Things I Appreciate About Arizona
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.”
-Dalai Lama
Hello all.
Although, I don’t call Arizona “home,” I will tell you the top 5 things I appreciate about this state from the perspective of a Californian, living here for 5 months now. Although there are more than 5 things I appreciate about this state, I will mention here only the top 5.
The 5 Things I appreciate about Arizona
1. Little to No Traffic on Freeways. Since I’ve been in Arizona, I can only remember being stuck in traffic a total of 2 times on the freeway. Even at that that traffic wasn’t heavy traffic.
I really like wide lanes on the freeway, and getting to where I need to go on time. I haven’t been late to anything yet, because there really is no reason to be late, with the clear freeways.
2. Small Town. I am coming from Riverside CA. Riverside is a small town (Although it is becoming a big city now). While I was living in Riverside, many people that I knew (especially from the big cities) didn’t know that I appreciated very much that it was a small town. I just can’t “hang” in the big cities anymore. There is nothing for me to prove in those streets at this stage of my personal development. A lot of people don’t understand in my early teen years, I spent a lot of partying times in LA. I can say I passed that stage now. A small town gives me much more clarity in my day to day. I guess a small town is either a positive or negative thing depending on your goals at the moment and future.
3. Low Cost of Living. Arizona has a lower cost of living, than most states. Arizona current sales tax rate is 7.8%. Gas is also a lot cheaper here. It’s really simple here. There is no need to try very hard to maintain a nice and decent living here. I also find random killer deals on food here. It’s really nice.
4. The Sunsets. Most of the sunset views here in Arizona are extraordinary. Many times there is a pink, purplish, hue to the sunsets. They usually come every other day. But when they come, it is really an amazing sight to see.
5. Peaceful. The state overall is very peaceful. There isn’t too much hype or loud noises here. This is a great place for people to get away for like a weekend. It just depends on what you want to do. At this stage of my life, I need that calm serene place.
The Learning Process
I’m learning so much in this state. I’m learning more about myself here because I now have the opportunity to kind of see things from a brand new perspective. It was great living in California. Yet, I never really felt I was growing at the rate that I’m growing at now at least spiritualy and creatively. The ironic thing is I’m learning so much more in a smaller city, than when I used to live close to LA. I guess it was easy for me to get lost in the shuffle of my own thoughts, with so much going on around me. Arizona is simple, and it really suites my state of mind as a creative individual at this stage in my life. I’m having a nice time here. But not in like the way you might imagine. I’m more on a higher level of self awareness that is making me grow in an upward direction, that I hope is being reflected in my writing.
Simplicity
This higher self awareness, I speak of isn’t something extraordinary or special, it is very simple indeed. This level I choose to operate from is very natural and feels more like me being in tune with my true self, versus trying to chase an ego need. But some may argue, “You call yourself the “Baker” because you make a lot of dough, is that not an ego need?” Yes, I call myself the Baker because I make a lot of dough, but I decided to go with a nick name that would appeal to the younger generation. A younger generation that may be focused soely on material pursuits at first and then realizing there is a whole other world that goes beyond the desire of material wealth. Many of my readers know that my intentions for this blog are all about inspiration, positive energy, and living your dream. The material accumulation is a bi-product of my overall mission with this blog. So broken down, it’s an ideal with a greater rooted cause.
To me Arizona, is a place at the moment, that allows me space to create to clear my thoughts and work on my own personal development at my own pace. I mentioned above the 5 things I enjoyed about Arizona, however at the end of the day, I just appreciate Arizona for it’s simplicity.
Also, below I’ve included a short video with my Arizona experience filled with inspirational Baker quotes from this blog for your enjoyment. 
