Adventure to the Four Corners Monument

Ever wonder what lies at the four corners? The spot where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico meet?

There really is something there. It's called the Four Corners Monument. I was in the neighborhood last summer so I dropped by to check it out.

Let me first say that unless you just happen to be nearby this place is not worth the trip alone. It's literally out in the middle of nowhere. The nearest towns are miles and miles away. There are scarce amenities here and cell phone service is questionable at best.

The four corners sits on Navajo land. They charge a $3 admission fee to enter. I should also mention that the turnoff from the main road to go in was so ambiguous I actually missed it the first time and had to turn around.

Once I got in there was not a whole heck of a lot to see. There were four sets of stalls (one in each state) where Native American merchants sold stuff. Most of the stuff for sell consisted of t-shirts, jewelry, and other Native American crafts.

In the center of everything on the ground sits the actual marker for the four corners. Everyone was crowding around getting their picture made. I waited about five minutes myself for a picture after which I was ready to get the hell out of there. Although it looks empty in my picture above there were actually about 20 people crowded right outside of what you can see.

What I found most interesting is that there were so many people there. There was no one on the surrounding roads for miles, yet this place was packed. If you happen to be nearby, or if this is on your bucket list, it's worth a stop. Otherwise just look at my pics above and you'll get the full experience.

Axiom 30: Approach Life as an Immigrant

"Luck is not something you can mention in the presence of self-made men." -E.B. White

"When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser. The choice is yours and yours alone. Refuse to throw in the towel. Go that extra mile that failures refuse to travel. It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure." -Mary Kay Ash

We often forget that America was founded on immigrants. Our ancestors took huge risks to uproot their lives and move here. Deep down we have that same spirit inside us that they once did. Maybe it's time that we all act on it.

So what does it mean to act like an immigrant? 

First, it means not being afraid to lose everything. Most immigrants gave up all their worldly possessions to start over. Don't be ruled by your possessions. Happiness is about a quality of life, not a quantity of belongings.

Second, it means not being afraid to work hard. Immigrants often start out working backbreaking jobs for long hours and low pay. Slowly hard work creates success and carves out a quality of life. Chances are that your ancestors came to this country and did a lot of hard work that help build the generational wealth you enjoy today. Don't squander it away.

Third, it means not being afraid to start over. Often immigrants had some degree of status or success in the country they came from. When they came here they give all of that up to start at the bottom and have a chance at something better in the long run. Keep the end goal and mind and don't be afraid to start at the bottom.

Fourth, it means not taking things for granite. Immigrants never forget where they came from and why they are here. As bad as it may seem for you always put things in perspective.

Lastly, it means being optimistic. Immigrants view themselves as the solution, not as a victim. Because of this they allow themselves to work and become successful. Don't blame others for your hardships in life.