When you think of the word gypsy, various thoughts probably come to mind. They're those weird, dirty people that read cards and play with crystal balls, right?

Wrong.

Although gypsies back in the day were pretty... eh... unique, gypsies today are unlike their ancestors, save for the long adventurous road trips and lack of a permanent residence.

All stereotypes aside, if there's one thing gypsy folk understand, it's how to seize the moment and live without abandon.

Lucky for you, I happen to be one of these strange bohemian creatures. Let me give you some advice on how we manage to take life by the horns with our simplistic, optimistic, adventure-loving attitude.

Rule #1: De-funk and De-gunk

If there's one thing that we don't put up with, it's negativity. If there are things in your life that are causing you to move backward instead of forward, then it's time to ditch them and push on towards better things. This includes people. There is nothing more destructive than those "friends" that make you feel like a dirty dumpster every time you hang out with them.

Once you remove the dirt and unnecessary darkness from your life, you'll have already make a great start on turning yourself around. Focus on positive light, and light will find its way to you.

Rule #2: Break up with social media

No, I don't mean throw your phone and your laptop into the ocean while screaming "DOWN WITH THE MAN!". Just try to spend less time on your social media and more time enjoying the world. People miss out on so much in life because their only focus is on what's happening online. Focus on the present; where you are, who you're with, the things that are occurring all around you. If you take the time to appreciate the natural world around you, you might notice how beautiful the life is that you live.

Rule #3: Stop overthinking

Is there anything holding you back? Or is it fear that is keeping you from living your best life?

Whenever people ask me how I'm able to "up and leave" all the time without stressing over money or the potential dangers of traveling, I tell them that they're thinking too much about the situation. The world is not as scary as it seems, so stop making excuses to keep yourself from doing the things you want to do. Yes, you may make mistakes. Yes, there are chances that you'll wind up in a pickle, but that is what makes life a beautiful adventure.

When you have faith that God will provide everything you need in order to survive, you won't need to worry about expenses or the trials that you may face. Stop thinking so much about the consequences and start thinking about the potential for an amazing story to tell.

Rule#4: Live simply

Now what could I possibly mean by this?

Well, I mean exactly what it says: live simply.

First, materialism brings a great contribution to a cluttered heart and mind. When people focus on all the newest and greatest products, they forget to appreciate the things they already have. Be thankful for your out of date phone and your clunky car. Some people don't even have the luxury of having what you may consider the "bare minimum".

Second, get rid of the clutter and excess material items that are doing nothing but collecting dust. Do you really need 50 pairs of shoes and 32 scarves? Find the things that have value- and I mean true value, not the "well, this might be useful at some point in the future" value- and keep them around. Everything else can go. Whether you donate it, give it away, or refashion it into something creative and unique, give those material items purpose in someone else's life, 'cause they're doing nothing in yours.

Rule#5: Remember that dreams, with a little drive, can become a reality.

It's so common for people to think that dreams are nothing but unrealistic concepts meant only for our subconscious to generate and play around with.

I beg to differ.

The only reason this perception is so common, is because people don't realize that the potential to achieve their aspirations is right at their fingertips; they just have to put in the necessary effort to make it a reality.

If you take anything that I have said to heart, take this piece of advice: don't go throughout life watching your dreams manifest then die before you can try to capture them. Following your dreams may not be the easiest road to venture out on, but the work you put into it will make your life all the more meaningful and all the more unforgettable. Don't ever settle when you have the ability to roam free.

So, there you have it.

The ultimate key to living life like the gypsies.

Now be free, you beautiful creatures of the world! Get out there and do wonderful things with your new and improved outlook on life, even if it's a little odd.