Getting into a completely new environment for us, we get out of our usual comfort zone and become more receptive to the world around us and the lessons it gives. Just such a story recently got into the editorial office of "Lifehacker". Yana talks about how a place can positively affect a person's views and life, namely, she talks about what her long-term residence on Koh Samui taught her.
I don't know if this can be considered an achievement, but almost a year and a half ago, my husband and I, and at that time a 2-year-old child, came to live in Thailand.
Among other things, having lived on Koh Samui, I:
Learned to smile sincerely. To all passers-by, and especially to children.
I met a lot of interesting people. Now I have French, Thai, Filipino, Korean, Finnish friends with whom we exchange stories about the culture and customs of our countries, treat each other to national dishes. Thanks to the popularity of the resort, I also met a lot of compatriots with whom it was interesting and fun here, and, I hope, it will be the same in Kiev (well, or somewhere else).
I stopped being jealous. When there are so many different people around, successful in different ways… and always not very good at something else, you start to think about your strengths and weaknesses. It's very motivating.
I stopped being afraid of "living creatures". Who have I not met during this time — snakes, large spiders, huge jellyfish, one-and-a-half-meter monitor lizards, red scolopendras… this is not counting harmless creatures that do not always look friendly and are usually impressive in size. Now I look at a large flying cockroach, for example, without much enthusiasm, but also without expressed emotions. And before that, even butterflies were twitching, honestly! :)
More about people. I stopped expecting a lot from them. When you are in a foreign country, and you don't have trusted friends or even acquaintances, you look at others differently… You are less offended if something is wrong, but you are indescribably happy when people come to your aid! Several times completely strangers surprised me a lot, in a good way. It's worth a lot.
It has become even easier to relate to things. Firstly, you learn minimalism just by looking at Thais. Secondly, it affects the fact that we are here temporarily (no matter how meaningful it sounds :). Well, and thirdly, you don't need much here, and it won't work… after the rainy season, a lot goes to the trash because of mold. Now I have the minimum amount of clothes and shoes in my entire life. Exception — children's toys. There are a lot of them, and we try to sort them out regularly and give them to local kids.
Everything has become easier to treat. Well, for example, before I was taken out of hot water or electricity for two hours. And at the beginning of December on our and neighboring islands there was no light, no water (no) for three days, and nothing. Not only survived, but even missed a little for the romance and warm unity of those days.
Became more tolerant. I have seen enough of all kinds of traditions, rituals, beliefs, beliefs, hobbies…
Became a mom. Of course, I was one before, but at home I had my grandparents on hand, relatives, friends, acquaintances, doctors, all kinds of consultants and others. In addition, my son started going to kindergarten recently. And I spent all this time at home with him. And with her husband, by the way, too. It's a very peculiar experience to be together around the clock. But we are used to it, and we like it. There was a sense of integrity — there is our family, and there is the rest of the world.
Traveled around Asia. Our child is already familiar with the concepts of "airplane", "ferry", "visa", "hotel"… In general, it is very significant for me that my son managed to see and learn so much by his 4 years. The most A trip to Hong Kong was a bright adventure for us. And especially — to Disneyland! It was a real family holiday of joy and childhood! :)
I became ironic about the pictures about the perfect job (laptop on the beach:) or to the phrase "how I want to get out of here" (about Ukraine). On the contrary, I want to go back now. At least for a year. I understand that from afar everything looks more beautiful, but in our country, far from everything is so radiant. But firstly, I began to look at emigration differently in principle, and secondly, I discovered a lot of strong, active, charismatic personalities who live and work in Ukraine. And even if they are also not satisfied with something, but they remain, and (intentionally or in passing) make this country and our society better. I want to look up to them. Maybe I'm too romantic right now, but that's how it is.
In general, it seems to me that I have become all grown up, stronger and better :). I can not say so modestly, because in many ways — this is not my personal merit, but the influence of circumstances and environment. For example, my husband is running the second program on Run Keeper… well, now I'm catching up :).
In general, these are the main results that surfaced on the move… Pretty soon we are ending this stage of life. It is very interesting what will happen next. Once I heard the phrase: "go from the good to the better!". I think it will be like that.
In gratitude for the excellent post, we send the book "Platform" to Yana. Send us stories that have changed you and made you better!
