“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and small-mindedness”

-Mark Twain

It is pretty crazy to think I am 21-years-old and living in South America. Sometimes I forget that. Two months ago I moved here for the foreseeable year, and I never would have imagined to be where I am at now.

I have gone through an array of emotions, constantly picking-apart every decision I make, being afraid to try new things, but reminding myself that that is what life is about. Also, making mistakes and taking risks because if I fail, I will only be wiser, but if the risks work out in my favor, well hey-I just did something great for myself.

I think the hardest part about living in a different country, is remembering that this is all finite. I mean I already only have 3 months left to go before I am working as an intern in a new location. How selfish of me to waste time.

It is important to remember to not be too critical of yourself, because another thing I have learned from living abroad, is that everyone is critical of themselves. It does not matter what language they speak, or what holidays they celebrate; everyone wants to be the best version of themselves that they can be. But, sometimes that goal can become construed by life, and by work, and by school, by politics, or by the people around you. It is important to see that everyone really just wants the same thing, to be happy.

Happiness is incredibly subjective, but that is kind of the point. Humans live their lives based off of their own life perspectives, but practicing empathy is important and reminding yourself that people are viewing the world from their own minds. Your perception of life is only one of so many more. And, at the end of the day…everyone just wants to be happy within their own life perspectives.

This brings me back to my first point, about picking apart all of the decisions I have been making. I do not think one will ever be happy if they are constantly doing this, and thinking about what others think of them, their decisions, and what they do. Individuality and confidence is important, as well as humility and openness.

I am grateful to be in Argentina and meeting people and learning things about a new culture. It is allowing me to be a better global citizen and a better student, friend, partner, family member, and member of this planet.

Perhaps this is just turning into a rant now, but it is how I feel and I think it is important to allow yourself to express this, in any way you see fit to help keep yourself sane through out any and every experience. Living day to day, in a country you are used to can be challenging, let alone one that is more than 6,000 miles away from your country of origin.

In all, I am so excited and so thankful for this experience and to be able to become more mindful, because it is allowing me to see the world from new perspectives, making myself a better person to make the world a better place. That makes me happy.

I look forward to capturing more instances. I think my next blog will be an interview of one of my Tucumán friends because I want to share the world from their eyes and take a break from my own thoughts, because I am here to experience the life that they live here. Thus, I think it would be pretty cool for them to share for themselves.

“It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about”?

-Henry David Thoreau

“Get busy with life’s purpose, toss aside empty hopes, get active in your own rescue”

-Marco Aurelio