Feb 20, 2023
Some things I’ve learned about myself and the world with little to no explanation.
Take a siesta.
Between the hours of 2pm and 5pm, Spain takes what’s called a “Siesta” where the working people go home to nap or eat lunch to take a break from their work. This is something heavily practiced in many professions in Spain typically in warmer weather to rest and escape the heat. It's a nice reminder to take a break every once and a while, we all deserve it.
Beauty of a good book (and bring it everywhere).
As someone who thrives on social media and will potentially pursue a career in it, I find it very draining. My friends and I went to Cadaques, Spain for the weekend and one of the ways I chose to value the moment was to put my phone down, open up my book and remain present. Put your phone down, I promise the view is better this way.
Sit with it.
Believe it or not I saw this quote on Pinterest that said,” You can run as fast as you can from your feelings and they’re eventually going to catch up, so sit with it and deal with it.” This quote alone has helped me in more ways than one. Overall, I think it is making me a mentally stronger person.
Work on the mind.
This plays into the previous one. Something I have picked up is working on the mind, but especially in your 20s. I think the purpose of your 20s is to have absolutely nothing figured out yet. By the time you hit 30, all that chaos should be sorted through by then. But the way I see it is, I’m 20 and don’t have a set career path or a child to take care of, so I might as well take care of the most crucial person in my life: myself, or more importantly, my mind.
Life didn’t stop because you went abroad.
This means so many things to me. It’s been a reminder for me that a) I still have goals and internships to apply to and a LinkedIn to be updating every once and a while. b) The most important people in my life live in America and I have to check up on them any chance I can. c) Using this four month experience to apply it to my everyday life. Meaning, can you see yourself living in a city in the future? How have you managed living on your own for the first time, what have you learned? Can you see yourself living here in the future?
I think it’s valuable to document your personal findings on philosophy and the world. It’s about reflecting and analyzing your experiences in your own way. Truthfully, I find it very fulfilling.