Sometimes we can misunderstand where someone is coming from. Different cultures are different. The way people express things can sometimes make us take a step back—unless we try to understand what their culture is like, or where they’re coming from.
My recent travel was to Greece. From what I learned, the country is more of a patriarchy. The culture appeared focused on boys’ rights of passage—based on religious, military and cultural practices that have been passed down for generations. Yet, in talking with a handful of locals, they face the same everyday conflicts or miscommunications as we do in the “States”. How can we avoid misunderstandings and appreciate differences?
There was a lady who worked for a tour company that was rush, rush, rushing to get her work done beyond giving daily tours. I had gone to her to ask her a question. She barely had time to listen. She said to me that she had no time, and I had all the time in the world.
I took a moment to appreciate where this lady was coming from. She had been laughing and pleasant all day. She was doing all the work so we could have all the fun and relaxation. I learned that the manner of someone’s speech, different from our own, can come off as harsh or loud, or maybe their words don’t come out in a pleasing manner. You don’t have to be in a different country to experience this.
Her rushing due to work at the end of her day and a strong voice did not mean she was trying to be rude. It was apparent that she was busy, and I was on vacation. Sometimes people are in a hurry, or are going through mental angst that we don’t know about. This can cause some to not sound the most pleasant to us. How can we not take things personally?
Sometimes, we have to figure out which parts of our beliefs will rule us in the moment—in order to keep the peace within ourselves. What could we do to call upon the part within us that can keep the peace within us? How can we not let other’s actions affect us?
Other times, we meet people that seemingly could never upset anyone. I met a person that was running a hiking excursion. She was smiling, had a “bubbly” personality, and was full of laughter. She was a joy to be around!
During the hike, this bubbly personality and I ended up walking together for a bit. We found out we had surprisingly similar interests. We both wanted to be an archaeologist growing up, but she actually had done some of it! She had wanted to be a therapist, and that’s what I chose to do with my life. We agreed that we could talk for hours! How can we surround ourselves with people that brighten our day, inspire us, interest us, or just their being assists us in overtaking any negativity that we come across?
I also met a very diverse couple that I’ve kept in touch with. Upon first sight, they had a different physical look than my own. They ended up being the most fun couple I met, that added much fun to a couple of my days! How can we free ourselves of judgment so we can free ourselves up for those people that make us smile?
There were many people from many different countries. Like here in Florida, people don’t always speak English. But, there is most always a way we can find to communicate. How can we try to appreciate, understand, and communicate with people that come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, beliefs or practices other than our own?
I was reminded by some what kind of people I cannot be around for my own mental health. Some just can’t brighten our days, no matter how much we try to not internalize their actions or words. How can we be mindful of those that are just too toxic for us that can drain our energy, or dull our days? If you have been running into toxicity, click here.
I’ve personally gotten back to myself as I was growing up. My parents and I traveled each summer. I had a goal in mind for many years of what I wanted my life to look like. Being on this trip is what I had wanted my life to look like! No matter how long it takes us to reach our goals, can we be content in the moment, knowing we are working towards them?
Going on solo trips is now in my comfort zone. Stepping out of your own comfort zone may look different. What do you need to step out of to get into where you want to be?
I was a witness to something very moving. I met two daughters who’s mother had recently passed. We had just climbed many steps to the top of a rock over the Agean Sea, 220 steps to the church where the wedding was filmed in the movie Mamma Mia!.
These two women were fulfilling their mother’s wishes, spreading her ashes into the water, over the edge of the cliff on the grounds of the Mamma Mia! church. In talking with one of the sisters at a time when she was distraught, she was able to laugh a bit in telling me how she had vertigo, and her mother’s final wish was for her to climb 220 steps up a mountain! She said that her mother was a very funny woman!
It had only been a mere four months since their mother’s passing. I then decided to go inside the church and light a candle for everyone I know. Life is too short. How can we remember that, and live each day like it’s our last?
There was so much history being held onto in my last leg of this trip in Athenia (Athens). I related to the roles within the stories of the Greek gods and goddesses, and how they played into my own life. I am fulfilling who I am as a person through my career. I have found my personal and professional identity, and I am a proud warrior of what I stand for. It’s tearful to write this, so I can tell you that it truly feels great to keep on finding yourself, and do what makes your soul sing!
In saying goodbye to the people I connected with along the way, I made sure to tell them to have a wonderful life! It made each of them smile big, and they returned the same words. You can feel good by making others feel good wherever you go. It really can be a wonderful life!
I hope this proved helpful. If this resonated with you, and you feel you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out here. Please also feel free to share with someone you think could benefit.
Amy