So I don't know, you be the judge. I feel that in the beginning I was so stuck on integrating that I didn't even know what my own opinions were anymore. What food did I prefer, how do I walk, dress etc... now I feel like, I've tried the cuisine, seen the daily routines and now I've finally reached the middle of the road...whatever that is. I can't decide..have I tried a new thing on, abandoned it and started doing my own thing? Or am I just in a different country and finally comfortable in my own skin?
I'm still figuring it out but here are
5 Ways I Have Definitely Changed:
1. I Speak Spanish Now! - when I left the country I pretty much felt comfortable with Hola, Adios and Gracias so the fact that I can hold a conversation no matter how basic is still an accomplishment!
2. I can Cook! - Matter of survival? Who knows, but on a Peace Corps budget you're not able to go out and eat all the time plus if you want the kinds of food you like....sometimes you have to DIY! I'd like to take this time to give a big thanks to "Buen Provecho"
3. More Mellow- I like to think that I've mellowed out some. My days used to start with me making a 45 action item to do list. Now I have learned (though the lesson was a toughie to get!) that things move at a much slower pace and to just go with the flow. I am no comfortable with accomplishing 1 to 2 things daily ;o)
4. Soy pilas-this one I'm not sure yet if it's a positive or a negative. "Pilas" in Spanish means aware, savvy, dare I say even street smart. While I do NOT give myself a street cred badge just yet, I do know that I no longer walk around with my head in the clouds, I am aware of my surroundings (even though sometimes there is nothing I can do, I always see it comin...) and I'm always ready. I mean before I left the states stuffing my bra, shoes, socks, pants, you name it with money, keys and other valuables just to leave the house, was a behavior I never even knew existed...now, I know that it's a necessary precaution. That's a definite 180 for me. I would say
4b. Just to piggy back off of #4, If would have known that I now have to be so pilas, I would have NEVER thought that I would happily live in a place where all of that is necessary. So 3 gold stars for that!!
5. No longer scared of kids! I used to be scared of kids in so many ways. How do you make them happy? What if they don't like you? How do you relate to them? etc. The list goes on. Those fears also affected the way I thought about having some of my own! Now, while I'm no expert, I feel perfectly comfortable with the unpredictability that comes with hanging out and working with kids!
Stay tuned for 5 ways I haven't at all changed or tried, but am just stuck in my old ways...
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