You're competing against yourself

From the beginning of time, humans have sought after comfort in exchange for the least amount of effort. A dry and safe place to stay, while still having to hunt. That's how humanity started out. Eventually, in Mesopothamia, people got their minds together and decided there must be a better way to get food closeby without the need to run through the fields all day. So they found a way to grow rye around their settlements (11.050 BCE). Then about 2.000 years later, so-called Neolithic founder crops; emmer wheat, einkorn wheat, hulled barley, peas, lentils, bitter vetch, chick peas, and flax — were cultivated in the Levant (Source).

Interesting side fact; Levant refers to the historical region of Syria or in a wider sense the eastern Mediterranean with its islands (Source: Oxford Dictionary 2015). The word Levant got from Italian to French to the English language. In Italian, it means 'rising' because the sun rises from the east (Source: Gagarin, Michael (31 December 2009), Ancient Greece and Rome, 1, Oxford University Press, Incorporated, p. 247). The eastern Mediterranean is east from Italy so they referred to the place by this name.

Nonetheless, you can see how people started making their lives more convenient. Obviously this is how the species survived. If it weren't for our predecessors, we wouldn't be sitting in our air-conditioned offices. Just imagine that suddenly we'd need to go out and hunt, eat berries, we wouldn't have a clue and probably be dead by food poisoning from said berries or some form of incorrect preparation of food. We've become very domesticated - certainly there's people hunting but this is more so in Eastern Europe and other places around the world, as opposed to the wealthy West. We're hardly able to be alone, always needing to be surrounded by friends or family. Always having the smartphone nearby. Rarely reconnecting with nature. Instead of fighting a battle against the elements and nature, where everything can get you killed, we're now fighting a battle against ourselves. We want to feel something, we want to feel loved. We have first-world problems and depression is on the rise (Source).

What is it we can do to ease this fight? Is our life really so convenient that I need to pick other battles, just to feel that I conquer at least something? Common sense says yes, because people have been struggling for many thousands of years. And suddenly there's no real, physical struggle. The body and mind need something to do, so mental struggles are what we can focus on instead. The mind will ramble on and this can take on all sorts of forms. If one's not busy, there's room to over-think. So at least a start is getting to the gym, getting outside, lifting up heavy things and putting them back down. Our spine is designed to move. Do have a good lifting technique, is all I'm saying, and don't overdo it. But lifting weights does wonders. So does taking in the sun and going on a walk in nature. Sometimes, when I talk to acquaintances, they say they don't feel like doing anything. No more positive outlook. Just working hard, sleeping and waking up again. I am anything but a psychologist but I do have common sense, which can get one very far in life. I always recommend people to take a walk in nature. Yet none of them do it. And that's where the problem lies. Not taking the first step, which is completely within reach. They should treasure the fact they can even walk and get out there, taking in the smell of a fresh morning in the forest. But no, it's easier to stay indoors and complain. And yes, there are real mental issues, and I am not someone to criticize anyone suffering from them. But anyone who's able to get out, lift weights, get into nature, should do so when not feeling all too well.

The point is that a first step leads to a second. Once you're in the forest, no matter how much you dislike it at first, you might as well make a short hike. You might just make some pictures, and put these on your website you were planning to start ever since being a student. Then when you get home refreshed, you might as well prepare a healthy meal and being tired, think about improving your sleeping pattern. Not many people like going to the gym, but if you're there, you might as well lift some weights or get on the treadmill. Then why not talk up someone who seems new as well, and make a new friend? You can motivate each other on your new habit and who knows what else the person can bring you. See, the first step is always the most important one. If you're at least partly functional, get out there if you're not feeling well. You're not competing against anyone but yourself. Not saying that if the mental demons are too strong, this is what you should do. Then you'll have another course of action and I can only say; get some sort of help. You'll know well enough yourself if you're being lazy or are indeed suffering. But never disregard that first step because it seems like a solution that's too easy. Easy is where it starts, then gradually it develops. You might as well try.

© copyright - All Rights Reserved

Sometimes, it's good the way it is

Living abroad has its challenges and I write about these in several of my other blog posts. But sometimes it's also good the way it is. You have everything covered. A good job, stable internet at home, a comfortable bed and just the right amount of darkness so it makes you able to sleep well. No noisy neighbours or rattling air conditioners. No traffic that keeps you awake. Sun in the living room each morning. A view on the hills. And then boredom sets in. You think you've seen it all and you get the so-called 'fear of missing out'. The world is large, as an expat you know that like no other. And life is short. 'How would it be in Buenos Aires?' you question yourself. You imagine yourself walking down the widest boulevard on earth and dancing the tango on leafy, sunny square. 'That sounds like fun, why not get a job there?' Indeed, it would be fun. But just think of moving again, closing your bank account, opening one, cancelling the phone subscription, the gym subscription, leaving your comfort to start over again. That feels, well, very uncomfortable.

That doesn't mean I dislike it and that I never did it. I did it about four times. And I think three-four is the golden number. And then, if you find your place, stay at least four years. Because that's when all the dust settles down and you see if the place is something for you. Besides, at one point, if you live in a safe and comfortable area, you'll start building up something for yourself. You'll have someone you cal call when you're sick. You know what doctors to go to. You know the pharmacy and which one is open 24 hours when you need it. There's a certain sense of comfort that's hart to give up at that point. You know where to go for drinks and what tourist traps to avoid at all cost. You learned it by going to these tourist traps and by ending up with a bad experience sometimes. Also, you'll possibly be blogging or making videos like I am. So I'm deeply involved in the subject now - Bulgaria. I learned the language and know the habits, and integrated into the culture. I feel very much at home. And even though I would definitely go to Buenos Aires or some other place where adventure calls, some days I have to realize how good it is at this very moment. And so should you. But at least do the golden number of 3-4 moves abroad, it will help you grow very much as an independent person.

© copyright - All Rights Reserved

Dear Bulgarians, stand up for yourselves

Even though I risk coming off as 'that westerner', I'll do so anyway.

I love Bulgaria and all Bulgarians I met have welcomed me with open arms. I have felt I made the right decision to move here since day 1. My experience is positive. Yet after a few years I certainly started seeing points for improvement. Outside the political climate, which I don’t know much about and have no influence on, there are minor changes we still need to go through here. One is standing up for oneself. Every day I see examples of people letting themselves being treaded on and I wish to see it changed or at least make people think.

One minor example of today was at the supermarket Billa. A German chain but obviously run by Bulgarians. There were long queues and people waited for at least 5 minutes. Above the registers there’s a sign saying "Guarantee, 1lv voucher if you wait more than 5 minutes." So I dared to ask for it, as the only client doing so. Even though most if not all clients had read the large sign. The lovely lady behind the registry, whom I’ve seen there for years, directly fell silent and said: "I don’t have vouchers. But I’ll give you the 1lv. These chefs here, you know.." She took it from her own pocket and gave it to me. I took it and thanked her, knowing she’s a grown woman and trusting she would later compensate this with her boss or directly with the registry. But as I left the store I directly reconsidered and thought she really wouldn’t do so. I felt bad about it and still do.

She didn’t stand up for herself even though she had every right to. The vouchers or money should be taken from the store and not herself. It’s a double negative this way. If enough people had asked for such vouchers instead of nobody, the managers would realise they better employ some more cashiers. The customers didn’t stand up for themselves and neither did the cashier, at her own expense. I’m not here to change the world or even change other people but I am here to share my reflections and at least have a positive impact where I can. And even though his occurrence is so small, it is at the same time very big. Because it happens a lot, on many levels. And I know people are afraid of and at risk to lose their jobs. They don't want to stick out like a sore thumb.

But this is the oldest country of Europe, overrun by many but it stood the test of time. Where’s the extra step, of this proud nation with proud people? I hope to someday see the self-pride and confidence to stand up for oneself. Bulgarians have every reason to be confident and proud. Of their country as well as their own culture and personal competences. People live tough lives, this makes them persistent and I've met some mentally very tough people. This is no longer a tucked away corner of Europe. We’re Europeans and I know the Bulgarians have come a long way. Taking pride in oneself and claiming self-ownership is one of the next steps and I’m sure we’ll get there.

With love to Bulgaria, Leon