As I sit in the Rio airport awaiting my chariot in the sky to transport me back to the states, it occurred to me how very important it is to learn as much as you can as long as you can!
You know from my previous writings that I grew up in a home where everything was planned. Please do not misunderstand, I was very blessed and lived a very charmed life. By that i mean, I wanted really for nothing and at a early age realized that I must learn how to make money so I never had to depend on anyone. Lesson learned! Now in my adult life there is nothing I want that I cannot figure out how to get. It may take me awhile, but stand back and watch me create it. Thus far this year, I have been blessed to create the opportunity to learn first hand about the cultures in Portugal and Rio De Jenaro! Two amazing epic places in the world, I literally thought only existed for someone else to experience. And I am now living that dream! A tall awkward girl from Lilly white suburbia Gladstone, Oregon is now experiencing amazing cultures and far away lands! Life is truly grand and I thrive now learning new things and enriching my life and those around me as well. My favorite thing in my travels is to sprinkle kindness wherever I go. Nothing makes my heart pound faster than when I make someone smile. Just the inflection in their voice will change with a nice compliment .
The people and the culture has truly been my favorite thing I have experience and learned during all of my domestic and international travel. However, RIO boasts the kindest, most inquisitive people that embrace who they are as individuals and have not had religious persecution beaten out of them. Although, I do not speak much other than English, Portuguese is a relatively easy language to learn. And thank heavens for Google translate!
I spent two days on Copacabana beach watching and observing people that had 100% embraced who they were and were not intimidated by society. By this I mean, in the US we are so caught up by what the media says we should and should not be. Our society has completely paid for the “should” juice. Well, ladies and gentlemen, we need to say no to the “should” juice. It is OK to wear a bikini if you are over 50 and do not have a perfect body! I saw it all day long in Copacabana. These women are my hero! Let me ask you at the end of the day, if you as a person or a culture embrace self love, and the Brazilian cultures does, then who and what you are as a person is on you! Not what the media tells you! Because I use best foods mayo, am I going to be always enjoying a fabulous meal with my family? Because I use a special face cream am I going to look 25, when I am actually 56?
When my behind hits the seat on my chariot home, I am leaving the “should” juice behind and have 100% #LEARNED to embrace my blonde 6’2 Lilly white self for who I am and where I am going! Stand back world!~Shirene