Well, I didn’t think I was going to abandon my blog this soon after starting.
After my first post, I was going to write about how easy blogging is.
I even contemplated posting twice a week because 3 times a week would be like spamming at this stage.
But that was short-lived.
Due to a family emergency, I had to take a few weeks off and fly back to ‘The Old Country’ to reconnect with some relatives.
Between family obligations, I’d figured I had some downtime to write a few hours a day, but all my motivation evaporated into thin air on Day -1.
“If you think you're enlightened, spend a week with your family”
One of my greatest joys in life is traveling. I would travel 365 days a year if I could.
However, like most hopes and dreams, once shared with family, personal joys often slowly start to fade away.
Still, I was optimistic. I thought a short 11-day trip wouldn’t require too much together time, especially since half the trip would be spent flying.
After two months of coordinating schedules until the last possible moment and ending up with a 48-hour flight itinerary filled with a 99.9901739% chance of delays and cancellations, I assumed I would have plenty of time to write.
But I learned that after seven hours on a plane, I get irritable, and my only motivation becomes figuring out how to make the flight end faster.
I expected things to get easier once I reached my destination. However, I severely underestimated the cultural differences in 'The Old Country' especially with generational expectations and a non-democratic-like government.
Nothing is like it seems on TV.
First, I believe that with the globalization of the world through social media and increased access to technology, there is a baseline understanding shared across groups. I feel like the main cultural differences stemmed from the traditional practices expected by the older generation.
Being a millennial over the age of 30, it was difficult to fully get on board with the more obedient and gender-based communication style of the older, more silenced generation.
But being an ambivert, I can play along to those rules . . . but up until a certain point and given enough me time.
Long story short, those conditions were not met (again, due to generational miscommunication), and I think I may have found myself banned from a few households.
Now, as for government—sigh.
I was able to appreciate the beauty of 'The Old Country' and its people . . . even though it was clear that too many of the ‘elected’ officials did not.
When I was told about this trip, I was fully aware that 'The Old Country' had its issues, but I've visited a few rough countries. Plus from what I saw on YouTube, I didn't think this trip would be too different.
But in person, it was obvious that infrastructure, social services, education, small business initiatives, and tourism were very underfunded and, quite frankly, ignored --- at least in the cities that I visited.
The most frustrating part is that 'The Old Country' is a relatively wealthy country.
Yet every year, billions of dollars mysteriously go ‘missing.’
What’s even stranger is how new cars, jets, houses, and other luxury items seem to appear conveniently close to these elected officials.
I am fully aware that I am an outsider who is greatly simplifying historical and current situations. And I’m sure there are several angles, perspectives, and major events that I'm glossing over.
But I think the point I’m trying to make is can we at least look for the money?
I mean, can you at least share the last whereabouts? Some internet detectives can work wonders with just one clue.
There’s no place like home.
Anyway, after returning home, I experienced severe introvert burnout – which I didn’t know was a thing until then.
It took a while to bounce back to normal and get back into the swing of things. But to be fair, I didn’t completely abandon writing altogether.
In my Clark Kent mode, I finished my first invited commentary article. So, I’m going to count that as a blog entry, making it only one month of inconsistency.
So what have I learned and what pearls of wisdom can I share?
First, life fluctuates. You’ll have your highs, lows, and steady states. And writing or following any dream is not necessarily what you focus on.
During low times, if it is truly a passion, your work will be there when you’re ready to pick it up again.
So take a break when you need it and don’t feel guilty about it.
For me, taking time to process my experience made for a better blog entry and something significant to look back on at a later date.
This brings me to my second lesson: don’t be afraid to start over or go in a different direction. The end results might be way better than you ever anticipated.
And last but not least, I need to find a free intern. Writing is one thing, but managing a website is annoying at times, ugh.
Anyway, until next time (hopefully, much sooner than later). Peace!
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