I was busy posting on a friend's blog (Sashwee), when I realized I had quite a bit to say about her discussion. So first things first, here is what she had to say about lessons she learned about enjoying where she is living:
One thing that I learned in Denmark about creating a home for yourself somewhere, is that you have to look for things that you like. You have to make a running mental list of things around you that make you happy, lift your spirits, give you pleasure. It was a turning point for me in Denmark when I started doing this. It’s a little like befriending someone, discovering things you share, remembering their jokes and opinions.
I thought of this recently and have started a little list.
Okay, if you want to see her list, you're going to have to check out her blog. I don't think it would be fair to just repost her blog on mine.
But it got me thinking, so here was my comment on her blog [which I had to recreate because I accidentally closed the window before publishing it, gah!], my list if you will:
I love going to my pharmacist because he gives me mini-Hebrew lessons and recaps the Baha'i lectures at Haifa University.
I like going to Fresco, well, because we go there often so they know us. And one of the young women who works there always says "Bone Appetite" when she serves us pizza. That makes me smile.
I like walking in the Merkaz/Ahuza area because it is clean and full of life.
I like looking out our front window at the ships in the bay. When my father was here he did the same and told me so much about them that it reminds me of him when I watch the ships.
I like watering my backyard. It gives a sense of calm control.
I like recycling our plastic bottles - physically putting them in the bin. It reminds me that I live here, that I am grounded, that I belong here and it lets me feel like I am contributing to it.
I love eating the labane and zaatar pizza at the little hole in the wall on Allenby. It's scrumptious, definitely Middle East specific and makes me feel like I know a great secret!
Thank you, Sashwee, for getting me thinking!
This gets me to thinking about the prayer you posted the other day (as in, it wasn't this day that you posted it). Well, I can't make a direct reference, but the whole 'not dwell on the unpleasant things of life' can be seen (double negative) as dwell on the pleasant things of life. It is amazing what it can do for one's spirits.
I am reading an amazing book (not even for Book Club, though I will recommend it) called Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman (or so close approximation). This woman, at 47, is at a crossroads in her life and just picks up and leaves, packbacking around the world. This is her story. A must read. The reason I mention her is her attitude towards different cultures and places. She is no pollyanna and suffers from loneliness, alienation, etc. But . . .well, you just have to read the book. I wonder if it is still in print.
I'm so glad you reconstructed this. I was so curious about what you had written the ill-fated comment about, but I didn't want to ask you to rewrite another comment. This is much better. I'm going to have to try that labane and zatar pizza!
Sashwee