Hello, Regenerate Your World Readers!
I recently returned from my first trip to Mexico. My husband and I visited the Oaxacan region of Mexico. It is in the southwest corner of Mexico. Oaxaca is known for its indigenous peoples/cultures, good food, and colorful textiles as well as its levels of poverty and low levels of education. Make no mistake, many in Oaxaca Mexico are in difficult situations. In many villages, kids suffer from malnutrition and lack of education. Intelligent and talented men and women are unable to find work. Yet despite all these hurdles — the high levels of corruption and the relatively low levels of development and questionable governance — many Mexicans are blessed with happiness. When traveling to Mexico I learned lessons related to happiness and how to celebrate life (Celebracion de Vida!). I was reminded of the happiness equation, 50 percent of our happiness is determined by our genes, 40 percent by our activities, and 10 percent by our life circumstances. This states that just under half of the average gaps between your happiness and other people’s comes down to what activities everyone is doing. In other words the activities of your daily life matter as well as your genes and life circumstances. The activities of daily life that seemed to matter to me in Mexico are what I would like to share with you today.
Lesson 1: Go with the Flow (Solo Sigue La Corriente) I am typically very regimented. This oftentimes is rewarded in the US. My calendar, schedule, and timing are everything. I am very time-oriented and sometimes this can be to my own detriment. When I was in Mexico I found people were much more laid back. Time is flexible and relative. This was a big lesson for me because being patient and open to the flow of the universe creates a much more peaceful life. I’ve come to understand that not everything I consider highly important and urgent is that way. Take time to be in the moment, with the flow of life, and in tune with yourself and others.
Lesson 2: My Home is Your Home (Mi Casa Es Tu Casa)
Before visiting Mexico I wasn’t sure if being an American in Mexico would be an issue. I wondered if I would receive negative attention. I found I didn’t need to worry. In my experience, everyone I met was kind and helpful. People were also eager to share about their country and family. From my experience, they also have a huge appreciation for trying to speak their language and went to lengths to help understand my broken Spanish. Mi Casa Es Tu Casa means to make yourself at home. In Mexico, I learned hospitality comes in all forms. When we would encounter anyone during our stay in Mexico we were greeted with a friendly smile. We also enjoyed lovely meals with the locals. It was a good reminder that it is important to take time for the little things. Being kind doesn't have to cost anything.
LESSON 3: FOOD IS LIFE (COMIDA ES LA VIDA)
Like I just shared, meals have a way of bringing people together, mi casa es tu casa. Growing up in Minnesota I always thought Mexican food was the same ingredients, just slightly different preparations: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc…But no!
The Mexican diversity I mentioned in the last lesson is reflected in the food.
In Oaxaca, there was such variety. You could eat tlayuda oaxaquena ( a mexican pizza), grasshoppers, or seven different preparations of corn including tamal de chocolat! And meals are meant to be shared. There is a special family and community element to food here that is so rich. All over Mexico, you’ll find food markets that bring everyone together.
What lessons have you learned from your travels around the country, the world, or in your backyard?
How do those lessons impact you?
In what ways do your behaviors contribute to or take away from your happiness?
Would you like to dive into happiness the way they do in Mexico and develop a happiness mindset? If so, reach out. I help people live a life with more freedom and flexibility, sources of happiness for many. So if you want to increase your well-being and happiness, check out my other videos and free resources on my website.
Together we can regenerate our world
Julie
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