A European PAUSE

Being in Europe has greatly changed my perspective in so many ways, and in such a short amount of time. Meeting people who speak 6 languages, encountering students who have decided to leave their war-torn countries in the hopes of providing them (and their families) the possibility of a better future, making the acquaintance of service staff who are not only kind and gracious but also grateful for the work they have. 

The European way has been a subtle demonstration of cooperation, excitement, kindness, interest and intention on a whole new level. 

The saturated world of commercialism and pop-culture worship seems far from here with every day life offering up an opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures that would soon be forgotten in a social-media laden existence.

No one cares about the Kardashians here and it’s damn refreshing.

I am so taken with the interactions I have had that, while fleeting and short, have had such depth in subject and validity in what is going on in the world today. People aren’t trying to follow anyone’s guidelines as to how to live, and influencer culture is not an esteemed vocational focus here. People know what’s going on in the world and seek out knowledge the way others would seek out suggestions on how to lose weight without making significant lifestyle change.

Life is about enjoying the present moment, taking the time to slow down and I’m learning about from every angle.