The small things I have learned...
Before arriving to Canada, I had the preconception that EVERYTHING was going to be so expensive, that I wouldn't be able to buy any new clothes every again and that I would be living on beans and rice for the duration of my stay, however so far this is not the case. Now I am aware that once we start paying rent and bills etc that things will be a little tighter but there are lots of places where you can buy cheaper clothes, buy healthy fresh food at a good price and places to go that are not going to break the bank. Come back to me in a few months and it could be a different story but for now I am feeling positive about the cost of living.
Another small thing I have learned and for anyone thinking of travelling here and moving over. My hair straightener and hair curler do not work!! Now, my hair straightener is a GHD but about 7 years old so that's why it doesn't work but my hair curler is not that old at all. I will now have to live here with large wavy hair or buy some new appliances. I'll let ye know.
The things I have learned that could change me...
So I am learning a lot about Canadian culture, their way of living and thinking. Its only been three weeks but already I can't get over how polite people are. While some people can find a stranger randomly talking to them in a lift odd, or a shop assistant asking how they are today, annoying. To me, I think its more of what we need in the world. Although at times the smiling shop assistant may just be saying it to get commission or the waitress may be extremely friendly to get more tips, if your having a bad day, someone just asking how you are can change how you feel for the rest of the day. The enthusiasm and energy that Canadians have excites me and I hope it rubs off on me to become a more positive person.
Something else I have learned from this city is that everyone walks extremely slow here. People could be on the way home from work, trying to catch the street car or subway yet they walk at such a slow pace. If people are in their way they wait and if you bump into them trying to pass them out, they apologise to you! I thought I was a patient person, especially as I work with children, you have to be but this is a whole new level of patience. I hope I become as easy going as they are.
The things I have learned that I could do with changing...
What I have learned that I could do with changing is a bit personal and to be honest I didn't just learn this. I have been this way for quite some time but since I have arrived here and I am out of my comfort zone it has become more prevalent and that is anxiety and fear. Although I can be quite a positive person at times and try to give people good advice, try preach the philosophy of everything "happens for a reason" and "if its meant to be it will happen". Although all these ideologies are great in theory, in practice they don't always work for me, especially when fear or anxiety takes over. Talking about anxiety is a very personal thing and lots of people don't understand it and to be honest each persons anxiety is different to the next persons, although they might suffer similar traits, no one can be in someone else's mind, however we can empathise, talk to each other and help each other out.
For me since I have got here I have had anxiety towards getting the subway, for some reason the crowds all cramped into an under ground space, the heat and the rush makes me panicked. The bad news that is on the T.V of people getting shot, the scenes of car crashes and reports of hurricanes all makes me anxious. I have lots of fears like most people but the difference is, is that I sometimes let mine take over. Having got a few panic attacks before (which for anyone lucky enough not to experience, it is the most unpleasant feeling you will every encounter) I have vowed never to let my mind take it this far again. I have learned a skill that I am aware when one is coming and and I just breath and don't talk for awhile (Which is hard for me). Anyone who suffers from panic attacks have their own ways of dealing with it, for me its breathing. Also going to the gym has been my savior but because I have been so busy lately and not settled yet I haven't gone. I know when I get into a routine and go more often that my mind will work better too. Anxiety comes in different forms, is different for each person and is more common now than ever. Talking about it helps, I am lucky to have a fantastic boyfriend to support me, a great family and a wonderful group of friends. You may judge me for sharing this or you may not, either way I am happy to share with you a part of me you might not be aware of. I am still a smiling, happy, friendly and caring person just dealing with this fast paced life. I am not going to change who I am, but I hope to change the way I think about things. Life is about living so I plan on making the most of this opportunity and learning more everyday!
Talk soon xx
Zita J
No comments:
Post a Comment