Journalled on Saturday, 19 August 2023 | Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro: 30 degrees, hot, sunny, clear sky.
I am on a roll. I have been on a roll since Wednesday, and I am still rolling.
On Wednesday, I received my debit/credit card, and on Thursday, I received my international Wise card. On Friday, Yasmin opened her first bank account and will receive a debit card next Saturday, so a lot has been done.
Yasmin and Nalva will go to Nova Iguaçu this afternoon and stay the night because it is Nalva’s sister’s birthday. They will go, and I will stay in Botafogo looking after Perola.
If I were 20 years younger, or maybe even just 10, I would be out on the night, but now, no. For me, staying home on a Saturday night, watching a film, or working on the computer and drinking a decent red wine is perfect.
I can tidy and organise the flat the way I like it, take Parola for a walk in the park, and even be completely naked at home without worrying about anybody being there. It is so good to be alone.
I have had girlfriends who clearly did not like quality time alone, as if they were afraid of being alone. It is so good to be alone, enjoy your own company, and do whatever you want.
I am increasingly valuing and enjoying the precious time I have for myself and my thoughts.
I am beginning to understand and appreciate myself more and to acknowledge things that I had previously overlooked. Getting to know ourselves better is an eye-opening experience that subtly influences our daily lives and how we interact with others.
When you are alone and at peace with yourself, doing what you like to do peacefully and calmly, with no one interrupting, talking to, ordering, or controlling you, you are doing what you want to do, with no second or third party telling you what you should, shouldn’t, or could have done. In this moment, you have the peace to think about yourself and what is important to you.
Reflecting on what you have done in the past is crucial. Even if nobody acknowledges it, recognising your own achievements and giving yourself a pat on the back is important.
Our small successes provide fuel for more significant achievements in the future. Being alone and in silence is a life-changing experience. It is there for you to understand, appreciate, and learn from.
These past two years have been transformative in ways I never imagined. I feel more secure in myself and in the person I want to become. My day-to-day life feels more serene, and I am more focused on my goals. I have become more concerned with the journey than with the outcome or destination, and I am much happier with who I am and where I am heading.
Shame is a powerful emotion that we all experience to varying degrees. We all have things we regret or feel ashamed of but cannot let go of. To free ourselves from the burden of shame, we must get to know ourselves better and accept life’s challenges.
Like a wet dog shaking itself to shed water after a bath, we must shake off shame. Taking time alone to reflect, contemplate, and heal is crucial for our well-being today and for preparing for whatever life brings tomorrow.
Knowing ourselves better is courageous and requires action. Without action, we lose confidence and open the door to fear and insecurity.
Action is the medicine for a happier life. Without it, we wilt and die.
In the morning, I woke up early. I exercised, had coffee, came home, took a shower, and then went out again to resolve a problem in the street. When I returned, Yasmin was still waiting for Nalva to go to Nova Iguaçu. Finally, Nalva arrived, and I took them both to the metro station. They were on their way to Nova Iguaçu, and I was finally alone with Perola.
I took Perola for a long walk in the park. When we got home, I drank a bottle of wine and, even though it was a Saturday night, went to bed early. What could be better than that?
Sheer Bliss!!!
In bed by 9 p.m.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.
Richard
