Journalled on Sunday, 3 September 2023 | Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro: 28 degrees, hot, sunny and slightly overcast.

I have been highly productive for the past two weeks, and that trend is unlikely to change soon.

Ever since I received my Brazilian ID, everything has fallen into place. The first post officially completed the long process of getting my first website/blog up and running. I originally planned to wait until tomorrow to post, but since things were going so well, it seemed natural to do it yesterday.

In the morning, I first went to the Portuguese bakery to have a coffee and write my journal entry for the day, usually about the day before or yesterday. After the bakery, instead of going straight for a walk to the park to work out, I planned to quickly go home (as it is just around the corner), pick up Perola, and take her with me to the park.

While I was exercising, she was free to explore the park. It was perfect.

She loved it. Going out so early in the morning was a little strange for her at first. Previously, Nalva would take her out in the evening or at night. As soon as Perola realised that I was going to take her out, she was ready and happy.

I did an intense series of exercises at the park and also skipped for at least 40 minutes. We both arrived home tired and feeling accomplished. I think we walked about 5 or 6 kilometres over a little more than two hours.

After showering and resting for half an hour, I felt restless and wanted to do something. I decided to work on my website.

I opened my laptop and reread the content I had written. I noticed some minor mistakes, corrected them, and republished the content. Then, I started preparing the next post for tomorrow. It was enjoyable to build, correct and set up the next post. By the end of the afternoon, I had decided to publish it too.

And then, one more post was on the air. The feeling of doing something well that I seem to be getting good at, but at the same time still learning and breaking barriers, is so good. I have passed the point where I need to push myself to post or do something in this area. It is pure pleasure, so I want to use whatever free time I have to prepare or publish a post for the blog.

I have recently noticed that I have a slightly compulsive nature.

If I don’t start something, nothing will happen until I push myself. This is obvious. If I repeat the same action a few times, I get on track and can keep repeating it.

Once I have mastered something, it is straightforward for me to repeat it quickly and efficiently continually. I also enjoy doing it; the quicker I can do it, the more efficient and productive I am, and I like to feel productive.

A different, slightly skewed example is that I can go 10, 12, 14, or even 16 hours without eating anything without any problem. However, if I eat a plate of food and I’m full, and then someone puts another plate in front of me, I will eat it.

The same goes for the next plate put in front of me. I am learning to set limits and exercise self-control.

I aim to use this compulsive nature positively by directing it towards tasks, responsibilities, duties, and exercise. I can use this aspect of my personality to improve myself and be more productive. Although I have seen improvement, I still have room for growth. I understand that being aware of the problem is the first step towards resolving it.

So, I worked a little on Sunday, and I loved it.