It is Thursday. I was supposed to go to Copacabana today to teach Dona Vera, but the class was cancelled.

In a way, that is a relief, because I still have not found the best way to get quickly from Santo Cristo to the South Zone. The cancellation has given me time to prepare and publish a blog post.

I am very happy with the quality of the posts I have been writing recently, and I now have a method that helps me keep that quality consistent without spending too much time. What used to take two or three hours now takes about one. Posting from Monday to Friday has officially become part of my routine, although I still like to write at least once at the weekend too.

In a little over a year, I have built a blog that is up and running and has almost 300 posts. The blog ‘The Long Gringo’ is simple, and often, in life, simple is good. I think I am a simple man, and the blog reflects that.

There is still a lot to improve and develop, and I know it will change over time, but that is part of evolution. I am extremely happy with the logo and the layout. I will probably need to make changes in the future, but for the first year, I am happy.

These days, it is impossible to imagine my life without journaling or blogging. They have become an important part of my daily rhythm: a walking stick to lean on, a friend to confide in, and a kind of therapy that helps keep me sane and moving in the right direction.

Why did I not start much earlier?

Why only now, in the latter part of my life? Why could I not have listened to others and followed their example? These questions appear from time to time, but I also know that if I follow them too far down the rabbit hole, asking why again and again, I will drive myself mad.

Do I regret not beginning to journal much earlier? Yes, of course I do. But I cannot dwell too much on the past. That is how things were, and I am happy to have discovered journaling and blogging now. More than happy, in fact. I am grateful that they found me.

Whether the blogging side of it will help people, or become successful in terms of support and monetisation, I do not know. But it is there for anyone to read, and I hope it is entertaining, honest, and supportive in some small way.

One strange thing I have noticed about myself is that after I journal, usually early in the morning, I do not remember exactly what I have written.

I might remember the broad outline of yesterday’s entry, but not the actual content, the details, the words, the places, the people, or the structure and bones of it. If you asked me about the day before yesterday, it would be even worse. I might not remember even the outline.

Is that good or bad?

In one way, I think it is good, because every day feels new and offers something fresh to write about. The only problem is that if I do not remember what I wrote yesterday, I could be repeating myself without realising it. I hope that is not the case.

Perhaps I am repetitive sometimes, as we all are when we return to the same themes in our lives, but over time, there should still be growth and movement. I change, and the writing changes with me, true to the fluidity of life.

This new blank page in front of me every morning is deeply satisfying and soothing. Yesterday’s pages, last week’s pages, even last month’s pages, do not matter when I sit down to write what is true today.

How good is that? If only real life worked the same way. If only we could put down all that heavy baggage from the past and let it disappear as easily as a discarded draft.

Past relationships, marriages, mistakes, regrets, things we did and things we failed to do can weigh heavily, especially as we get older and start looking back over our lives. And what about the things others have done to us, or against us? To wipe those away, too, would be a powerful kind of freedom.

We all have our own journey and our own battles to face. No one can or should take that away from us, devalue it, or judge it. Only we know the hurt, trauma, disappointment, and heartbreak we have lived through, and may still be living through. Like a journal with a blank page waiting every morning, life gives us the chance to put the past behind us and begin again.

Life is hard, even brutal, and at times it can feel overwhelming. But it is still ours, and it is still very good. Every day is another chance.

Be kind and be happy. And if you cannot be happy, still be kind, but not naïve.

In bed by 9 p.m.

Thank you.

Thank you for reading this post. Please explore my other writing and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Every Morning | A Blank Page first appeared on The Long Gringo.

Today is the day after yesterday’s bank holiday, Labour Day.

In England, it was moved to yesterday because the 1st of May, which was last Wednesday, disrupts the entire week. When there is a bank holiday in the middle of the week in England, it is transferred to the following Monday. Having an extended weekend on a Friday or Monday is more practical than a single day during the week.

In the morning, I got up, did some exercise, wrote a journal entry, and also prepared and posted a blog post. My mornings follow a routine of exercise, speaking to Julie, and:

1. Getting up, exercising and speaking to Julie.

2. Journal entry.

3. Blog post.

4. Begin classes.

1. I get up: make my bed, go to the toilet, wash, brush my teeth, etc. Go downstairs and talk to Julie before I exercise. Sometimes we talk in between or afterwards, but I usually prefer before because we get to chat early, which is nice. That way, I can finish talking and concentrate on my things without being disturbed, and I think it’s the same for her.

2. Journal entry: I have fallen behind on my journal entries, which should be written every day without fail. Julie has been a bit of a distraction; it is my fault, not hers, but now it is time to catch up. Sometimes I prepare and post a blog first; it alternates between the two, but both must be done every day.

Journaling has changed me—and still is changing—my life. I hope that what I transfer from each to the blog can help others in some way. I have my limitations, and I am working to overcome them to become a better person. I have mentioned many times that writing is powerful, and what you write down eventually comes true.

3. Blog preparation and posting: I start by transferring my handwritten journal entries to Word, then upload them to the blog platform. I use Grammarly to improve grammar and spelling, and I add photos from my Google Photos account, which contains thousands of images from my amateur photography.

I am still obviously learning a lot from having a blog, and I do not really know if it is any good for others. It has helped me; it is good for my first attempt, and it’s just a matter of consistently improving it. I have tried to register it with Google AdSense, but so far, nothing has come of it.

I need to pay someone to help me reformat it. Conscious that my first post was on the second of September and now there are more than 200 posts, despite everything, I think I am doing well.

Once again, it is very beneficial for my mental health. Sometimes I see it as reviewing my journal; reading what I wrote 6 to 8 months ago helps me revisit things I might have forgotten, need to improve, or want to remember to stay focused. It enables me to recall situations, thoughts, and goals that are sometimes partially forgotten or stored deep within my mind’s archives.

4. Begin classes: my bread and butter for the past 20 or so years, teaching English. As England is four hours ahead of Brazil at the moment, my first class is at 11:00 a.m. in England, 7:00 a.m. in Brazil, and my last class is at 7:00 p.m. in Brazil, 11:00 p.m. in England.

Starting to give classes at 11 a.m. allows me to do all other things beforehand; it is quite a quiet, efficient, and positive routine for me. The rest of the day can be directed towards giving classes and engaging in proactive work to earn money and improve.

In the future, this time will be dedicated to classes and, when not teaching, creating faceless YouTube videos from my blog. Everything is interconnected — the journal, the blog, the YouTube channel — in a way that is quite intelligent.

Let’s see where it goes and what happens in the future!

This is my early morning routine that I have been following for the last six months. Before I started the blog, I was journaling and exercising, and before that, I was living, breaking rocks, and giving classes. I cannot imagine myself without this routine any longer, and in some ways, it has kept me going and perhaps even saved my life.

For a man, it’s not just about making money; it’s about the need and pursuit to improve, to grow, to do more, and to become a better person. Unfortunately, I only truly learned about this importance consciously in the last couple of years. I have always pushed myself to improve and to be a better person, but I did not fully understand or value its significance.

Now, I truly understand and appreciate how important it is!

Later in the morning, I spoke to Luke about the house he wants to rent to me. It’s too expensive, given that it is not in excellent condition; it needs work and a thorough cleaning. I don’t have the time to do it for someone else.

I also fixed the broken hose in the back garden. There always seems to be something that needs repair or improvement, much like owning a boat, where something is constantly breaking. However, there’s always a solution to our problems if we approach them with patience, calmness, and focus.

I taught classes for the rest of the day and was in bed by midnight.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Tuesday, the 7th of May 2024: “Embracing: Routine, Reflection and growth”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

Yesterday was a bank holiday in Brazil, so I couldn’t work or officially give classes.

I posted a blog and made an entry in my journal. However, I couldn’t teach any classes, except for Marcelo at 10:00 p.m., and I also experienced some stress with my mother over food. I have come to the conclusion that my mother is trying to overfeed me out of an unconscious need to overcompensate for love, attention, or affection she lacked in the past.

It is not a conscious decision on her part; rather, it seems more like an unconscious belief that either she needs to overcompensate or she might even be trying to kill me by overeating.

Today marks the return to work, a typical workday, even though yesterday was a bank holiday in the middle of the week in Brazil. England’s Labour Day will be moved to the following Monday, which is also a bank holiday, and will be observed on that day.

It makes sense, and since I live in England but work online for Brazil, in theory, I should get two bank holidays for the same occasion. While this seems reasonable, it actually isn’t. Nothing comes for free, and overindulgence could end up costly in the long run.

There is no free lunch!

In the morning, I visited the local café to have a coffee and write my journal entry there. I enjoy writing my entries in different places, or in what I consider pleasant spots, not just at home, indoors, or in the same place.

In Rio, I would sometimes sit in Carmen Miranda park, writing on a concrete bench and table, or very often in the Portuguese bakery, and in England, I am at home or at the local cafe where Julie works. She’s working today, and it seems to be busier than usual.

Alexa’s background music was also rather loud; I found it more intrusive than usual. Some people recognise me and want to talk, even though they know I am trying to write. Others do not know me but are curious because they have seen me writing repeatedly and want to understand why I am writing so much.

What am I studying? I have discovered that writing attracts attention; people are curious. Is it because the image of someone writing has charismatic or historical associations, like Shakespeare, Hemingway, Jane Austen, etc., that the act of writing is so rare nowadays, and seeing someone doing it is quite intriguing.

It’s always lovely to visit the café on the green. Julie usually doesn’t work on Thursday, but today she was there. The other staff treat me very well, and the owner, Jim, is a very kind Scotsman who, when there are few people around, enjoys chatting and picking my brain, though he generally likes to speak to everyone. He’s very communicative, even though sometimes we don’t quite understand what he says.

After leaving the cafe, I had to rush back to teach my classes. The lessons ran from midday until 5:00 p.m. The 11:00 a.m. class was cancelled and rescheduled for the same time tomorrow.

I also wrote and posted a blog for The long gringo, and I believe that, gradually but surely, the quality of my posts is improving in terms of content and presentation. I have also started registering the site with Google AdSense to monetise it in future. I tried, but it did not work. I tried again and again, but AdSense isn’t recognising the site for some reason.

I’m not too concerned about it as I know it will be sorted out. I didn’t have enough time to find a solution today, but it is a priority for me over the next few days. I also paid the domain bill for the sites. It is a yearly contract, and since I have the money to cover it, it’s better to get it done without delay so it’s out of the way.

I also bought some crypto today — not a lot, just a bit. If I had more money, I would buy more, but I don’t, so I have to be content with what I can do. And finally, at the end of the day, I received my kit in the post from the NHS to do a bowel cancer screening test.

I had a urine test about three weeks ago when I registered with the GP health clinic in Kingswinford. I later had a blood test a week later, and now I have been asked to do a bowel cancer screening.

Whenever we mention the word cancer or discuss it, we feel fear and apprehension, especially for those it affects. My mother believes it is just a routine screening because I am a newly registered patient at the clinic. It is possible they have noticed something in my urine or blood tests, and now they want to explore further. Let’s see.

I’m in my late 50s, so it’s quite possible that there’s something there, and if so, I’m as prepared as I can be in such a situation. I have a doctor’s appointment on 10th May, so hopefully all my questions will be answered then. All I know is that I need to live each day, stay positive, and never feel sorry for myself.

Life is too brief, and what is meant to happen will happen.

In bed by 10:00 p.m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Thursday, the 2nd of May 2024: “Embracing Work, Health and Personal Growth”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

This is the beginning of my second working week in England, and it is raining all the time.

I found a space in the rain to go out and feed the swans at the canal. On the way back, I stopped at the local cafe in the precinct on the green for a pot of tea and to make an entry in my journal.

Writing in my journal daily is very gratifying, but it is even more so when practising this craft in different places, such as coffee shops, cafés, bars, etc. Before I came to England, while living with Nalva and Yasmin, I would write in the Portuguese bakery near their home. Now that I’m in England, I have moved it to the quaint little café on the village green.

It is a little like the Japanese tea ritual in that there is a whole way and procedure for preparing, making, pouring, and serving tea. I have the daily responsibility of writing and putting an entry in my journal. It is very pleasant to sit in a nice place, drink something good, like coffee or tea, and pour your thoughts out into the journal entry.

When you become a regular at a place, especially one that holds special meaning for you- a kind of safe and pleasant haven- people begin to appreciate you more, respect your craft, and become curious about you as a person. Unintentionally, you draw attention as you write about topics that nobody knows exactly what you are writing about and why.

I have only been writing for almost a year, and it is life-changing. Writing from your mind to your hand, to the pen, and onto the paper allows you to rid yourself of all that is evil, bad for you, and, more importantly, cancerous in your life while also attracting and bringing closer all that is positive.

It is just pen to paper, but it is extremely powerful.

I am a little financially worried at the beginning of the month, especially in England, where the exchange rate makes everything so expensive. £1 is equal to approximately R6 Brazilian Reais. This shows how a weak currency devalues people in Brazil so much. We work and we work hard, paying taxes for incompetent administrators who, after decades of study, cannot and don’t know how to manage a country economically properly for its people.

People and life in Brazil are worth nothing.

The truth is that power goes to their heads like a drug. Their financial ambitions are more important than the lives of more than 200 million people. They don’t see responsibility for their actions as anything but power, pillaging, and their own interests, all driven by an inflated ego.

I know I will always find a way to pay my bills here in England or Brazil. Still, sometimes it is hard to believe, especially when we live in a hostile country that wants to put you down rather than up, that would rather want you to fail than for you to be free and prosperous.

I have also concluded that Brazil today is much worse than Brazil was more than 30 years ago when I arrived. Yes, we have Internet and social media that hide the absolute truth about what we live in today, but when I came to Brazil in 1989, there were many problems, such as hyperinflation.

Still, people were happier and had hope. Maybe they were like this due to ignorance; I’m not sure, but the real quality of life and the essence of the people’s belief in their country and doing the right thing were much stronger than today.

 Brazilians have lost hope.

I am ashamed to think that I chose and adopted Brazil as my home country for the last 30 or so years. Yes, I am lucky enough to have had two beautiful daughters who I consider good people, or at least I and their mothers have tried to show and teach them how to be good people with good values, etc., which I am grateful for as it is essential. However, because of my voluntary choice and dream of success in Brazil, it has always been the opposite, with a lot of fighting and struggle to survive, like 200 million others in the country.

But sometimes, I wonder what I did in a past life that I have to pay for in this one?

Did I commit some terrible act like Hitler or Stalin to pay for in this life? If I had stayed in England 30-plus years ago, I probably would have been much more economically successful than I am today.  

However, there is a missing point: not everything is just money, class, and economic wealth, but experience, life experience, and the baggage you gain from it. Luckily enough, and I’m very grateful for it, I have had this from the first day my mother kicked me out of my home to when I went to London and eventually Brazil.

Am I feeling sorry for myself?

No, I don’t think so. I think all of this is part of what we must pass through to be better and accountable for our choices, and I am grateful for that. As I mentioned, I have two beautiful daughters and a baggage of experience with a bit of wisdom that you only obtain from living out of your home country.

And I am grateful for that!!!

In bed by 11:00 p.m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Monday the 4th of December 2023: “Identity and Hope between two Contrasting Worlds”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

Today marks another milestone, my second in just two days.

I have completed my first journal, a small but compact notebook filled with my entries. All the entries from this mini journal have been transferred to my blog, ‘The Long Gringo.’

This is the first entry of what I call a mini journal book. The first journal was completed in note form, while this second journal is in A4 format with entries written in full text. I am unsure if this will affect the final blog post, but I hope it will improve the overall quality. That is my intention. Let’s see how it works out.

Since I began blogging, my first entry was about the world and its beauty. My very first personal entry was on December 27, 2023. Now that I have completed the first journal mini notebook and transferred its content to the blog, I feel like I’ve moved from zero to something.

I aim to evolve this initial something into something even better, always seeking improvement while preserving its essence. I want to ensure it remains true to itself, avoiding mischaracterisation in pursuing money or other interests.

I started writing in my diary primarily for my mental health, not for financial gain. For several years, I also had the idea for the Long Gringo blog. In the last six months, I have transformed this once-abstract idea into something more structured, tangible, and profound.

One of the main reasons for creating the Long Gringo blog is that I believe many people feel lost or stuck and don’t know how to get out of their situations. This can be due to fear or simply not knowing what to do. Often, we think we are the only ones facing these challenges, while others seem to have it all together.

We tend to compare ourselves to our friends, family, and others around us, which is unfair, distorted, and untrue. The result of this comparison is often shame, which can further complicate our situations and make us feel even worse. This creates a cycle where the problem feels bigger, and our struggles are greater.

I want to express that, in certain situations, shame is a natural part of life. It doesn’t signify the end; instead, there is always a way out. Our lives cannot always be filled with pleasure and joy; expecting to be on a high note 24/7 is unrealistic.

It is expected to experience both highs and lows; ideally, we should have more highs than lows. Therefore, when we find ourselves in difficult situations, feeling shame is entirely normal, although it is something we go through at that moment, and it is essential to acknowledge it.

This is even more emphasised by living in Brazil as a foreigner. It is a beautiful and fantastic country with extreme cultural diversity on all levels, but Brazil has a dark side. It can be very cruel, hard, and even perverse. It isn’t easy for a Brazilian to survive here. Imagine. A stupid gringo. Like me. That has been here for more than 35 years.

I wouldn’t say that I am financially successful, far from it. However, I have managed to survive. I have raised two daughters and have run a business for over 20 years. Now, I’m diversifying into other areas that I hope will bring more financial wealth and freedom in the future. In addition to the economic aspect, the personal and emotional sides are just as important, if not more so.

I want to clarify that I love Brazil, and that’s why I’ve stayed here for so long. However, I am disappointed with the country. There seems to be a certain level of stagnation that has caused Brazil to halt its progress in terms of improvements and evolution, preventing it from becoming a better place.

Even though I have been in two marriages, neither was official. I lived with the mothers of my two daughters. These relationships have benefited us all in ways that I can’t fully explain now. I am currently friends with both women and have a deep admiration for each of them.

The most important thing we share is our daughters. I see them becoming decent, happy people with principles of decency and good common sense, which is crucial for their lives. As for everything else, they will find and learn it on their own.

Life can be challenging, and there’s no such thing as a free lunch, especially in Brazil. If I can assist people in finding their way through my journey, experiences, and stories, I will. The truth is, it’s not just about us; it’s more importantly about others and how we can help them.

When people understand this and focus less on themselves and more on others, they often find greater happiness and a more rewarding life.

In bed by midnight.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Reflections on Growth | ‘The Long Gringo’ and Its Beginning first appeared on The Long Gringo.

Everyone knows or should know from my blog that I enjoy writing and putting my thoughts down on paper.

When I had my school, I printed many high-quality marketing leaflets on Couche paper. They were printed on only one side, leaving me thousands of leftover leaflets and scrap paper. I’ve been using them as notepads to take notes for classes and to write down my goals. I then stick these notes and goals on the wall in front of me in my home office space.

I wholeheartedly believe in the power of writing down your thoughts, problems, and, most importantly, your future goals. The universe will always conspire in your favour when you put pen to paper.

When I moved to Botafogo, I knew I would soon be heading to England. This realisation sparked an idea about what I wanted to accomplish or experience before my departure. These included both personal and professional goals that I deemed essential for my future development.

The universe does not inherently understand right or wrong; it can help or catalyse your actions in either direction.

Therefore, it’s crucial to discern what is right and wrong and what is good or bad for you. Having this awareness can help you avoid future unnecessary suffering. If you’re unaware, you might endure unnecessary hardship that could have been avoided, as the universe will support you regardless of your choice.

If you have positive thoughts and goals, the universe will help you improve and reach those positive outcomes. However, I have also discovered that if you write down negative things, such as problems and issues that are difficult to resolve, the universe will assist you in finding solutions. Simply writing these challenges down can resolve 50% of the issue.

The more we write, the better our lives can be. It’s similar to exercise; it has been proven that the more exercise you do, the fitter you become, and consequently, the wealthier you could become. There is a direct correlation between fitness and wealth. I’ve found that I have become more financially stable since I started exercising four or five years ago.

Journaling and exercising are two fundamental habits that have helped me enormously.

Both of these practices benefit me individually and indirectly support each other. Suppose you can commit to at least one of them, ideally both, on a regular or semi-regular basis. I believe your life will change for the better in a very short period of time, just as it has for me. But only by trying will you discover and feel the results for yourself.

Today marks a significant milestone, as many of my goals have been realised. These achievements include obtaining my Brazilian ID, opening a new bank account, and paying my debts. One of the most important issues I addressed was my dental problem, which had been ongoing for many years.

I am pleased to say that it is now 90% resolved. This morning, the moulds for my dental implants were completed, so in the next two weeks I will be able to smile confidently again for the first time in many years.

On the same day, I contracted a company to help me with my content creation and productivity. Whenever I achieve or resolve one of my goals, I highlight it in my notes. I have a list of goals stuck to the wall in front of my desk.

Now, when I look at that wall, I can see that many more goals are highlighted as achieved than those that have not yet been completed. This means that probably 90% of my goals have been accomplished before my trip to England.

To reach 100%, it’s essential to recognise that achieving this level is often nearly impossible. For instance, reaching 90% of your goals is more than good; it is exceptional. This is similar to attending business meetings abroad.

You might have a set number of meetings you aim to hold while travelling. Even if you meet that target, you often feel you could have done more.

Therefore, achieving 80% or 90% of your goals over a set period is not just acceptable but exceptional. You should feel happy and proud of yourself for those accomplishments.

I am proud of myself, but also understand that I can’t relax or slow down. The goals I once reached are now in the past; they’re old news.

I am grateful for what I’ve accomplished, but now I must focus on future goals, possibilities, and achievements.

When I arrive in England, I will set new goals for my time there. I am confident that I will achieve these goals within the expected timeframe. They may not be reached in the way I initially expected, but I am determined that I will accomplish them. So, what is the final lesson for today that needs to be understood?

It is essential to know what you want!!!

By clearly defining your desires and writing them down, you can work toward achieving them. However, be careful about what you choose. Not everything we think we want is what we need, what we want, or what makes us happy.

Once you have decided and written it down, the universe will conspire to help you fulfil that desire. Remember that with every choice we make, there is often a cost involved; it is not the universe that imposes this cost, but rather our own choices.

Be kind and be happy, and if you can’t be happy, still be kind, but not naïve!

In bed by 10 p.m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Manifesting Goals | The Power of Writing and Personal Growth first appeared on The Long Gringo.

This week is going well. All my weeks go well, but this one is particularly good because it is a short week.

I will only be teaching until Wednesday. I plan to continue working on my projects throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend. I am creating a stockpile of posts in advance rather than writing one each day.

I plan to write 5 or 6 posts in advance. I am also finishing the transfer of entries from my first diary last year into blog posts. Completing my first diary feels like a significant milestone. Additionally, having a stock of pre-prepared posts is very helpful.

It shows me that I am improving in the craft of blogging. While I still have much to learn, I am headed in the right direction.

My diary began on December 27, 2022.

The first notebook I used was a leftover present from last Christmas. A little before Christmas, I went shopping in Copacabana. Almost at the corner of Rua Siqueira Campos and Rua Tonoleiras, directly in front of the metro station, I saw two young men with a stand selling beautiful diaries with handmade leather covers. You could also purchase just the diary’s core without the cover.

I bought various large diaries for my daughters, family, and friends because I thought they would make the perfect Christmas presents. They were also quite affordable. I also purchased some small miniature diaries with printed covers featuring famous masterpieces by classic painters.

There were some of the “Irises” by Van Gogh, while another showcased “The Starry Night,” also by Van Gogh. There were additional masterpieces by Michelangelo and Picasso. All of them were beautifully crafted and very impressive.

One of the many diaries I had bought was a leftover from Christmas. As it was in front of me, I decided to start using it, and this little mini-diary became my first journal at 56. I remember having a diary briefly when I was around ten or younger, but it was nothing like what I am doing now.

Keeping a diary has been incredibly beneficial in so many ways. Over the past year, it has revolutionised my life. I never would have thought that such a simple act could have such a profound impact.

It allows you to eliminate negative aspects and empowers you to aim higher and achieve your positive goals. It has a cleansing effect. Writing down what is negative can help you release those feelings while also emphasising what you want to achieve them.

It is like a boost, helping you reach what you genuinely desire. In terms of mental health, beyond what I have mentioned, it helps shape you into a better, more-centred person.

It soothes you in the way your partner should, calming you as if you were in a relationship or marriage. It helps you feel comforted, especially since I am not currently dating. It has become my best friend and companion, and I trust and believe in it.

Keeping a daily diary and journaling has helped me become a better person, not just for myself but for others. Life is not only about us; the people around us make our lives more exciting and rewarding. Without these unique connections, we are nothing; we are nobody.

Therefore, if we have something that can help us improve for the sake of others, it is precious and should be cherished.

This first little diary, which started my journaling journey, is almost entirely transferred to my blog. Everything will be complete in a week, after which I will move on to my second diary, a full-sized notebook. Since I began journaling at the end of December, I have been on my fourth diary in less than a year.

My entries are becoming longer, and hopefully more enjoyable for both me and my readers. Eventually, these entries will also be transferred to my blog.

Journaling has helped me a lot. I have noticed that many people feel lost, find themselves in similar situations, or need something positive to hear, read, or listen to. This is why I created the blog, and I sincerely hope it helps. We often feel alone, believing it is just us going through difficult situations, but that is not the case.

We are all navigating life one day at a time. Whether in a better or worse situation, we are all doing our best to make sense of things and recognising that you are not alone or the only one who is feeling down, lost, or overwhelmed is essential.

We all experience these feelings and need some form of support, comfort, or guidance. Sometimes we need a metaphorical “stick” to lean on as we move forward.

“We are all Winging it!!!”

I hope it helps.

Today was just a normal day filled with classes and blogging.

In bed by 10 p,m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post From Daily Journalling to Blogging first appeared on The Long Gringo.

In some ways, it was just a typical Saturday. In other ways, not entirely.

As usual, I woke up early and went to the Portuguese bakery. I wrote in my journal and had a couple of large coffees. I also bought bread, cheese, and ham for Yasmin and Nalva’s breakfast.

When I returned to the flat, they were still asleep, so I quickly changed into my gym clothes, grabbed Perola’s lead, and headed out to the park. It was already boiling, nearly 30°C, even though it was only 7:30 in the morning.

Whenever we go to the park, I take her off the lead as soon as we pass through the entrance gates. She sticks to me like a shadow as we walk towards the far end of the park, where there are many trees, concrete benches, and tables. There is also a post where I can tie my TRX straps for exercises.

Perola knows the routine.

She stays near me while I skip first, then alternates between skipping and aerobic exercises, and finally uses the TRX straps. Most of the time, Perola stays close to me. I tell her to go and explore, and sometimes she does. Now and then, a dog and its owner pass by.

Perola likes to greet the owners but not the dogs. Because she’s submissive, there is never any stress or confusion among the other dogs, who are jealous of her. They quickly realise she isn’t a threat and isn’t trying to dispute anything with their owners. Some owners like it when Perola greets them, while others not so much.

I pack up after about 45 minutes to an hour of skipping and exercising.

Before leaving, we do a lap of the park together. Once again, Perola always stays close to me, only straying about 5 metres before quickly returning. She’s a very good dog, and there’s no stress when going out with her.

We walked to the park along the seafront and returned by going through Flamengo, which is not on the seafront. I always enjoy going one way to a place and returning the other way. For example, in the south zone of Rio, many neighbourhoods are beachfront, lining the coast.

I like to walk to a place in front of the beach and then come back through the actual neighbourhoods. Or vice versa; go inside first, and on the way back, come back in front of the beach on the coast.

On the way back, we quickly passed by the convenience store inside the petrol station to buy water. Now that I haven’t been drinking alcohol for almost a month, I enjoy drinking sparkling mineral water on my way home.

This petrol station and convenience store was a frequent stop for me 10-15 years ago when I had my boxers. After going to the park with them, I would stop at the convenience store for a coffee.

I would leave them outside for 10-15 minutes and give them water. They never complained about waiting for me outside because they could see me through the windows. They would also attract a lot of attention; two beautiful boxers outside, one massive because Bruce was enormous for a boxer.

However, they were always willing to compliment passersby or anyone who wanted to get to know them.

When I arrived home, it was almost 10 a.m. Nalva had already got up, and Yasmin was thinking about it. I already knew what I wanted to do today: work!

I want to post at least one or two posts today on “The long gringo” blog and make any tweaks or changes if needed. I’m pleased with the site, although I know there is plenty of room for improvement, which will naturally occur over time.

In some ways, I feel I have surprised myself. When I was young, I could quickly learn new things without any problem.

Even if I didn’t know how to do something, I wasn’t afraid to teach myself or dive into something new and learn by trial and error. I was never scared to do this.

I was always willing to test myself and see where it would go. I feel that nowadays I have lost myself a little and decharacterised myself a bit because of the problems in Brazil. Even though I’m 30 years older, I’m finding my old self for the first time in a long time.

The rest of the day was spent working. Nalva cooked a late lunch, almost dinner, and everything was good.

Be kind and be happy, and if you can’t be happy, still be kind, but not naïve!

In bed by midnight.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Routine, Reflection | And Rediscovery first appeared on The Long Gringo.

It is Sunday, so it is a lazy day. Yasmin and Nalva are out in Nova Iguaçu until at least the end of the day, so I am free to do whatever I want.

So, as usual, I got up early, walked, and exercised. The session was tough because I tried new exercises I hadn’t done before, but it was good.

I then go to the Portuguese bakery to write in my journal. I have at least two, but no more than three coffees. I cannot remember if I mentioned before that I often write in my journal at the bakery. I usually sit at the same table in front of the main counter.

The girls know me, so they automatically bring me a large black coffee without me having to say anything. I take my notebook out of my pump bag and begin to write, and write, and write.

I began writing in December of last year, specifically on the 27th. I had never done it before. As a child, I was encouraged to keep a diary at school, but, being ignorant, I never thought it was interesting or worthwhile.

Now that I am older and have less time left, I have discovered the true value and power of journaling every day. I am on my third notebook since I began in December, and I am loving it. Since I started writing, my life has been changing for the better in so many ways.

Writing in a journal brings the external you closer to your internal you.

You become more understanding of yourself, the people, and the situations around you. I have also noticed that when we put our things, thoughts, feelings, and experiences on paper, it helps us in so many ways.

The power of putting what we feel and think down through our bodies, to our hands, and eventually onto paper, really helps us and moves our lives in so many ways. This is probably one of the best forms of therapy that I can think of, and it is cheap. You only need a notebook and a pen. The only other treatment as good as this is having a dog.

When we write about positive things, it helps us appreciate and better understand them.

It also allows us to focus on our goals and objectives and find solutions to problems. I have found that by writing, I have been able to resolve complex issues, or the universe has seemed to conspire to provide a solution.

Writing has helped me find my path and continue without fear, trusting in my future, fate, and capacity. Even in moments of doubt, I can do what is necessary for my future and myself. Writing about positive things helps us improve ourselves and approach issues more constructively.

And what about negative things?

I have noticed that when I write about negative things, things from my childhood, living alone in England, problems with my family in the past, it does not matter what I write; putting these things down on paper helps me come to terms with them. It is as if I am vomiting, putting out all my bad experiences and traumas, when I write them down in my journal.

When you physically throw up, vomit, etc., you usually feel better after. It is the same with journaling regularly. When you put your problems on paper, you feel lighter and less heavy or bad than before. A load has been taken off your shoulders.

Now you can move on more quickly and easily. Your posture is better; you feel taller because you are not carrying the heavy burden that was tying you down.

You no longer have this load on your back. In some ways, it is a feeling of redemption, a feeling of receiving parts or parts of your life that were either lost or hidden under a pile of bad memories, bad feelings, shame, frustration, and low self-esteem.

All this is just from writing about yourself every day. It is pretty impressive and free. That is the point. It is free, and it helps a lot. If you write good things, it helps you get closer to them and achieve them.

Writing about bad things frees you from them hurting or haunting you, or from trying to put you down and slow you down in your journey. Whether you are writing about good or bad, positive or negative things, journaling helps you get the best out of yourself and life.

I love it and am thankful for doing it for the last six months. The only thing I regret is not doing it before, but that is due to my own stupidity and ignorance.

After a relaxing shower and a change into fresh clothes, I took Perola for a walk in the park, and we both loved it. Later, I had to go to the supermarket to do some shopping. When I returned home, I opened a bottle of wine and relaxed, doing things at my own pace.

As I wrote yesterday, it is so good to have time alone to do things the way you want, when you want. It is even better if you are lucky enough to have somebody special who understands and knows when you need your alone time.

Nalva and Yasmin arrived home at about 6 p.m after having a great time in Nova Iguaçu, so everything was good.

Be kind and be happy, and if you can’t be happy, still be kind, but not naïve!

In bed by 10 p.m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Peace and Clarity Through Journalling first appeared on The Long Gringo.

This morning, I walked about 7 km but did not exercise. I am still feeling some effects of the cold, and returning to normal is a little tricky because I had broken my routine.

However, it is essential not to stop completely. Even walking without any exercise is better than nothing. It is necessary to do something every day, no matter how we feel or how little it is.

In the evening, I had an interesting conversation with one of my pupils. Marcela`s classes are twice a week from 7 to 7.45 pm. Sometimes, when I give the last class of the day, I am tired after giving ten or eleven classes since 7 a.m.; it is normal, a lot of work and classes. I was tired and really not looking forward to giving the class, but discipline and professionalism said that I had to do it.

The class began on time at 7 pm; Marcela was smiling and happy as she usually is. She is a beautiful and successful woman in her late thirties, who graduated in IT and project management with two post-graduations and works for a consultancy company in Rio.

She is married to Victor, another pupil of mine, whom I have been giving classes on and off for the last fifteen years or so. I like Marcela very much; our classes and conversations are always interesting, funny, and never boring. But this time, she asked me something that made me realise something I had not realised before.  

Marcela asked me if I was still writing in my diary, journaling, and obviously, I am. The YouTube channel is based on what I have been living, feeling, and experiencing since December 2022. We talked about writing a journal every day, why I had begun, and what it now represents to me in my life.

Because of our conversation, I arrived at two significant points I had not thought about in any great depth before. As we were talking, I understood that when we write in a diary or journal, two clear benefits stand out.

• First, the negative part, which I am taking a little from Stoicism, is that when we put on paper our negative feelings, thoughts, problems, issues, etc., we pass over from our mind all our problems, traumas, etc., to paper; it is as if it is a cleaning or cleansing process. Whatever is harmful inside you, when you put it down on paper, you clean yourself and that part of your life. You are, to some extent, relieving yourself of that problem. It’s like you’re purging all the negativity, releasing the chains and shackles from your body and into the diary, cleansing your life in the process.

Since I began writing my diary, I have become a lighter and better person than before. Light in the sense of not thinking so much of the past and what could have been. Better because I am more focused and zen, being more centred and calmer makes me a happier person, and life seems to have many more positive points than negative ones nowadays.

The feeling of tranquillity has overflowed into all aspects of my life. My work, personal life with my daughters, and love life. In some ways, I have changed quite a bit in such a short period.

• Second is the positive part; what we write in our diaries about our wishes, desires, aspirations, etc, on paper will eventually manifest. This profoundly depends on how focused we are on what we want. The more focused we are, the quicker what we desire comes to pass, and vice versa; if we are less focused and more distracted about our wishes and desires, the longer it will take for them to manifest. But what is certain is that, for sure, sooner or later, what has been written down will eventually appear and manifest in one form or another. As nothing is really what we initially imagined, we must have the wisdom to understand, appreciate, and accept it as it eventually manifests.

So, keeping a daily diary or journal has two fundamental advantages: writing down negative thoughts helps clear, cleanse, or cure ourselves of that issue.

On the other hand, whatever positive things, such as desires, ambitions, aspirations, etc., through the power of pen and paper, put the universe into action to conspire in favour of what we want, so that eventually, it materialises in our lives.

I hadn’t realised this before, but during my conversation with Marcela, these two points became clear to me, and I’m confident they work. It only depends on us and our faith in what we are capable of doing for ourselves, our family, and the people who are important to us.

Thank you, Marcela!

In bed by 9.00 pm.

Be kind and be happy, and if you can’t be happy, still be kind, but not naïve!

Thank you.

Thanks for reading my blog. Check out my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post The Power of Daily Journaling | A Conversation with Marcela first appeared on The Long Gringo.