Journalled on Tuesday, 21st of February 2023 | Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: 32 degrees, very hot and stormy.
Today marks the official end of the carnival in Brazil, though many people will continue to relax, celebrate, and travel until the following weekend.
People often host barbecues and enjoy themselves before returning to work on the first Monday after the carnival. In Brazil, this day is the first day of the New Year.
Many people believe the country only really starts to work, accelerate, and generate business after this day. For those of us who live here, it can be challenging to understand, let alone for people from outside Brazil to comprehend.
I woke up early and went out for a workout at the end of Leme. Although I wasn’t planning a strenuous workout, it turned out to be much more strenuous.
The day was stunning, with a beautiful end-of-summer sky and sun. I always appreciate Rio in the morning. The morning light is different; it has a golden glow that illuminates everything. Even the simplest of things look special!
A former girlfriend of mine, with whom I have a good relationship, invited me to join her at a street parade featuring a “trio elétrico.” This is a mobile stage with amplifiers mounted on a truck, where samba schools or groups perform as they move down the street, followed by a crowd dancing to music played from the stage above.
It was to take place in Av Atlântica later that morning at 10 a.m. Imagine 10 a.m. in the Carioca summer sun; it was sweltering. I thought about not going because of the heat.
However, at the last minute, I went. I thought going would be better than staying home and doing nothing. Av, Atlantica is only at the end of my street, in front of the beach. It was to turn right and walk about 2 km until post 6, where the parade would begin.
When I arrived, I found my friend and her family, and I stayed for about an hour and a half. The sun was too intense, too much for me, so I had to leave.
They invited me to lunch, which was very kind of them, but I declined; the truth is, I was feeling a little antisocial and wanted to spend some quality time alone. Her son and a friend insisted I go. I lied and said that I had some work to do.
Why did I lie? I lied to my friends, knowing I shouldn’t have. Even though I like them a lot and believe they like me too, I don’t want to do anything that makes me uncomfortable or that I don’t want to do.
If you’d like to do something, that’s great. If I don’t, I’d prefer not to be forced into it. It’s not necessary to be hurtful or aggressive when someone is insistent.
It’s better to make an excuse or a white lie and politely decline. After I said goodbye and left, I felt relieved and more comfortable. From now on, I realise that I, Richard, only want to do what I want to do, not feel trapped by other people’s wishes, desires, or demands.
This matters to many people, including me. Setting limits or boundaries on what you want and, more importantly, what you do not want is crucial. You don’t have to be rude; you can maintain your boundaries.
So, I went home and did my things for the rest of the day.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading my blog. Check out my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments.
Richard
