Journalled on Thursday, 27 July 2023 | Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro: 28 degrees, hot, sunny, clear skies.

I do not want to dwell on negativity by constantly talking about my problems. Instead, I want to demonstrate to others that they are not alone.

We all experience difficulties and doubts, and often feel isolated in our struggles, believing that no one else is going through similar tough times or situations. It is important to understand that we all face difficult situations constantly. Just as we resolve one problem, another arises.

We need to stay strong and recognise that challenges are a natural part of life. If we adopt the mindset of “Bringing it on! I am ready for anything,” we can lessen the impact of pain or suffering. Once we embrace the suffering, it becomes less overwhelming.

When I refer to pain, it can be either physical or metaphorical. For instance, it could be something unfamiliar, a life change, stepping out of your comfort zone, or dealing with a tough situation, all of which represent forms of pain or suffering.

Embracing the pain can make it more bearable. Do not fear pain or suffering; they are an inevitable part of life. If we are born alive and living, we are naturally exposed to pain and suffering. Accept the pain!

It is also important to note that pain has a more physical aspect, while suffering is more psychological. Suffering can also be a matter of choice, when we voluntarily choose to endure when something does not align with our agreement, expectations, or acceptance.

Unfortunately, we often learn only when we suffer. We should learn from others’ mistakes so that we do not repeat them and avoid unnecessary suffering, which is also a hallmark of a highly intelligent person. The few people who truly understand the value of learning from others’ mistakes are the most intelligent.

Most of us commit ourselves to suffering to learn, even though we learn through it. It is important to learn. We must learn at any cost and actively put ourselves in situations where we can learn and improve, preferably without suffering.

Some people are afraid to learn, which is unfortunate.

I also think that those who do not fully understand the true value of learning are ignorant. Few understand that ignorance is not not knowing, but refusing to want to know and learn. Additionally, some people do not want to learn because they believe they already know everything, or simply because they are both ignorant and unwilling to learn.

I have had the pleasure of teaching individuals with much higher academic qualifications than my own. I have never sensed any arrogance or superiority from them. These individuals, typically doctors, PhDs, and so on, emanate a sense of drive born of humility. This has been my impression from these highly educated individuals.

Being humble is the opposite of arrogance. It involves a sense of submission, apology, and low self-importance, recognising that there is always something to learn, especially from others.

I know I am an exceptionally good English teacher. I have perfected my craft over these twenty-five years of teaching. However, I am always willing to learn and improve, as I know there is always more to learn about English and about anything else in life.

Teaching has been a two-way street for me. While I teach my students, I am also fortunate to learn a great deal from them. I am sincerely thankful to all my past and present pupils for the learning experiences they have provided me.

I am deeply grateful for all I have learned from them.

It is Thursday, and I have had classes all day. I also had an in-person class with Dona Vera in Copacabana. It is tiring to travel all the way to Copacabana, but it is also good to get out of the apartment.

Yasmin and I are still not talking properly, but it is part of the deal. Things will be better in the future. I have more important things to think about, worry about, and resolve.