Learning from Travels Abroad
Wow, I’ve been MIA for more than one month! I feel badly about that. But I have a good excuse. First, I had another book published (It Is All About You) and second, I have been traveling, domestically and abroad.
So let me say this: Learning from books is great, but learning from experiences is incredible!
I have long been a traveler and loved every second of my time away, particularly in foreign lands, where I am the true beneficiary of perspective. This time it is Norway, a country that I may have dismissed, may have discounted, based on my true love of Western Europe. But I would have been the loser here.
The people (and the country is its people, right?) of Norway are truly amazing. It almost seems like they literally live in their own little universe. They are a contented people. I never came across any crabby service person, which is unfortunately rare in my experience. It appeared that they actually enjoyed what they did. Again, as a career (transition) consultant, another rarity in my world. In fact, Norwegians are known to be among the happiest people and indeed I found that to be true. Those who are fortunate enough to travel there understand why.
Norwegians do not live to work; they work to live. That means they only want enough to meet their needs and then it is critical to enjoy living. What a concept, right? We Americans are workers who take the least amount of time away from our jobs, suggesting that we either want to work (and obtain more income) or feel that we “have to,” for a variety of reasons. But– are we happy???
Understanding our great diversity in these United States, we probably could never expect to make any major modifications in our modus operandi, particularly when it comes to desires inherent in a capitalistic society. That, however, does not mean that we can’t learn from other cultures and admire them for the gifts that they at least demonstrate to us. For me, I not only have great admiration for a way of life that celebrates living and family time over time spent on a job to increase buying power. In one way, I feel a sense of peace and contentment, in the other a bit stressed about the rapid passage of time as I wait for peace and contentment. But will I be able to enjoy once I get there?
I’m learning all the time from my travels, even as I return only to get caught right back up in the swirl of my American culture. I continue to maintain perspective, however. I continue to look forward to my much needed breaks away from the crazy pace with which I am indoctrinated and thoroughly enjoy my time away. And I continue to hold out hope, too. Who knows? We could actually see a time when we value time over money, play over work and our relationships over possessions.
About the author, Saleh
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