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Culture Shock, The Deli & The Source (& How They All Relate To Happiness)

July 3, 2014

Those of you who have followed my journey on Destiny Discoveries or know me personally, know that this month has been a huge month of transition for me. It’s my first time living in the United States in three years and it has been MAJOR Culture shock for me. There are really big issues and there are […]

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Those of you who have followed my journey on Destiny Discoveries or know me personally, know that this month has been a huge month of transition for me.

It’s my first time living in the United States in three years and it has been MAJOR Culture shock for me. There are really big issues and there are really small issues, but sometimes when life gets crazy even the little issues seem big. For example, a teeny tiny issue I have been having is dealing with that fact that there are soooo many options. I feel like a crazy person not able to make a decision. I went to the grocery store to get a salad, but the salad bar had soooo many choices, I figured I was going to forget the vegetarian thing for that day and just get a turkey sandwhich at the deli (I haven’t had turkey in years!).

Me: “Turkey Sandwich Please”
Man: “What kind of turkey?
Me: Just turkey…
Man: Well, we have Salsalito, honey smoked, maple glazed, mesquite, Wah, wah-wah, wah-wah? wa-wah-wa-wa-wah-wah?..(Charlie Brown Style)

With sweaty palms I just repeat one of the names I could remember. Whew! I passed.

Man: Would you like cheese on that?
Me: Sure. (knowing for the past 3 years, “cheese” meant the ONE option of the white non-melting queso fresco that will grow on you if you give it a chance.)

Man: Great, we have provolone, cheddar, swiss, jack….
Me: Ack, stop, um, the first one….

Now, I’m panicking, people are noticing I am out of place and I feel like I’m in a final exam cause we still have condiments, toppings and bread choice to go. I’m not gonna make it. We don’t realize it but here in the US of A we have, pretty much, anything and everything our little hearts desire. We don’t just get turkey we get to pick out of 18 different kinds of just what kind of turkey we want. You may not think that’s amazing, but go to a “third world”* country and you will see we are really fortunate here in the States.

So, if my sandwiches can freak me out imagine all of the other (real) issues that are giving me anxiety. Such as getting health insurance, getting car insurance, getting California registration for a car that is currently in Missouri, getting major repairs on said car that has been sitting for 3 years, cell phone, etc.

I’ve been feeling like I’m treading water with one arm and one leg tied together. Doable if you have skills, but not a pleasant experience. For someone who normally is tapped into the Truth and can find her center Zen in the midst of the storm, I was left feeling exhausted, frustrated with water up my nose (I hate that feeling!). Usually, in a funky situation we think, “How can I get out of this sitch and fast!?”. Well for me, there is no getting out fast. My life, for awhile, is going to consist of long customer service calls (and hold times), waiting on things to be mailed to me and approvals to go through. I found myself saying, “Once I can check this thing off of my list I will feel better”. Well, that “thing”, is going to take at least 2 weeks of waiting time and there is really nothing I can do about it. So, do I just postpone my peace and sanity for mid November? 

Of course not! So what does one do when they know they are in the storm, and the storm always ends…eventually, but in the meantime it’s tsunami all day long?

You Go Back to the Source. Or better said, you go back to Source.

What does that mean? That means you dig into your bag of Spiritual Repair and you get to work. You commune with your Higher Power or Source (or as I call it God) and fill yourself back up with the Truth that you are all-powerful and all-knowing.

What does that look like for you? What do you have in your bag of tricks?

For me it’s about discipline and carving out my non-negotiable time. The morning works best for me to get away from it all in touch with my Source.

As I find myself navigating the turbulent waves of life right now, I have put myself on a strict regimen. I’m doing an hour of quiet morning meditation, then a devotional reading/Bible study and journaling. After that, yoga or any exercise that will get my heart going and those endorphins flowing. Now, for the next few weeks this routine is my non-negotiable time which means it’s happening no.matter.what! Since I had a busy day today, for example, that meant getting up at 4:30 am. I know it’s necessary and I know it’s worth it.

I feel a weight lifted off of my shoulders simply knowing that just after a few days I will start getting inspired, motived and clear on in which direction I need to move in order to fulfill my Destiny!

What about you? What do you do to get on track when you are feeling Spiritually off center? How do you handle the world around you when you are feeling overwhelmed? I would love to hear from you in the comments below. You can also share with me on Twitter or Facebook. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter for special offers, insights and motivation.

Peace and Love,

 

 

 

*note: I don’t believe in the term “third world” but the terms I use are not widely known so I just kept it in this time.

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  1. a.eye says:

    All the choices boggle me and I’ve been here forever, can’t imagine you. Take your time working your way back into large grocery stores.

    I also find that morning is the best time to recenter each day. Yoga and exercise work for me, though I have yet to work my way back into running since being in the new City. The quiet time is vital for me.

    • JCov says:

      That’s interesting that choices boggle you. I NEVER noticed that before going somewhere else. Yeah, I agree with you on the morning time, but it takes DISCIPLINE! It’s easy to just jump into your to do list or sleep in. Here’s to doing better!! xoxo

  2. Rece says:

    I go on a long walk in the park when things are getting heavy. The fresh air helps me with stress. I also keep in mind that I can only control my actions so I try to be mindful of how I react, and just take one day at a time. Things will get better. Welcome back !

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