Its about time, that I start feeling the need to start sharing some of the adventures I am experiencing here in Argentina.
Last week I read a blog post from a friend that talks about been out of the comfort zone and thy where the magic happens. Well, precisely I just finished reading all seven books of Harry Potter for the very first time (I believe that kind of magic exist too, the idea of a parallel world).
While working at Hillel, often I would find my self hearing the same questions from students: "your life is so cool, how come you are traveling? How come you always have a story? How come you are always in a new adventure?" And then I would tell the same answer: my parents taught me very well the concept of saving. But now, I can tell them it's more than the saving to have enough money to be able to do this, it's really taking all your emotions, courage, strength, and truly following your gut, that this decision is the best decision for YOU right NOW.
How did this adventure started?
It was the day after my birthday, I called Karen to share with her that I wanted to enroll in Pastry school but I was too scare because of the money and time commitment, to which she simple reply: "why don't you come here, to BsAs to take couple of short classes and then you could go back, and you'll be more certain about it". From that point on, all happened very fast: classes were starting in 20 days, I reach out to a famous pastry chef asking about school info and she offered me an internship."
Well, not only I loved the classes but I was the happiest everyday I spent in the kitchen. Everyday that went by I found my self thinking how much I enjoyed it. I spoke with some university professors, spoke to the administration, and all pieces were fitting in the puzzle for me to stay here for the year. WHAT AN YEAR???
I left Miami super convinced that I'll be back, its only 2 months. No way I would stand BsAs! (Although the decision making process was not an easy one) i would find my self saying.
So, going back about decision making, following your gut... Yes, we learned the most, we have the most fun, when we are outside our comfort zone. It is completely scary, I would find my self thinking: alone, in Argentina, but it's not israel; what about safety, money, friends (all my friends have their lives set, will they have time for me, will I be making new friends?) what if I don't enjoy the cooking? What if school is boring? What if I realize this is not for me? What if my parents do not support this project? What if.... ?What if.....? All those questions, going 9837737383 miles an hour on my head.
And this are times where we need to listen our hearts... They are close to the gut feeling, Jajaja. My heart was saying YES!!! Do it!!! Yes, I'll feel alone at times; yes, there will Be things I don't like; yes, money is an issue, I have no saving money given that I spent it all over the summer traveling; yes, it's not the safest place; YES I WANT TO DO THIS!
And like that, I took a deep breath, talked to my parents (whom I am forever thankful that they support me in this adventure), enrolled in school, and over a yummy pasta bowl and a bottle of wine, I told my friends I would be staying for the year.
They are thrilled, they are happy, they supportive, they are my marketers, my number one encouragement, my favorite testers; and yes, they have their own lives, but so they did the ones in Miami. Yes, I can make new friends as I did in Miami, Israel, SF, and every place I been.
Couple of years ago a friend gave me a box of encouraging phrases by Louise Hay to keep handy... I love the one that says "I turn every experience in an opportunity" and some how this is my moto in life.
This is an adventure, this is a journey, it is important to think about it this way. I can always say I want to go back and I can always say another day another experience.
Been in Argentina so far has given me the chance to experience it as an adult, to work, to learn, to meet, to reconnect, to eat, drink, visit, shop. I left when I was a kid, sure the Argentina of today is not the one from before, but I'm not the same one either.
Not all decision would bring positive outcomes, but even failing is a positive one because you would learn from your mistakes!
So, if you find your self thinking about that one thing, that scares you but you are completely confident that is the one thing you need to do, JUST DO IT.
Today, I promise to share more about the experience, the journey, the lessons learned, the failure ones, and the most funny stories.
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