A Different State of Mind

Naturally, when moving from one country to another, everything changes and becomes different, and that's amplified even more when the country you moved from is the U.S. However, the differences go beyond a change in nationality, language, food or culture. Instead, the changes occur in a varied state of mind, a unique way of thinking that transform these "differences" into a way of life that, in my opinion, should be adopted by others. Even if it is just in moderation. The differences include the way people eat, in that they live to eat, rather than eat to live. This then contributes to the ever popular saying that if you have your health, and you have your family, then life is good. Further aspects of this state of mind include the slowness of life here in Lebanon. Beyond the young, billion dollar businessmen and women who work 24/7, most of the older generation here were brought up with the idea that, slowly by slowly things are done. Why rush through life? This concept has been frustrating for me, as I am used to the "go, go, GO!" nature of the United States. Here though, things get done when things get done, even if that means you go back to the person or place a few times until completion. While that aspect can also be a issue, it has benefits for life too. It forces you to take a moment and relax, and to realize that time goes no faster when you stress and rush to be successful. Here, people enjoy the company of others, closing their shops at 3 to serve coffee to a friend who dropped by. Here, people offer you the clothes and jewelry they own when they see that you love it more than they do. Here, people realize that, yes, their way of life may be slow or crazy or ridiculous in the eyes of others, but that they ENJOY LIFE. Life here means being grateful for the food on your plate, grateful for your family, and grateful for the health God blesses you with. You appreciate this so you may enjoy those around you to the fullest. The slow nature of life here at certain moments can be extremely frustrating. I realize though that learning to appreciate this "Lebanon state of mind" is something that can only increase the happiness and joy in my life in the years to come. It also adds a healthy dose of coffee, cars honking, frustratingly slow days and much more walking than any southern California girl is accustomed to. At least that is, until university starts in February...