5 Lessons I Learned in Spain

Well, it's about time I updated this blog!! My apologies for being so out of touch - work and the Spanish lifestyle have certainly kept me busy!!

I finished my last day of work today, and I was pleasantly surprised by the editorial staff when they brought us each a free Spanish dictionary from the company and made us delicious brownies.  I felt the love and appreciation today.  That makes me so happy and joyful in my heart, to know that I have done good work for them and that they appreciate it.  I think that being appreciated by someone is one of those little daily miracles that can sometimes be overlooked.  Tell someone you love that you appreciate them - it will be such a miracle in their day!

Spain has taught me so much.  I have gone through many struggles here, but I firmly believe that the lessons I have learned and the successes I have experienced make up for it all.

So. Five lessons. Here we go...

1. There is always going to be someone who is better than you.  Embrace the beauty of who you are.
-- We all compare ourselves to others far too much.  When we meet someone who seems to be smarter, prettier, more accomplished or making more of an impression, it is hard not to completely focus on all our faults, all at once.  This tendency to compare myself to others has been a constant struggle, but now after being here and experiencing this internship, I see that it does not do to think in such a negative manner.  For the reality is that no one can achieve pure perfection.  It's just not possible.  Instead, we should all focus on the beauty that lies within our souls.  Each and every one of us has a story, something that makes us special and unique unlike anyone else on this Earth.  Embrace that beauty!

2. Cherish moments with family.
-- I think the long Spanish dinners and the board games with my host family truly made me see the importance of this lesson.  Americans are too antsy.  We rush through our dinners and plan everything to a T.  Spaniards spend 2 hours eating dinner and having meaningful conversation.  They relish in good food and take the time to play board games with one another.  I have missed my family terribly while I have been gone, and now I know I will cherish every dinner, every board game, every movie marathon...everything. Even more.

3. Being spontaneous is okay.  Sometimes taking risks and not having any plans turns out for the best.
-- My life has been extremely spontaneous here.  Anyone who tried to plan a Skype date with me knows this.  What a difference from my typical "plan everything to a T" routine.  Some of the most fruitful experiences came from making a decision right on the spot.  We would walk into the most fantastic restaurant, or we would wake up one morning and say "Let's go into Madrid" and have the best time.  Obviously, there are some things in life you must plan.  However, I urge you all to try being spontaneous one day if, like me, you like to plan everything all the time.  It takes you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible.

4. Being the minority in any situation is tough.
-- Honestly, this was the first time in my whole life where I have felt like a minority.  Americans living in the parts of Spain I lived were extremely sparse.  I was judged for my American accent when speaking Spanish.  I received strange glances many, many times that really shook my confidence sometimes.  I kept trying though, working through the cultural differences and doing my best to adapt.  I now have increased empathy for international students, immigrants, refugees, any foreigner really.  I know exactly how it feels now, and I want to bestow the kindness and understanding upon them that I wished I received more of here.

5. Globalization is very real.
-- I learn about globalization in university.  All the philosophical theories behind it and the predictions about its effects have been ingrained in my brain, but I have never really seen it come to fruition until now.  What struck me most about Spain was that all the music on the radio is in English.  Yes, I'm serious!  So the Spanish population that doesn't know English therefore does not understand the lyrics of the music they listen to on the radio!  They focus on the beat instead.  Crazy, isn't it?  But this trend also shows me that there is more opportunity for bilingualism here - there is so much more exposure to English here than we have in Spanish for example in the US.

Most of all, I have realized the importance of love while in Spain.  I did not receive a hug for a month and a half, so when I got my first hug from my host family's baby girl, I seriously felt like it was a God-given miracle!!  Among the wonderful publishing experience and beautiful Spanish food, I have developed even more empathy and love for others.  Mission accomplished, I'd say. :)