Stress

Adapting to a new environment is like temporarily lowering oneself on Maslow´s hierarchy of human needs. I mean that in the best way possible. Let me explain by contrasting what gives me stress at home vs. here:


AT HOME:

How will I make time to write that essay?
Am I ready to facilitate that meeting at work tomorrow?
Can I make it from work to class in exactly 25 minutes and grab lunch in between?
Will I be able to manage 4 classes and 3 meetings in one day?
What do I need to do to make myself a better leader on campus?
Should I pursue X career or Y?
Would my time be better spent chatting with my professor or attending a guest speaker?
If I stay up late to finish my homework, will I be able to give an effective campus tour in the morning?
Where do I stand on current events, social problems, etc?


ABROAD:

What will I eat for dinner?
How can I walk in such a way that will not make me sweat through my clothes?
If I do X, will I offend my host family?
Where can I go to the bathroom?
How can I ask where the bathroom is in the best Portuguese accent?
If I eat that will it make me sick?
Where can I find a cold water fountain?
Am I drinking enough water?
What should I do about my newly acquired sunburn?
Where can I buy dental floss?
What bus do I take to get home?
Should I go take my cold shower or stay dirty?
Which shoes should I wear to protect the blisters on my feet?

The "adaptation" phase I am currently going through is quite interesting. It is as if I have to re-learn how to take care of my basic necessities that have been second-nature for years. This may sound like a negative process, but it is really refreshing. It illuminates the pettiness of my daily U.S. grind. I am always the first to advocate for "getting out of your comfort zone." The more often I do that, the better I will become at adapting. Even if I live nos Estados Unidos for the rest of my life, the ability to evolve, readjust and even camouflage will prove invaluable.

Eu poderia estar em qualquer lugar, mas estou aqui.