Happy for No Reason

Things have settled with my move and I am now full time in Barbados, working on becoming a true Bajan. Yesterday as I drove to work, I realized that I am truly happy. As I thought about that, I tried to figure out why that was. Imagine! We think we need a reason to be happy in life. I was driving toward the school, with the view of the sea and the trees in front of me, a cool sea breeze blowing. I realized then that I simply AM. It is a feeling like no other.

I've had some great adventures in the last two months. First, I love the people here. Our students are engaged and excited about the future. They are the trailblazers in establishing a new industry in their country and that's pretty fun to be involved with and to watch! The people I have met socially are wonderful.

I find the lifestyle quite contagious. In the US, we almost live and breathe by our clock. Here, while accomplishing things IS important, the clock does not rule the world. There is a saying, "Bajan time." It really means 9 could mean 10, 7 could mean 8 or 9, and so on, AND nobody stresses about that. An adjustment? You bet. A GOOD adjustment? Absolutely!

I am learning the value of true balance in life. There is no push or need to work 7 days a week. Work hard, get a lot done, and then walk away and get refreshed. That has an interesting result. I guess I always felt the more I worked, the more I would get done. I find myself getting more accomplished here and feeling more engaged in what I do. I believe this directly relates to this balance concept. When you are balanced and rested, you CAN accomplish more.

I have tried things I never thought I would do. I've been to a real live fish market and purchased fresh fish (yep, I even learned to cook some of it!). I took a couple of jet ski rides (okay, that one was GREAT and yet I now know it can kill one's back if the ride is rough!), and I've tried foods I never thought I would care for. I've found the beauty of simple relaxation, sitting close to the water, looking out at the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, and appreciating what nature has to offer, with absolutely nothing on my mind and is wonderful.

Life is good. There is no need to have a "reason" to be happy. Yesterday my realization is that it would be really hard for someone to be unhappy here. It's beautiful, the people are awesome, and life is simply good. I am blessed to have the opportunity.