Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

What a thoughtful, honest post, Mateus. Combining all three elements is problematic as distance creates separation. Sometimes with adults that closeness can be retained. It's probably more difficult w/ children, like your nephew, b/c time works differently for them than adults. Remember how long it would take for Christmas to come every year? You're doing really important work so maybe you can prioritize. Like say, for this coming year my #1 thing will be X. See how that goes, and move onward. I don't know, but I think it's a good thing you're ruminating on it. To me that means an answer is in the offing.

Expand full comment
Mariana Carvalho's avatar

Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts. The part I was struggling the most was community - then I realized that I could find purpose in community... locally. Literally contributing in my own neighborhood (which is hugely influenced by spanish/latino culture, which brings home closer). I also found a way to intertwine community and career (some of my freelancing job is also to support local individuals). As far as family, I made peace with myself that my time in Brazil is limited (love your "there's a limit to coexistence"), because I decided to live a life that is non-conformist with other people's (parents, family, friends) opinions. It is always a work in progress, but self-kindness and acceptance is always the answer.

Expand full comment
5 more comments...

No posts