Jamazing Times

Every adventure I take breeds another opportunity for personal growth. Although the purpose of each trip is usually relaxation, I never pass up any opportunity to gain wisdom. Jamaica was jAMAZING! The culture is so rich and the people are extremely caring and relaxed. Along our journey to Jamaica, we met some extremely wonderful people that took the time to educate us on the lifestyle, history, and culture. However, along with the beautiful weather and water also came the difficulty to maintain a decent lifestyle without struggle. Being on an island, gas prices were triple the cost of my norm due to the transport cost to get the gasoline in their area, therefore many people cannot afford to buy their own car and rely heavily on taxis or buses. 
We discussed rent/mortgage, bills, family and were enlightened that most, although not all do not have air conditioner, live with their family for a long time or forever to economically survive, and with the income they earn they must save money to build their house brick by brick. This made me realize how much America is a microwave society and we may take a lot of things for granted, much less lack appreciation for our lives.
 One of the lessons that were reaffirmed were: STAY IN YOUR LANE. Not only was the driving anxiety provoking in Jamaica, but they did not compare themselves among themselves. Even the person that had the least was trying to help others out. From my experience, there is a large cohesiveness among the community. I was reminded not to compare myself to anyone because I will always be more well off than someone else but there is always someone more well off than me. We were so excited to get to Jamaica, yet because they don’t know what it’s like to long for the beautiful beaches and culture they were desiring to come to the states. We all want what we don't have.
Although the experience was great, I learned that we both could appreciate where we are in life and desire more as long as it didn’t take from the appreciation of what we currently have. Comparison will breed unhappiness in the aspect of lack or a pompous nature of feeling greater than someone else.
It also reminded me that we are exactly where we should be in life and there are lessons for us to obtain during this chapter. Although the story may continue on, understanding the current chapter will help to avoid repeating the lesson in other chapters. 
In addition, I learned it is important to be a true servant of God and people. This does not mean to let people mistreat you but to spread your generosity because it’s contagious and can change someone’s life. If there’s an opportunity for you to help someone or make their lives easier, do so. From my observation, the Jamaican culture seemed relaxed. (This was not due to any substances either). 
There’s a running theme “Jamaica, No Problem”. This can be translated into, nothing in life is that serious, relax, we will get it figured out and taken care of. Just don’t stress. One of the quotes often spoken was “breathe easy man” actually pronounced “breed easy mon”. This means: RELAX, take a deep breath, just chill. 
We can’t take life so seriously that we forget all the awesome things we have going for ourselves, and this is not  pertaining to materialistic things.
 Take time to appreciate the good that is going on in your lives and actively work on the areas that can be improved but don’t stress yourself in the process. 
Just like the houses that were mentioned earlier, take everything brick by brick and enjoy the journey without placing so much emphasis on the destination because the reality is once you reach the destination, it will only be so long before you begin looking toward the next destination. Enjoy this moment. 
The here and now. 
That’s what I reminded myself as my mind raced rapidly during my massage. 

In essence:
  1. Appreciate the journey
  2. Don’t compare your life to anyone else’s 
  3. Focus on the here and now 
  4. Help someone else 
  5. Welcome wisdom
  6. Stay humble
  7. Do not stress, everything works out


“Never judge a book by its cover, or a man by his wealth, and if you’re already on your feet, why don’t you help somebody else”

"Jamaica, No problem"

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