16 replies to this topic

[verchiel]

I know this sounds silly, but I am wondering if there are some small things we can do to elevate the mood around here. There's not a whole lot we can do to cure the horrible violence that's going on in our communities, and surely we're vulnerable to it, too. Who can say? But today I had the wonderful experience of attending a comida after a baptism. It was a small gathering and I was the only gringa there. The people were having the best time in spite of the terrors of late, so I decided, what the heck, join on in. We laughed (especially over our misunderstandings with language - I speak some Spanish, but not enough) and enjoyed each others' company and had a good time. When I left, several people embraced me and said how great it was to have me there to enjoy the day.

So I am wondering if we could spread some simple positive energy around the town. When you are out and about, how about this (and there are just suggestions, don't mean to go preachy on anyone):

1) Be extra courteous to every Mexican and expat you meet; remember all of your "buenos dias" and "buena tardes" ... being friendly is one way to say to our hosts, "It's going to be okay, eventually," and being extra courteous to each other is one small way to soothing the pain of reality.

2) Perhaps we could all put any petty complaints aside right now and express gratitude at every opportunity. Let's show the Mexicans that our glasses are still half-full by being here, even in this difficult situation.

3) Smile a lot. There's an old saying in AA "Fake it until you make it" and I think it serves well here. Smile at each other a lot, and be sure to smile at our Mexican hosts whenever you have an interaction with them, and wish them well.

4) Try and find little ways to do "random acts of kindness" ... each of us has to decide what that means. But, doing unexpected nice things for people is one way of spreading positive energy.

5) If you are at all able, get out and patronize the local businesses and restaurants. Go for comida if you don't want to go out at night. Be visible in all ways that you can. So many Mexicans are counting on the gringos to be brave and carry on, so that the economy survives.

I know I sound a little bit like Pollyanna, but I am wondering if a whole bunch of little positive efforts can put some good energy into the emotional environment, and therefore help us all eventually prevail against the darkness that is among us right now. Peace to all!

[camillenparadise]

Bless your heart! I'm in when I arrive in July. Maybe we could all pay something forward, because we have chosen to live in this new paradise which has already paid us so much back just for making the decision to come on down.....

[Ferret]

Nicely stated Verchiel! We're not going to leave. I kind of think living in Mexico is like a marriage and we're here for better or worse...peaks and troughs. Remember what you fell in love with because, hopefully, this too shall pass.
Share, love, laugh...and, if you speak the language, you will have already found out that most Mexicans have a wicked sense of humour.

[tomgates]

A smile is a little curve that has a way of straightening things out.
Read that today.
Yes, let's push forward with positive energy. Great idea.
Patti

[Ginger]

Everyone smiles in the same language. Author Unknown

(It just might become a habit.)

[HelperGuy]

... stop being so judgmental on this board...

[ohjoni]

Bless your heart! I'm in when I arrive in July. Maybe we could all pay something forward, because we have chosen to live in this new paradise which has already paid us so much back just for making the decision to come on down.....

Love your attitude Camille. We are currently in the States until mid June. This was a planned trip, but will be coming "home" to Lakeside. We have been reading the board everyday, but the horror of what has happened will not keep us here in the States. Mexico is our home now. We miss the warmth of the people, both Mexican and gringos. We miss the laid back life style. Looking forward to seeing you and Sweetpea in July.

[Islander]

I know this sounds silly, but I am wondering if there are some small things we can do to elevate the mood around here. There's not a whole lot we can do to cure the horrible violence that's going on in our communities, and surely we're vulnerable to it, too. Who can say? But today I had the wonderful experience of attending a comida after a baptism. It was a small gathering and I was the only gringa there. The people were having the best time in spite of the terrors of late, so I decided, what the heck, join on in. We laughed (especially over our misunderstandings with language - I speak some Spanish, but not enough) and enjoyed each others' company and had a good time. When I left, several people embraced me and said how great it was to have me there to enjoy the day.

So I am wondering if we could spread some simple positive energy around the town. When you are out and about, how about this (and there are just suggestions, don't mean to go preachy on anyone):

1) Be extra courteous to every Mexican and expat you meet; remember all of your "buenos dias" and "buena tardes" ... being friendly is one way to say to our hosts, "It's going to be okay, eventually," and being extra courteous to each other is one small way to soothing the pain of reality.

2) Perhaps we could all put any petty complaints aside right now and express gratitude at every opportunity. Let's show the Mexicans that our glasses are still half-full by being here, even in this difficult situation.

3) Smile a lot. There's an old saying in AA "Fake it until you make it" and I think it serves well here. Smile at each other a lot, and be sure to smile at our Mexican hosts whenever you have an interaction with them, and wish them well.

4) Try and find little ways to do "random acts of kindness" ... each of us has to decide what that means. But, doing unexpected nice things for people is one way of spreading positive energy.

5) If you are at all able, get out and patronize the local businesses and restaurants. Go for comida if you don't want to go out at night. Be visible in all ways that you can. So many Mexicans are counting on the gringos to be brave and carry on, so that the economy survives.

I know I sound a little bit like Pollyanna, but I am wondering if a whole bunch of little positive efforts can put some good energy into the emotional environment, and therefore help us all eventually prevail against the darkness that is among us right now. Peace to all!

Strange. That is how I remember lakeside to be 10 years ago.....all the time, effortlessly . And I do not believe anybody faked it. But somewhere between then and now things and people changed.

[traderspoc]

smiling, just do it, live in the moment
yes great idea

please put smiley icons on your posts, to spread the message

[Fox]

Fox

[mexican yankee]

Yes!

[Guiness]

Ahhh, finally! Great posts here this morning. I'm smilin!

[Shira]

Fox

Thanks. It made me smile.

[TioBob]

Verchiel, this is the best post and advice I have read or heard in a very long time. Carpe diem, and smile.

[ericurmudgeon]

Nice post. Great idea not just for today but for every day!!

[lakeside101]

wonderful post

[darby]

I'm with everyone here. I just moved here for the first time and I love it. We cannot let this bring us down. Lakeside is too special so we need to stay together and grounded and hope that it will be back to the way it was. So as Judy Garland would sing..."Smile..."

For those of us who own property here there is not much more we can do but keep an optimistic out look on the situation. Viva Mexico! Good thoughts beget good things!