I spent the first 28 years of my life in Mexico before moving to the United States, where I've lived for the past seven years. During my time in Mexico, I often found myself captivated by the idea of living in the US. It appeared, from a distance, as a perfect land where dreams came true. As a place where all rules were respected by their citizens, were businesses were efficient and where corruption didn’t stain the government.
However, as I stand in the present, I can't help but reflect on the striking similarity between both countries.
The thing is that both nations are inhabited by the same species: humans. Irrespective of geographical borders, human behavior remains surprisingly consistent. Government institutions operate with outdated technology, telecommunication companies have awful customer service, political parties are always ‘throwing dirt’ at each other, people complain about the weather all the time, there’s trash on the highways, construction contractors miss their due dates, and so on.
Sure, this country may offer more opportunities than my home country. And in some ways, the quality of life is higher. It is beautiful, I love it. But the difference isn't as radical as it once seemed. In the end, it became evident that, regardless of my location, human habits, tendencies, desires, and emotions are universal.
It's common to think “the grass is greener on the other side.” To want what others have, to live where others live, to experience what others experience. Our pursuits often center around material things, with a never-ending chase for the elusive ‘more.’
In the midst of this cycle of comparison and pursuit, you must “keep your mind fixed always on the goal — the end to be attained — the development of the Real Self — the realization of the I Am within you — and the still higher realization of your Oneness with All," as Yogi Ramacharaka wisely puts it.
To focus inward, striving for personal growth. To be kinder than before, to connect with the world around us and to see ourselves as part of it. Regardless of where we are at the moment. Not wishing for things to be different. Not wishing to be somewhere else. To appreciate and value what we have right here, right now.
Because we often look outside ourselves for fulfillment and meaning, don’t we? But the true journey lies in self-reflection and self-improvement. Instead of constantly comparing ourselves to others around us or in another country, let us just strive to be better than we were yesterday. Let’s find contentment in our personal growth and a sense of unity with the world. After all, the true treasure isn't always on the other side; sometimes, it's within us all along.
Listen to this email on your favorite podcast platform
Read previous posts here.
