Embracing Growth: Lessons from Three Years in South Africa
Written on
Chapter 1: A Journey of Self-Discovery
During my nearly three-year stint in South Africa with the Peace Corps, I encountered a myriad of challenges and learning experiences. At times, the oppressive heat made me contemplate returning to the United States, but I refused to be defeated. Instead, I devised a straightforward approach to navigate these feelings.
My service site was nestled in a vibrant South African village, alive with music and activity, located in Mpumalanga, which translates to "the place where the sun rises." The summer heat was intense, and the mountains outside my window often struggled to hold the morning clouds, which quickly evaporated under the blazing sun.
It was in this setting that I acquired essential coping mechanisms.
The Journey Begins
Living in a place where I didn’t understand the local language posed its challenges, yet I found solace in the fact that English was spoken, particularly among the younger generation. I was over 8,600 miles away from my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, working in a local clinic dedicated to enhancing health and education for the youth.
To thrive in this environment, I needed to establish a plan.
Finding Balance
During my downtime, I sought ways to utilize my time effectively. Inspired by Julia Roberts' character in Eat Pray Love, I compiled a list of activities that helped me regain my focus and find meaning in my life. Below is my list, which I still refer to during challenging times. I encourage you to create your own list of essential activities to help you navigate life’s hurdles.
Reading Keeping my mind active was crucial; just as our muscles need exercise, our brains do too. A lack of mental stimulation can lead to feelings of sadness and anxiety. Reading invigorated my mind, igniting a spark of creativity and allowing me to connect seemingly unrelated concepts for community projects. This practice fostered a better relationship with myself, essential for my well-being.
Praying As a Muslim, praying five times a day is a significant part of my routine. While it can be challenging, I remind myself that prayer is an opportunity to reflect and recharge. Even if you don’t follow a specific faith, taking moments throughout the day for deep breathing and gratitude can significantly enhance your mood.
Exercising While in the village, I often watched Floyd Mayweather’s workout videos, dreaming of achieving his physique. Eventually, I decided to embrace fitness myself. Exercising became a way for me to connect with my body, relieving stress and boosting my confidence. I discovered various workouts through the Nike Training App, which I later shared with the local youth, fostering a sense of community.
Sleeping Adequate sleep is essential to my happiness and productivity. I noticed that when I stayed up late, it disrupted my entire week. Fortunately, the village lifestyle aligned well with a healthy sleep schedule, as nighttime signaled the end of the day for everyone.
Eating Two elements from Eat Pray Love resonated with me: eating and love. Maintaining a balanced diet was initially challenging, but sharing meals with local families helped me adapt. Proper nutrition fuels both the body and spirit, allowing for a deeper engagement with life and relationships.
Closing Reflections
Stepping out of my comfort zone in South Africa prompted profound self-discovery. The coping mechanisms I developed became vital tools in navigating life’s uncertainties. We all face moments of confusion and must learn to confront them head-on.
Life is a series of transitions, and mastering these changes equips us for future challenges. What essential activities will you adopt to ensure you remain at your best? Are you prepared for whatever life presents?