Worry Less, Enjoy More, by: Vanessa Huss

Coming from a country where being on the go and hurrying is so common, I’ve noticed how ingrained that mindset is in myself after spending time in Spain. This mindset can cause so much stress and worry because there are always thoughts of rushing everywhere. At a certain point you think to yourself, “why am I in such a hurry? why is everyone in such a hurry?” This demanding way of life that been long-established in me has diminished greatly while I’ve lived here, and it’s been so interesting to see the processes of acculturation and deculturation take place.

Usually when I drive home from school or work in the U.S., I’m not taking my time and I’m rushing straight home. However, here in Spain, I’m so lucky to have a beautiful 30-minute walk home from my study abroad program center. When I first arrived, I was turning that 30-minute walk into a 20-minute walk because I was just in such a rush to get home. But why? There wasn’t any rush to begin with, I was simply just so used to having to do that. Now, I enjoy my walks home, in fact, I look forward to them. I don’t walk fast, and I don’t spend that time worrying about what things I need to get done when I get home. I take in everything around me — the beauty of Sevilla, the kindhearted nature of the people, the architecture that never fails to astonish me, and so on. When I’m at a restaurant with friends, I don’t worry about getting the bill paid as soon as we’re done eating. I appreciate just sitting, talking and enjoying every moment after we’re finished. When I’m in a store, I’m not adamantly fixed on getting what I need and getting out of there as quickly as possible, I take time to look at everything that piques my interest. Being here has made me realize that living in the present moment and taking life at a slow pace reduces so many worries. In fact, it has made me realize that maybe we’re just worried and hurried for absolutely no reason. Spain has enlightened me with completely new perspectives on many things, especially time; it’s no wonder the country is ranked as one of the best places in the world to live. (https://www.idealista.com/en/news/lifestyle-in-spain/2020/08/27/7794-why-spain-is-one-of-the-best-countries-in-the-world-for-expats)

I feel very lucky to study abroad in a culture that emphasizes taking life as it comes and the importance of spending time with family and friends. I think way less about the future and spend my time in the present, taking life one day at a time and enjoying what I have in this moment. What is life without experiencing more enjoyment and less worries?

Attached are photos from my favorite views on my walks home!