So I used to have a Russian friend who had a pretty thick accent and like a lot of Russians tended to eschew articles. She would say things like āGet in car.ā And stuff.
Well one day this asshole who had been kind of tagging along with us asks her why she talks like that because it makes her sound dumb and I still remember her response word for word.
āMe? Dumb? Maybe in America you have to say get in THE car because you are so stupid that people might just get in random car, but in Russia we donāt need to say that. We just fucking know because we are not stupid.ā
One time I was proof reading a paper for a Russian student. As I was correcting her paper with her, the many mistakes in her grammar started weighing on her. I asked her what was wrong, and she said, almost sobbing,
āIn Russian I am so intelligent and clear. In English I am like [an] idiotā
Respect to anyone trying to master a foreign language. I get so sad thinking about that student.
1. Have one main source of income but, at the same time, keep working on ways of developing additional sources of income. Over time, this will allow you move away from spending all your time on your āregularā job, so you can generate money more passively.
2. Read widely. This doesnāt have to be heavy or serious books. In fact, reading blogs and magazines can generate ideas – and turn you into someone who knows a little about lots of things ā so this can make you seem more interesting.
3. Have a few close friends plus a lot of other contacts. That provides you with support ā which we all need at times ā plus people who can help us, and open doors for us.
4. Have specialist knowledge in a couple of areas, and also know a little about lots of things. This helps you understand the developing trends so you can use your knowledge more effectively.
5. Be willing to experiment. Itās good to know what tends to work for you ā but you need to branch out and experiment, too. That will help you avoid boredom or being stuck in a rut.
6. Introduce new experiences into your life as it keeps you adaptable, flexible, open to new thinking, vibrant and alive.
I just finished watching Brain on Fire. It focuses on how doctors often look for the easy answer instead of putting in the work to diagnose and treat people with physical invisible illnesses. The main character is dismissed ignored despite her having some symptoms that would never be mental illness alone. She and her family had to fight to get the doctors to do their jobs.
I can relate to this and I know plenty of other spoonies can to.
I just remembered yesterday that I saw a neurologist really early into my sickness problems. and he was terrible and made me cry and was really dismissive. Because i didnt have a neurology problem. Several years later, I went to mayo and got sent all over the building to different doctors, and finally, it was the neurologist who was like āoh you have this neurology problem.ā if that first dickhead had believed me and done his job, I could have been saved years of uncertainty and bad doctors
The Cheerleader: They cheer you on and believe in everything you do. When you mess up, they donāt even bat an eye. They keep you focused on how to push through, and are always on your side.
The Pusher: A pusher is someone who pushes you to be the best you can be. The pusher holds you accountable and doesnāt sit quietly when you goof up.
The loyal confidant: This is the person who loves you and will always be there to hear whatās on your mind; the good, bad and ugly. The loyal confidant not only listens but knows that any slip-ups you have donāt define you.
The Energizer: The energizer in your life will scoop you up and make you laugh when times are rough, reminding you to stay motivated when you want to give up.
The Best Friend: Your best friend is the one person that knows everything about you and loves every bit of you anyway! They can look at you from across the room and when you exchange looks know EXACTLY what you are thinking.
The Funny (Crazy) Friend:Funny friends remind you not to take yourself seriously, they make tense situations more comfortable with a single face gesture. These people truly can change your outlook on your day with just a single call or text.
š„ There is beauty in destructionš„ 