57. Colombia 2019 & Always

woodburyroland
May 7, 2020
3 min read

In a very challenging time in our current world, I continue to think about what we can all an positively learn from this situation. Some day I'll share that, but for now, I realize that a lot of it is similar to what I learned my from my time in Colombia. I am excited to share that with you here.

I made it back! In March 2017, I went to Colombia on a one-way ticket, knowing no one, ended up staying for 3 months, my time there significantly changing my life forever. I'll let the following pictures explain this recent Colombia trip, it once again woke me up to living. The highlight was staying at Daniela's family farm (my Colombia sister) and reuniting with Skydive Colombia and Xielo families...muchiiisimo gracias a todos!

I often get the question, Why Colombia? What makes it so special? This is what I believe we can learn from their culture, to add in to our everyday lives, no matter what the external world and personal circumstances:

Love- The culture is truly rooted in love. Love of family members, bodies, food, and fun. Hugs, kisses and smiles are the greeting. Passion, faith, sincerity, appreciation, belief, celebration.

Family- It is all about familia; this is the foundation of their culture. Family is more important than money and success. Families spend time together- they enjoy being together, sit and talk with each other, play games, laugh. There are no rules, no judgement, no expectations of having to live on your own by the time you're 18. You are welcomed back into the family home when you get old. Nursing homes barely exist, they are not the normal. When I asked, the concept of nursing homes was not understood by anyone. They share their families, always welcoming in as if I was their family member.

Appreciation Of Our Bodies- women and men. Really, to feel amazing in your own skin at all times. The appreciation for our bodies, especially women. The love of curves, butts, boobs, a little extra here and there- it all feels appreciated. Move, dance, body love, natural body acceptance. The appreciation of the human body, that really it's meant for us to enjoy our bodies and be strong in them. You hear Mamacita, Amor, Bonita, Linda- from mothers, grandmothers, fathers, friends...everyone. I grew up in New Hampshire in the 90's where it was completely opposite. This shook me pretty hard the first time; it truly makes you feel alive in your own skin.

Food- It's fresh, it's a joy, it's something to be enjoyed together. There are small stores everywhere with fresh vegetables & fruits. There are less massive commercialized food stores, instead these shops are filled with locally grown produce. Less pesticides, no GMOs. No massive meat factories. People get the fresh vegetables they need for the day and you get to know the people who run the shops in your neighborhood. Families cook, they eat together, it's a celebration, it's appreciated.

To Just F*cking Enjoy It- Really. This is the whole point. The amount of joy in Colombia can be felt immediately. Enjoying the love, enjoying our families, enjoying our bodies, enjoying the food, enjoying this life- having joy. It's not about the 401k, it's not about the corporate ladder, it's not about our bank accounts, it's NOT about always accomplishing something, it's not always about the grind. Slowing down. Stop worrying. DANCE, LOVE, SING, FEEL GOOD in your body, LAUGH. No this isn't an inspirational quote you see on Instagram, I'm saying actually just do it. I promise you we all can learn from this way of life.