Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: 32oC, very hot and stormy.
Today marks the official end of the carnival in Brazil, though many people will continue to relax, celebrate, and travel until the following weekend. It is common for people to host barbecues and enjoy themselves before returning to work on the first Monday after the carnival.
In Brazil, this day is the first day of the New Year. It is understood that the country only begins to really work, accelerate, and generate business after this day. For those of us who live here, it can be difficult to understand, let alone for people from outside of Brazil to comprehend.
I woke up early and went out for a workout at the end of Leme. Although I was not planning to do a strenuous workout, it turned out to be much more.
The day was stunning, with a beautiful end-of-summer sky and sun. I always appreciate Rio in the morning. The morning light is different; it has a golden touch that illuminates everything with a touch of gold. Even the simplest of things look special!
A former girlfriend of mine, with whom I maintain a good relationship, invited me to go a street parade with a “trio elétrico” – a type of mobile stage with amplifiers on a lorry or truck, where samba schools or groups can perform while moving down the street and followed by the crowd dancing to the music played on the stage above.
It was to take place in Av Atlântica later that morning at 10 a.m. Imagine 10 a.m. in the Carioca summer sun; it was sweltering. I thought about not going because of the heat.
However, at the last minute, I went. I thought going would be better than staying home and doing nothing. Av, Atlantica is only at the end of my street in front of the beach. It was to turn right and walk about 2 km until post 6, where the parade would begin. When I arrived, I found my friend and her family, and I stayed for about an hour and a half; the sun was too strong, too much for me, and I had to leave.
They invited me for lunch, which was very kind of them, but I declined; the truth is that I was feeling a little anti-social and wanted to spend some quality time alone. Her son, a friend, tried to insist that I go. I lied and said that I had some work to do.
Why did I lie? I lied to my friends, knowing I shouldn’t have. Even though I like them a lot and believe they like me too, I don’t want to do anything that I’m uncomfortable with or don’t want to do. If I want to do something, great, but if I don’t, I don’t want to be forced into it. I don’t think it’s necessary to be hurtful or aggressive when someone is insistent.
It’s better to make an excuse or a white lie and politely decline. After saying goodbye and leaving, I felt relieved and more comfortable. From now on, I realized that I, Richard, only want to do what I want to do and not feel trapped by other people’s wishes, desires or demands.
This is important to me, and I think it is essential to many people. Setting limits or boundaries on what you want and, more importantly, what you do not want is crucial. You do not have to be rude; maintain your boundaries.
So, I went home and did my things for the rest of the day.
Thank you.
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Richard
