Wordsley, Stourbridge, England: 19 degrees, cool, sunny and slightly overcast.
Today is the eve of the Brazilian bank holiday, Corpus Christi, a Roman Catholic feast and holiday.
Brazil is predominantly Roman Catholic, though less so than in the past. Today, the religion is shared between the Catholic Church and a multitude of evangelical churches, but Catholicism remains the primary influence.
Traditionally, many of the bank holidays are still directly or indirectly linked to the Catholic faith, with the most notable being Carnaval, which is world-famous and lasts four or five days, as well as Corpus Christi and other holidays honouring saints.
Corpus Christi this year will be tomorrow, falling on Thursday, and Friday will be a dead day. Adding the weekend creates a four-day break, forming a super-long weekend when Cariocas in Rio and others in large urban centres across Brazil can travel. They might have a house or flat near the beach, in the mountains, in a neighbouring town, or stay at a ‘pousada’, a guest house somewhere, to visit and enjoy a new place.
I know that Jessica, my eldest daughter, is travelling with Mario to a neighbouring town in the mountains; I think it is Terasopolis, to visit friends.
Over the years, I have visited many special places in Brazil during long weekend trips. As Brazil is so vast and diverse, the options are endless and relentless. And not just by car, but also by playing or even visiting neighbouring countries.
I know many friends who have visited Buenos Aires in Argentina during carnival, choosing to escape the chaos of carnival time for the tranquillity and charm of the Argentine city and culture.
I’m in England; it’s not a bank holiday here, but it is in Brazil. So, tomorrow and Friday I am free to do something, because my pupils won’t be available for classes.
I received my new computer cable yesterday evening, charged my computer, and now today I am preparing and posting a blog. It is so good to return to my familiar and beloved routine. When I couldn’t post a blog, it felt incomplete.
Once again, I am returning to what I consistently preach: my morning safe house and my life. From there, I can build everything else throughout the day. This is good for me and, in my view, has helped to change and improve my life.
- Up early at 5:00 a.m.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes.
- Own time: periods of solitude and silence, enjoying either coffee or tea while pondering life and various matters.
- Journal entry: writing holds great power.
- Blog preparation and posting: future income from money.
- English classes: primary source of income.
I like the number 3 and its multiples, so I have chosen 6 items that I do more or less every day to help me, become a better person, and improve myself.
The first three are essential for both physical and mental health, and without them, we’re in trouble. The second three are for work, income, making money, and business.
Journaling is a bit of both; it supports mental health and is important for me, as well as for the foundation of my blog. Blog preparation and posting are investments in potential future income. Currently, my main income comes from classes.
These six points apply from morning until whenever, depending on my lifestyle and yours if you choose to use them as a guide. They depend on your priorities, aspirations, and, of course, discipline. You can adapt them to your needs and create a plan or routine that guides you. It is very powerful and can help you through even your darkest moments. It has helped me and continues to do so; it is a guide I have stuck with until now.
In bed by 11 p.m..
Thank you.
Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.
Richard
