Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: 34 °C, hot, sunny, and slightly stormy.
Today is a typical Sunday. I had planned to wake up early for a good workout, but once again I struggled to sleep well.
I found myself browsing Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube while lying in bed, contemplating life, when suddenly an idea struck me.
When we are building a YouTube channel, an online course, or anything else that matters, we always strive to find the ideal or right way to make it. I was having trouble finding the right balance and content format to begin producing for my YouTube channel and online course.
While I was lying awake in bed, an idea suddenly came to me. It felt right, and I knew that it would be right.
Even if I do not succeed as much as I would like, I know the path I must take, and I am determined to do what I must. It is funny how sometimes something unexpected comes our way, whether we are looking for it or not. With my plan formed, I intend to start producing in April.
My small side hustle will begin with the production of e-books and video classes, and I have now found the right balance for how to do it! Now, all it takes is commitment, and I will soon start producing and publishing my work, which will hopefully bring in some extra income. I believe in starting small and steadily improving my work as I go.
After leaving my building at around 5:45, I stopped by the lanchonete, a small Brazilian cafeteria located on the opposite corner of my street. I purchased a cafezinho, a small coffee served in a plastic cup, so that I could enjoy it while walking to Leme.
We are currently in Copacabana, a place that never sleeps thanks to its lively nightlife, bohemian culture, and thriving tourist industry. The lanchonete is open 24/7 and always there when you need a quick pick-me-up.
As soon as I arrived, the old man behind the counter automatically served me my coffee without me having to ask, since he knew me so well. The coffee is R$4.00; however, I always give more, usually R$1.00, as a tip.
This is a valuable lesson I have learned during my time in Brazil: tipping in the service industry ensures that you will be treated well and remembered in the future. However, I do not give tips begrudgingly; I provide them with love.
I enjoy seeing the recipient feel appreciated and happy, which makes me feel good. Money is like the tide; it flows in and out. We all benefit if you can bring joy to someone with a simple gesture.
Upon arriving at the square, I noticed a tarpaulin stand nearby where I usually exercise. It caught my attention that the stand had the logo of the beach club school, where I regularly pay for Yasmin’s workout sessions.
They were organising a publicity event to promote their merchandise, with food and drinks.
While I was working out, Pedro, one of the school’s owners, passed by me. I could not compliment him properly as I was in the middle of my exercise routine. I also recognised some of the staff members who are usually present when I pick up Yasmin in the evenings.
While I was working out intensively, people began to gather their merchandise from the stand. I sensed that many were looking at me, but I was unsure whether it was out of respect, recognition, or simply because they thought I was foolish for exercising on a Sunday morning.
Nevertheless, I do not really care about what others think of me. By the end of the session, I felt so invigorated. As I walked back home, I reflected on how I was feeling and how my actions greatly benefited me.
For lunch, I enjoyed a quentinho, a small takeaway meal. While the story of the quentinho is not for now, it will be a story for later. In the afternoon, I rewatched some films I hadn’t seen in a long time.
In bed by 8:30 pm.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading my blog. Check out my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments.
Richard
