These are powerful words, but what do they mean to you?
In today’s society, and towards each other, young and old, all animals no matter how big or small they may be (even the animals we see as scary) skin color, age, nationality does not matter, right? I can see how you nod in agreement.
How do things look around you? The old people at nursing homes are not attended to, the staff are on their knees working, the school’s dwindling resources, etc. Rather than get together and try to improve the situation and that of others (may be at work or in the neighborhood where you live, school, etc.) we chose not to tackle the problem, for we have enough of our own stuff to deal with.
Respect and consideration are important functional words, but they are currently not placed at the level of importance that they should be in society today.
Where did the time for each other go? No matter how positive, creative and happy a person is, if you do not help each other. We all have the same lack of time, but everyone can give each other respect and consideration.
A pat on the back, a kind word and a smile can do so much and cost nothing, either in time or in cash.
Care and caring. Respect for the opinions of others in a democratic spirit. One need not agree, but to show respect for each other’s differences are of such great importance. Today I heard of Swedes who came down on vacation that they no longer dare to speak their opinion!
In the vicinity of where I live there is a local bar where I stopped by one night, and there was an English family with a teenage son. He had no shirt on, which is not so good, but it was evening and he was sitting with his parents.
I could not help seeing his tattoos on the back. As impulsive as I am, and not afraid to make contact, I went up and asked what the message of the tattoo was.
All the Chinese characters tattooed along his spine meant “I respect my parents.” Guess who was surprised? I got myself not to ask why a young, 15 year old, guy chose to tattoo in just those words. But I can promise you that the words stayed and he won my admiration.
In my brain the thoughts began spinning, In Europe today there´s mass unemployment, financial problems, which are difficult for those who live with it daily. There are lots of everyday problems to contend with, and many have no one to share this with, you are totally alone.
In the past in Europe you lived with your whole family, which they still do down here. You have grandparents around the corner, and the rest of the family is not far from where they live. If you have a problem you help each other and you care about each others business! I mean the whole extended family (can be for better or worse).
Down here, time is considered a privilege, people still have time for each other. Apparently it´s called development, when society is changing for the negative, which it also does here, unfortunately. But still, the little things are not so important here. “If I don´t come today, I´ll come tomorrow.”
Time, consideration and respect exist for each other and all, whether you know the person or not. You help each other, as we actually did in Europe not long ago. I still Think there is a difference between cities and counties. Northern Sweden is still a bit different, similar to northern Cyprus in a lot of ways. That’s why I feel so incredibly good down here.
Last spring, some friends and I were walking in the mountains and when we got to our usual lunch spot, it turned out to be closed so we had to move on to the next. An old, beautiful lady came after a while, probably grandmother or grandmother of the owner. She sat down on a bench next to her great-granddaughter sitting in a stroller. They spoke so nicely with each other and the older woman looked after the little while the mother served us.
The valuation of time doe´nt look the same way here. The Efficiency creating chaos doesn´t exist here, instead, we have quality time, which I feel is a lot more healthy and you will do a better job. Stress begets diseases and bad decisions.
The Pursuit of happiness, money, is also different here. Most important is to have a roof over your head, food on the table, and the electricity and water bill paid. Cypriots look after their family, blood is thicker than water, and giving to those who have less. We have many different charity committees that work for free.
So how do you deal with the problem in Europe, with time, consideration, respect for each other and other people’s property?
If I had the answer I’d probably be busy with, among other things lectures and probably have a large amount of banknotes in the mattress.
I have a desire and a dream, or is it a utopia, to the democratically elected politicians, who are actually people, that ythey not just talk, but also act as a good model and show that they really want to change our society .
An awe-inspiring, consideration and less stressful life for all citizens. Politicians should not blame it on the lack of money and redistribution. How do the citizens manage with their paltry wages? If they can, why can´t the politicians manage the country’s economy?
“When there´s a will there is a way“ is a very good motto.
