Megan Unbounded

After being here for a year, I have really surprised myself with being happy and content with having even less things! (I am not rich and did not have much to begin with before coming to Panama..lol) I am genuinely happy and have learned a valuable lesson from my Pana-mom. What is it that is really important to you in your life? These people here do not have much but there are some who are absolutely content with having the basics to live. After talking with some, they love how they live their life and would not want to change anything about it which is great. They find their happiness in having the option to spend more time with their families working together on their farm and depending on the harvest season, just spending time together in the river or making artisan crafts to sell when it is not harvest season. And while society tells us that we need money to survive, they do not make it their source for their happiness. Take for instance; my host family digs for gold most tim...

For the past few months, I have had weekly English classes because the community has consistently asked me to do teach them. However, I have noticed a common mentality and attitude among them and really, most of the people in my community that is one of the biggest challenges here. That is, many believe that they cannot do anything to change their situation, are completely helpless, and will always be poor.  I understand it is actually an issue for any person that faces poverty in the world and is difficult to overcome this type of mental block. Though I have had more opportunities in my life than most here in my community, I can relate to those who feel like they are helpless.  When I was younger, there were times when my family struggled and I was told “no,” many times,  by my parents because we did not have money. After awhile and so many "no's," I remember feeling as if there were things in life that were not meant for me because my family does not have mon...