small victories

Life is all about the small victories. I had a few of those today and I couldn't help but share them with you.

First off I ordered a pizza in portuguese. It's more complicated than it sounds because it wasn't like I was at a restaurant or something. I had to order it kind of like chipoltle in the United States. Often times I speak portuguese at people in shopping centers they look at me like I have 7 heads. Part of it is the blonde, part of it is the accent. Either way I try to get my point across and it worked! The pizza was great, I felt accomplished and I ate the whole things. 

The second victory today was with my host mom. Her name is Luciana and she is just so brazilian. She's frequently sensitive that she hurt my feels and she talks ALOT. In english, in portuguese.. the lady loves to talk. Today we were speaking and she was like, "Marissa, I went walking to the beach today because you inspired me." I've been trying to run most days that I'm here, just to maintain a decent weight so I can start to lift as soon as I get back and have the endurance to get through lifts and practice. I'm running about 6 miles every day and the weather is perfect for it. Her comment today really got me because there are times when you change people's lives by what you say and there is another time when you change people's lives by what you do. Whatever motivates her to better herself is awesome and I was thrilled to hear that what motivated her partially came from me doing what I do regularly. 

She also told me she gave up soda. When I arrived she asked if I liked coke and I had to explain that I took no part in that. I don't know what it is, but I just don't like coke, pepsi, etc (doesn't include sprite, i love sprite). She was talking about how it was unhealthy and she didn't want to keep it in the house anymore. 

It has been incredible to see her lifestyle change in just the last two weeks. I do not think she realizes how much she's changed since I arrived but she's dating again and taking steps to a more productive lifestyle. This whole time I've been abroad all I have thought about is how much this experience has changed me. Me. Me. Me. When in fact, it has been awesome to see this experience change someone else. 

But the truth she's changed me. This culture has. Anyone who knows me knows that I cringe every time I have to hug someone or anyone is overly affectionate towards me. This is NOT going to change when I get back to the states and I will always be happy with a firm handshake, however the forced hugging and cheek kisses every time you see someone or leave a situation has made me loosen up a little. In fact I find myself hugging luciana and Clara, her daughter, more frequently than I normally do. 

Point of the story is tell someone if they make an impact on you. It may just be the motivation and love they need that day.