Cinco de Mayo
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!
While it may be a holiday that is minimally celebrated in Mexico, I am inspired today by my children's co-op today. They will be putting on a full cultural celebration and teaching the children some Mexican dances, costumes included! It's so exciting to see my kids being brought up in this environment!
As we go through this week, I want us to remember that we can pull inspiration from all cultures, not just the general "American" culture here in the USA. Almost 80% of Mexico is Catholic, so I find it fitting to pull some more popular sayings in Spanish today.
I pray you all have a wonderful first week of May!
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Most quotes, translations, and part of the descriptions taken from:
https://www.lingoda.com/blog/en/inspirational-quotes-spanish/
MONDAY
“Todo es hoy. Todo está presente. Todo está, todo es aquí. Pero también todo está en otra parte y en otro tiempo. Fuera de sí y pleno de sí…”
“Everything is today. Everything is present. Everything is, everything is here. But everything is also elsewhere and at another time. Outside of oneself and full of oneself…”
Octavio Paz is a well known writer and Nobel laureate from Mexico. In this quote, he reminds us to be present in our day and mindful of our existence. Actively practicing mindfulness is a great way to reduce stress and improve your daily life. While this may have been intended in a secular way, it's a nice reminder that God's plan is bigger than ours, and ultimately, everything is in His timing.
TUESDAY
“Si no escalas las montañas jamás podrás disfrutar el paisaje.”
“If you don’t climb mountains, you’ll never be able to enjoy the landscape.”
Chilean poet Pablo Neruda has seen some majestic mountains, including the Andes mountain range that towers over much of Chile with the highest peaks in the Western Hemisphere. Though climbing our personal mountains can be cold, dark and miserable, we’re always the better for it. With God by our side, we can do anything. And we can do it with love and joy. Enjoy the journey!
WEDNESDAY
“Donde haya un árbol que plantar, plántalo tú. Donde haya un error que enmendar, enmiéndalo tú. Donde haya un esfuerzo que todos esquivan, hazlo tú. Sé tú el que aparta la piedra del camino.”
“Where there’s a tree to plant, plant it yourself. Where there’s a mistake to amend, amend it yourself. Where there’s an effort that everyone avoids, do it yourself. Be the one who removes the stone from the road.”
Gabriela Mistral is a poet and Nobel laureate from Chile. Here, she urges us to be the change in the world that we wish to see. Small acts of kindness or thoughtfulness, like planting a tree or fixing a mistake, can be courageous as well as inspirational. Spreading the word of God and loving each other like God loves us can bring change in the most unexpected ways.
THURSDAY
“Hay momentos para recitar poesías y hay momentos para boxear.”
“There are moments to recite poetry and there are moments for boxing.”
Some days are easy, but sometimes we have to struggle and fight to make it through. Even Jesus had days that were relaxed and easy, and days that he was tormented and struggled significantly. We must realize that we will have both good and bad days, hard and easy days, and push on through.
FRIDAY
“Acepta lo que la vida te ofrece e intenta beber de cada taza. Todos los vinos deben ser probados; algunos solo deben ser sorbidos, pero con otros, bebe toda la botella.”
“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines must be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the entire bottle.”
Sometimes life isn’t the way we want it to be, we just have to take the best out of it. You don't have to dive deep into every situation or experience, but at least be open to them. Dip your toe in, explore new things, be open to adventure and life. You don't have to keep doing it, but to say you tried says a lot and builds character.
SATURDAY
“La educación es, tal vez, la forma más alta de buscar a Dios.”
“Education is, possibly, the highest form of seeking God.”
Here is another quote from Gabriella Mistral. Mistral was, for much of her life, a dedicated teacher in a rural part of Chile. Here, she cannot understate the value of learning and education. Learning is something we should continually cultivate in our daily lives. I am sure you have heard of the Growth Mindset - always being open to growing and learning, for as long as you live. I was just talking to my mom the other day about this desire to go back to school again...the deep desire to keep learning is burning bright within me. Education in your craft, your passion, or even education in religion/God can bring you closer to Him.
SUNDAY
“Aquel que no espera vencer, ya está vencido.”
He who does not expect to win is already defeated.
This Mexican quote from the legendary president aims to inspire you and push you to believe you can do whatever you set your mind to. Letting a defeatist attitude win won't get you far. Let your self confidence shine, hold your head up high, and let God lead the way. You've got this!!
So as you proceed through this week...
...remember that the common sayings in other countries and cultures can help give you a fresh perspective. Sometimes hearing the same sayings over and over can make you a little numb to the message.
Happy May everyone!
