Migrate Migrate Migrate!!!

 Everyone is migrating, you should go too.

A common phrase among Sri Lankans who have somewhat of a capacity to migrate. The stats mentioned that the migration rate is almost 200%, which makes sense, considering the state of the country.

Fuel lines, lack of food, increasing food price and crime rate would make anyone to consider migration, and I fully understand and support it.

Yes, I wanted to migrate as well, fresh off the shock of the divorce, the only thing I wanted to do was to leave the country and start over.

                                                   

  Starting Over  💭💭

 Starting over, what does that mean exactly. I used to like that phrase, but I'm starting to see that it has the same vibe as the 'I'll be happy when I get......' phrase (you won't be happy when you get XYZ because of a phenomenon called hedonic adaptation. Another reason to practice finding that inner contentment -will explore more of that later). Not having the basic necessities like having food to eat really is a reason to go somewhere else. But, for now, I'm going to stay put. Why you may ask?

1. For me, the reason to leave the country was an emotional decision. I just wanted to get away from this country that reminded me of all the disastrous decisions I have made over the past decade. Making emotional decisions always backfires. So, once that dust settled, I didn't get the urge to leave.
2. I have parents and pets to think about. The dog belongs to my parents and I have a cat. The thought of putting my cat on a plane along with cargo scares me. (and yes, just like any other parent from the baby boomer generation, my parents want to stay here).
3. The external voices (that are asking me to migrate) are too loud. If there's anything I have learned from all my mistakes is, everytime I listened to those external voices, I have made mistakes. I need to continue to hone my ability to listen to that still small voice that guides me in the right direction.
4. Taking decisions on a whim and taking off just like that to 'start over' may work for some people, I'm not one of those people. even if I do go off to another country, I would probably think about coming back to see how I can help those who are stuck here (or I will be in another country sending funds to charity organizations here). Either way, I don't think I can forget about where I was born. (yes,as stated in Buddhism, you are supposed to practice detachment and forget thy self, I'm not just there yet).
5. I have struggled to find a home, a place to belong, for such a long time. I have always been the odd one out, the weird one who never talks to people or socialize, so I don't think being an alien in another country is going to help my abandonment issues. Besides, the wisdom of Najwa Zebian opened my eyes to the concept of home - A home is a place you build within yourself.
   

Well, that's about it. I'm all set here, for now. Praying for things to turn around for the better. 

Until then, let's ride these waves together. 

More on Hedonic Adaptation here.

More on Najwa Zebian here. 

Disclaimer - I have not affiliated in any way with these external links, these are just things I find during my self-exploration.Please don't sue me :)