Spring Forward...

[peacetraveler22]

In America, we have an expression - "spring forward, fall back." The phrase is used in connection with Daylight Savings Time, when Americans move their clocks one hour forward at the start of the spring season and one hour back in autumn. However, the saying also is a metaphor for life. At times, problems, frustrations and stresses pile to the point that we stumble and fall backward. The challenge is to not get beaten down to the point that you give up and refuse to lift yourself from the ground. People who fail to do so account for a large portion of the miserable, bitter adults roaming the planet. For me, the main frustration recently has been my job, which has become overbearing and life consuming. This leads to almost no time for the blog or anything else in life, and it's the reason for my long absence from writing here the past few weeks. Yet, we are always in control of our own lives and destiny to some extent, so I formulated a plan for change.

A few weeks ago, I started writing a proposal to reduce my work schedule as a lawyer. The goal was to convince my law firm that I am valuable, even if I'm in the office less. As lawyers, we are trained to be persuasive, to argue and advocate for the interests of our clients and, ultimately, for ourselves. I wrote here that being single with no children provides me with a lot freedom in life - ultimately, I'm financially responsible for and answer only to myself. And, for me, the most important thing in life is to keep moving forward and exploring, not having a huge bank account.

My proposal was approved on Friday and will be implemented at the beginning of April. What does this mean? Less time in the office and more time to travel! Also, a large reduction in salary so I'll probably have fewer trips overseas, although I'll somehow find a way to return to Russia in the near future. :) Two international trips already are planned, and I'll announce the details soon.

Many of you contacted me in comments and personal messages during my absence to make sure I was okay. I'm grateful to have so many dedicated and kind readers. Together, we spring forward - both on the blog and with the change of season. The cherry blossoms, pictured in the cover photo from 2013, will soon be in full bloom in Washington, DC. It's the most beautiful time in the city, and I'll show you more in future reports.

A reminder that you can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Well styles and clothes change, and even mentalities to a certain extent (e.g. women's roles in society, attitudes toward sex, etc.). But not basic infrastructure.

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

Recently looking at pictures of Moscow in 188x I thought that if a person doing some intellectual job like working in a bank or as a lawyer was transported into our time he would not change much in his lifestyle.
Maybe just learning some PC user's skills.

Somehow all our huge technical progress in the last century did not change our lifestyle much.
All futurist promises did not come to reality.

In this sense 19th century was much more life-changing.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Technology - the biggest blessing AND curse of our lifetime. :) It has destroyed interpersonal skills to some extent. People can't appreciate the art of conversation anymore, or the beauty of a handwritten letter. Pity.

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

I do not agree.
People discuss things now more than in any time before.
For example, you and I can discuss.
In the past we would be bound to our local news, newspapers and TV.
Now a single person can become a news channel.
But this relates to information only.

I can instantly exchange messages with you but I cannot instantly teleport to America or any other place.
We still age and die, still have to eat, sleep and work.
We cannot live independently on a farm having a nuclear reactor and a matter synthesizer.
We do not even have robots :)

In material aspects our life did not change much.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, your points are valid. That's why I said technology is a big blessing. However, I also see it as a curse because young kids, and even many adults, constantly have their heads buried in their mobiles, communicating via text messages even when they are in the same room. In America, iPads are glued to children's hands as early as toddler years, and they aren't as active playing outside or discovering woods and sticks. :) I believe it's the same in Russia and many nations around the globe. So, this is why I also view it as a downside. But the benefits of technology definitely outweigh the negatives!

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

Well, it is parents' responsibility.
We let our child play on a tablet only for some limited time.
Then we encourage him to go play Lego or something. Do some creative stuff instead of just staring into a screen.
But he is is still small. In school we would not be able to control him.