Happiness

I haven't written in a while. I know. Not much to talk about. Life here (although completely different) is the same in the sense that nothing new really ever happens. Yeah, there are day to day differences; I have talked about those all before. But for the most part, it is as boring and uninteresting here as it is in the states (after you have been here for eight months-- EIGHT MONTHS!). Nothing really phases you that much here. Some things might still be interesting, but you are never really shocked anymore. You are just like, well, that's not a surprise. Guess I am integrating (job goal one: done!!!).
One thing I have noticed the past few weeks and thought a lot about: happiness. Ghanaians could be starving, wearing holey clothes, no shoes, no roof over their heads, no bed, etc. and still be the happiest group of people I have ever met. All in all, this culture basically thrives on remaining positive. Happy. Upbeat. No matter where you go here, the people are always smiling, always happy. You just don't see that in America. There, everyone is all about getting the most out of their time, making more money, owning fancy things, etc. (I know, not everyone... just generalizing here).
I have come to the realization that they are probably happy because they have nothing else. When you are living with barely enough to survive, your parents both died when you were young, your children don't even live to a year, you don't have a job, your husband cheats on you (wives don't usually cheat here), and you have to walk three miles one way to fetch dirty water, adding self-pity on top of that would just make matters worse, I guess. Why not stay positive and think of the good things (even if it is just getting something to eat that day).
I guess it makes sense. We are always about what more can we get, when they are all about thank god I made it through another day. We always look to the future, they focus on the present. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift- that is why they call it the present." Guess what movie I have been watching almost every night before I go to bed! I am a sucker for cartoons. But, they have a point and great life lessons!
So, the reason this has been no my mind a lot lately. I was definitely always looking for the next best thing to do. First it was college, then getting out of college, then it was getting a job, getting into Peace Corps, and then the other day it was when I am leaving (I know, too soon). Then I had to stop myself. Stop wondering whats going to happen next when I should be living in the moments here. You have to get used to not asking why things are happening or what the schedule is like (not like Ghanaians keep them EVER). Going with the flow is the way to go here and the cure for anyone with OCD.