50 Things I Learned in India

This doesn't have anything to do with sports, but I figured I would post it anyway.  It's a list I created in 2006 during my first trip to India with my best friend Phil. I was on the top bunk of a sleeper train going from Mt. Abu to Jaisalmer and decided to make a list of what I learned in India during the few weeks I had been travelling around the country. It's a bit cheesy, but very true to me. The picture to the right is of Phil and I after a fun few hours of cricket and football with some local kids in Mt. Abu Rajasthan. 

1. Family is the most important thing in life

2. Always be hospitable

3. The most beautiful thing in the world is a true smile

4. There can be beauty in poverty

5. Religion is about the SELF

6. Most activities are better when done with at least 1 other person

7. Personal growth is about finding ways to develop the mind, body and soul

8. Always be real no matter what people think

9. Striving and achieving pure independence is an irrelevant objective

10. There is no reason to be afraid

11. Often the less people have the more they have to give

12. When we die our words, not our face, are what live on for eternity

13. Many countries are made up of people who only produce a product or service for the public so they have to push you to check it out (they are not “used car salesmen”)

14. A good woman is 100% dedicated to her family first and everything else second

15. The Western way is not always the right way to live

16. To have direction and an objective is to live

17. There are many positives to letting society run themselves

18. Water is the most important resource in the world and we should never take it for granted

19. The belief that God is good and that he is always with us helps to keep you in line mentally and spiritually

20. Walking around cities and seeing sites is only 50% of the travelling experience

21. It is key to instill responsibility, respect and spirituality into kids at a young age

22. There are a number of positives with having a joint family

23. It is important to look nice if you have the means

24. Sometimes you don’t have to say “please” and “thank you”

25. It is incredibly easy for 2 people to read a situation the wrong way especially if there are language/cultural differences

26. I have taken warm water and easy to use toilets for granted for my whole life

27. Chai is the greatest drink in the world

28. To sing and dance with family is important and a time where you should want to be nowhere else in the world

29. People have the ability to endure great suffering and survive with a smile

30. Weddings are a perfect opportunity to bring people together

31. Always expect the best from people, and even if they turn out bad, there is always a positive to be taken from the person or experience

32. There is something beautiful about watching people eat every last bite of food that was prepared in front of them

33. Don’t be jealous of anyone; strive to take admirable qualities of others and incorporate them into your own person

34. 5+ people can ride on a motorcycle and it can still seem safe

35. Fortune favors the brave

36. When you want something the universe conspires to help you achieve it

37. A good conversation where everyone is able to give, receive and grow is more important than most daily activities

38. After about 2 temples they begin to look alike, but it is important to learn their story and importance to their respective society

39. Respect and consistency are 2 of the most important parts to being a strong leader

40. You should love everyone and not be afraid to be yourself; your inspiration and positive energy will transform others

41. People can learn to adapt to any situation they are in as long as they have the right attitude

42. Don’t be afraid to bargain with people

43. It is nice to buy presents for people and even nicer if they are meaningful

44. There is no reason to fly from city to city in most countries when sightseeing because the real experience come travelling via land

45. The more people there are in places the more important it is to develop meaningful relationships

46. Sacrificing your own needs for those of your family is not actually a sacrifice if family is your first priority

47. Being cold, scared, uncomfortable and in the middle of nowhere on a night bus is not fun, but it is less fun to know that you could have made the situation better if you were stronger mentally

48. People are inherently good; it is society and misperceptions that make them bad

49. Altruistic love is the meaning of life

50. Nothing is impossible in India