5 steps to a happy life in Spanish

It is easy to be cheerful when it is warm in our country during the year, bright colors, mountains, and the sea are everywhere. But in fact, each of us can add optimism to our lives. For 16 years of living in Spain, psychotherapist Elena Khromyleva-Bermejo was able to reveal the secrets of the inhabitants of this country. They will help each of us become happier, regardless of where in the world we live.

1. Accept others for who they are.

Since childhood, the Spaniards adhere to the principle of “non-comparison”. Their schools do not hold parent-teacher meetings where students would be compared and discussed in front of everyone. All personal information is discussed at individual meetings with the teacher.

Unfortunately, we were brought up in the eternal race for the first place. And we continue to teach our children the same, but, as the experience and culture of other countries, as well as my psychotherapeutic practice, we all want to feel the one and only, to feel that we are loved for who we are. And do not try to constantly change, adjust and improve.

2. Appreciate the effort

Perhaps in Spain there are not so many Olympic champions, composers, dancers, writers, actors known to the whole world. But there are a lot of happy people here who appreciate themselves for their efforts.

How often do we devalue our achievements after one miss. Diploma with one four – and we are no longer worthy of pride. A couple of mistakes on a large essay – and already “Shame! Get better!” Ran a half marathon with a slightly worse time than the opponent, and no longer counts the months of hard, regular training.

There will always be someone better, faster, bolder. But that doesn’t mean our efforts are worthless. The Spaniards try to appreciate each of them. And if you really want to compare, then compare yourself with yourself in the past.

3. Thank yourself and the world

Maybe their religious upbringing plays a role, or the Spaniards just realized that expressing gratitude gives them energy, but in Spain it is customary to thank everyone: themselves, those around them, God. Try every day before going to bed, already in bed, to remember how the day went. And thank the world and my life for three pleasant moments, and for three more – myself.

4. Always be polite

Mutual respect is one of the essential qualities of most Spaniards. Even if it is not always sincere, but politeness and a smile is algo típico español (something typically Spanish). And the same ability to patiently wait for your turn is instilled from an early age.

The queue for the swing, the queue for class, the queue to get on the bus, the queue at the butcher’s, the queue for the doctor… Everything is clear and orderly.

“Thank you for your understanding if you have to wait longer than usual. Perhaps next time it is you who will delay the queue without malicious intent” – I have seen such an announcement more than once in private clinics.

5. Enjoy every day of your life

“Disfruta de la vida, que son dos dias”! – say the Spaniards, which means “Enjoy life – it’s only a couple of days.” Of course, there are much more days in it, but it is so fleeting … And you should not waste time on a bad mood, squabbles and self-flagellation – the Spaniards believe.

To be honest with yourself and others, not to worry about trifles, to enjoy life – this is the key to happiness in Spanish.