Wanted to start a thread to celebrate personal growth as related to our sitting/hosting experiences. I hope this can help us focus on the positives when we need to. Please share if you feel so inclined.
To start, I’m currently reflecting on the above-average amount of new connections my partner and I have made in the past couple years on this platform.
Looking back, I am feeling proud of the progress I’ve made in becoming a better communicator and learning how to respectfully maintain boundaries. Every connection I make is an opportunity to learn about myself, who I want to be, and the varying forms of what compassion can look like. I’m happy to look back and see, while definitely not perfect, I am a little bit more patient, a little more open-minded, and a lot more light-hearted.
It’s always been wonderful to be hosted - we are a part of a very unique community. In addition to the obvious benefits, the opportunity for personal growth here is like no other.
Man, I had to read and re-read the original post and your reply multiple times before it clicked!
Ah yes, who can resist the camembert and croissant aux amandes!? We don’t grow in France, we shrink bc compared to live in the US, when we’re in France (or anywhere in Europe) we are walking, walking, walking and usually swimming as well.
I’ve learned to be much more creative and flexible preparing meals in someone else’s kitchen with their kitchen gear. I’ve learned there are things I could never live without long term (like a salad spinner) but have become much more adaptable between pet sits and airbnbs in a variety of countries…it has helped me be less tied to “my way” of doing things and I feel like it keeps my brain more youthful by having to figure out how to use appliances and equipment I am unfamiliar with. It’s good to always be learning new things as we age!! Like a puzzle to solve! Especially when everything is written in another language.
I couldn’t agree more. I think the THS experience is truly unique and helps you develop so many skills, communication, problem-solving, creativity, flexibility, adaptability… For me, there’s definitely a before and after when it comes to my experience as a sitter.
