Pride + the world + thoughts + a new start

I did not know how to name this blogpost because I have so many thoughts I wanted to share.

First of all: thank you for reading these lines! I know life is full of obligations and distractions and chaos - both in our lives and the world. It is difficult to find focus and trust anything we read or hear.

This blogpost is a new start for this blogpost, and for me. I have earlier been sporadically writing here about different aspects of the Norwegian language. Now my new podcast - The Norwegian Puzzle - has taken over that job. I think podcasting is a fun way to communicate with you, and perhaps also a more playful and handy way for you to learn on the go. I hope you enjoy it!

So what will happen with this blog? My plan is to post here whenever I have some updates or thoughts I would like to share that I find relevant for Norwegian learners.

And the reason I wanted to write here today is because … the world at this moment … is just a horrible disaster. And this affects everyone of us. Everyone. Which of course affects our ability to find motivation to learn and enjoy life. I struggle watching the news now, because it makes me want to cry every day.

I do not and will not talk about international politics in class. Because it is just devastating and leads to nowhere good. If we can not talk about it in a proper way. Which is just too hard sometimes. You all know which issues I am refering to.

What I do want to talk about is this: please do not confound people and politics. Everyone of us is an individual. Our nationality does not define us as people. We all have our stories. Do not judge anyone based on their nationality, skin color, gender, sexual orientation or any other aspects of their appearance. You will for sure be mistaken until you know their story.

We all know this, in theory, but it is hard to practice what we preach. It is a part of human nature to put people in boxes to protect ourselves. So we have to remind us about this every single day. Especially when we live in a culture where social interaction is not very easy.

We live in a divided world because of prejudice. Because certain politicians and people with powerful positions do not see certain groups of people’s humanity. Because some people look at other people as less worth, or not worth anything. It is as simple as that! It’s simply human nature at its worst.

Curiosity, respect and readiness to listen. That’s the only way to create a real dialog and true change.

So easy, and yet so hard. Isn’t that ironic?

Take care of you and the people around you! We are all in the same boat.

Happy Pride everyone!