Fight or Flight?

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. 

Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” 

- Lao Tzu

It's been two months now since I bid farewell to my hometown, Bangalore, India, and settled in a town in the U.S.A. And for somebody who has lived life on a fast track at work, things here seem awfully . . . well, D-I-F-F-E-R-E-N-T. It was kind of difficult to accept that we don't have too many options to see us around town limits—means of public transport— auto rickshaws, bus services. Every family has  their own means of transport. So, if you don't have a car or don't drive, you are dependent on those with  some kind of transport to drive you around. In a nutshell, if one needs to survive, better be mobile. 

DRIVING IN THE AMERICAS
And if it weren't too much already, there are specific rules here as is with any other country. The difference being that out here traffic rules are taken extremely seriously and everybody abides by them without exceptions—cyclists, bikers, motorists. Many schools and districts offer a course in Driver's Education as part of their curriculum as a special service to their students and the community. I'm sure most of us would have liked to be taught this in school/college. Most students are mobile and thereafter.
                  It certainly is for the greater good, but it's a lot to come to terms with when one is new to the country. But we'll get there. Soon. After all, as the wise say, "When in Rome, do as the Romans." It works the same way if one were to immigrate to India. A lot depends on our attitude toward change—it's important that we take matters in stride and embrace change—this might sometimes mean learning to embrace an alien country and its ways . Blend in; don't jump the gun and it's all good. Having a positive outlook at life helps a great deal. Even when it probably feels unfair, allow yourself to meander your thoughts to a joyful and promising future.

CULTURE
Somebody working as a janitor here is as respected as is any CEO in a reputed institution—no work in the USA is considered "menial." The paycheck might differ, but nobody is looked down upon. You could wait tables and lead a respectable life. I'm sure a lot of us have a lot to learn from here. Sometimes I wish had there been a mix-and-match of cultures between the Americas and India, things would have been chic. Perfect. There are things I like about India and there are others I like about the Americas. As an example, I love that the U.S.A. follows a litter-free culture—littering is a punishable offence and could land up with an average fine of $3000! That is plenty!
                     Last week I went to catch a movie at the local theater and they don't have any seat numbers—you just go up buy tickets, walk into the hall that's playing the movie you wanna watch and sit wherever you want to sit with your folks, or wherever there is place. That's all to it. Simple. If the hall is full, either there would be a sign that says so, or they would tell you so. You could catch another movie playing. And there is nobody checking your bags or frisking you at the gates. In a way, one is accountable for their actions.