Your Greatest Challenge.

[Insight]

Thai language is one here also. Gave it a shot for the first year, but slipped off when I reached the usual comfort zone.

Which brings me onto the main, ongoing challenge - staying motivated. For some reason I find it much more difficult staying focused on anything here than I do back in the UK. Is it the climate, the culture, (the stress?). Not sure, but it requires a conscious effort to conquer.

[simon43]

Staying sane in a mad world !

Simon

[PeaceBlondie]

Thai language is one here also. Gave it a shot for the first year, but slipped off when I reached the usual comfort zone.

Which brings me onto the main, ongoing challenge - staying motivated. For some reason I find it much more difficult staying focused on anything here than I do back in the UK. Is it the climate, the culture, (the stress?). Not sure, but it requires a conscious effort to conquer.

Motivation itself (a separate topic) is a big determinant in how hard we try to meet a challenge. For me, being retired is a huge challenge. I worked like a maniac and suddenly, now, I can not work legally if I find it. Frustrating, especially when I could do it.

[sylviex]

You wouldn't think this but looking Thai, speaking perfect Thai but thinking like a Farang is a great handicap here sometimes.

That must be very interesting. Can you give us more examples ?

Re motivation : I blame the heat, usually. Some seem less affected by it than others. Perhaps they are just more motivated.

I think seeing how simple life can be is mostly a plus, as it allows a focus on whatever does matter to you, but renders much farang-style "busyness" even less meaningful than it may have appeared before. We confront the void . Stress can be useful, up to a certain level. Somehow a balance must be found.

Edited July 27, 2008 by sylviex

[siamamerican]

Of lately?

Hmm….I have to say

Try to make some farangs,…. oh wait…“some foreigners“…. understand that Thailand is not like your back home.

Veeeeery difficult so far, sometimes I feel like….. I would rather hang myself first.

They aren't back home because they CHOOSE to live in Thailand. I love Thailand and have no real issues with how Thais treat Farangs. It would be nice if long term visas were easier to acquire for younger x-pats, but in the end, they sure are easier than the visa rules back home.