A friend on Mastodon asked me why I left Brazil. My immediate answer reminded me of a quote by Benjamin Disraeli: “Life is too short to be little.” This statement encapsulates key aspects of my motivation to become an immigrant. In this blog post, I’ll share a few thoughts on how to live a life that is anything but little.
As immigrants, we often leave our home countries to pursue better educational and career opportunities, to seek personal growth, or simply for a change of scenery. At the core of these motivations is the desire to embrace the bigness of life, to not let our lives be limited by circumstances, borders, or societal norms.
We learn to adapt. We speak new languages. We navigate different cultures and customs, and we become global citizens in our own right. We connect with people from all walks of life, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and expanding our horizons. By doing so, we are reminded that life is indeed too short to be little.
But transcending our current life doesn’t always require a drastic move to another country. We can make decisions every day, no matter where we are, that reflect our commitment to living a bigger life. You can learn a new skill. You can volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about, or you can say no to situations that would require you to shrink to fit other’s expectations.
When we challenge ourselves, either by venturing into the unknown as immigrants or by making bold choices in our daily lives, we actively refuse to let our lives be little. We push ourselves to grow, learn, and evolve in ways that might have been unimaginable within the confines of our comfort zones.
The beauty of expanding our horizons, whether as immigrants or through daily decisions, is that we can break the limits set by our environment or our upbringing. By daring to dream big and take risks, we can create a life that is full of purpose, passion, and adventure.
So, to my friend who asked why I left Brazil, I’d say it was because I wanted to live a life that was not defined by its littleness. I wanted to explore, to learn, and to grow. But I would also remind them that growth can happen in many ways, and it starts with the choices we make every day.
To all my fellow immigrants, and to those considering taking the leap, I encourage you to embrace the bigness of life. And for those who choose to stay in their home countries, remember Disraeli’s quote. Don’t be afraid to make bold decisions. Chase your dreams. And seek out opportunities for growth right where you are.
Ultimately, we have the power to shape our lives. No matter where we are in the world, we can choose to live a life that is anything but little.
Here are some questions to foster reflection. Feel free to answer them in the comments section below:
1. How have you embraced the bigness of life in your own journey, whether as an immigrant or through daily choices?
2. In what ways can you challenge yourself to grow and learn, even within the confines of your current environment?
3. What bold decisions or changes can you make today to help you live a life that is anything but little?
Roque Neto 