There is something so raw about enjoying a moment only with yourself. As human beings, we are social animals and often prefer celebrating a happy moment with someone else. But I recently discovered how much I enjoy those happy moments alone as well. Because the full extent of joy is taken in solely by me. I am fully present in that moment and can absorb the entire wave of happiness on my own. Maybe it sounds selfish, but I guess every now and than that’s okay.
For example, today I went to a local market in Cusco to get some lunch. I entered the market and looked around for a place to eat. A short, energetic old lady waved to me from the back. I decided to have lunch there. This is the kind of meal where you pay €2.30 for a soup, main course, and a drink—the good, local, and cheap stuff. The lady poured me a drink and I tasted it. I had no idea what it was—still don’t, honestly—but it was incredibly delicious. In that moment, I was so full of joy, trying out new foods and drinks at this very local food market.
I stayed euphoric afterward, noticing the different people on the street. An old man passed me, wearing his Sunday clothes, his characteristic hat, and reading a newspaper. A young man with Down syndrome was dancing outside a restaurant, handing out menus to those interested. It made me smile, seeing someone enjoying life so unapologetically. I also noticed a group of women dressed in traditional Peruvian clothing, sitting together in the shade with their llamas, looking completely at ease.
When you look around and see people their characters come into play through how they act, what they say, or what they wear—it brings me joy. It feels like being invited to glimpse a small part of someone’s life. And when I gather more and more of these glimpses from different people, I feel like my understanding of the abstract concept of life slowly grows.
