How am I supposed to change everything I've learned my whole life in just a few weeks???? Today I feel like I don't fit…

Mike, It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed by all the changes happening in your life right now. I understand how unsettling that must be. Change isn't always easy, especially when you're adjusting to a different culture, lifestyle, and way of thinking in an unfamiliar environment. But change can also bring personal growth, new experiences, and new perspectives on life. Life in the Philippines is probably very different from what you were used to in the West, or wherever you once called home. Give yourself time to adjust, to reflect, and to figure out what really matters, what makes you happy, and what you want to achieve. These things don't get sorted out in a few days. Finding peace and a sense of belonging takes patience, understanding, and sometimes a little courage. I also saw your recent post about the skin reaction from ant bites. Please don't neglect your physical health either. Your body and mind are deeply connected. Taking care of yourself should always come first. I was born in the Philippines but never had the chance to go to Camiguin. After looking up the island and seeing its natural beauty, it became a dream place I'd love to visit someday. You're living in a place many people would call paradise. But I know that when your heart is struggling, even paradise can feel lonely. Don't isolate yourself. We live in a world where communication is easier than ever, but nothing replaces real human connection. Reach out, make friends, get involved with the local community, and feel the warmth and kindness of the people around you. Sometimes one simple conversation makes a huge difference. Look around and you'll see people who have almost nothing materially, some who struggle to put even one meal on the table a day, yet they find reasons to smile and be grateful for life. Their situation isn't necessarily easy, but there's something meaningful to learn from their resilience, their gratitude, and their ability to find joy in simple things. You have opportunities and experiences that many other people only dream about. That doesn't mean your pain is any less real. But recognizing the good things already in your life might help you find a little more peace. Contentment isn't about having everything you want; it's about learning to be grateful for what you have while continuing to grow. Acceptance doesn't mean giving up on your dreams. It means finding peace where you are right now while moving toward where you want to go. Be kind to yourself, Mike. Give yourself time. You don't have to have all the answers today, and you certainly don't have to make every decision at once. I sincerely hope that in time you find the happiness, companionship, purpose, and peace of mind you're looking for. Take care...

Wait a minute, Mike! Are you from Saco, Maine? I spent most of my childhood in Buxton. My daughter lives in Saco, and my grandkids went to and still go to Thornton Academy (Go Trojans). We moved to Baguio City about 6 weeks ago. My name is Chuck, let's talk. How's Alex's Pizza... Don's Lunch... George's Italian sandwiches... some foods just can't be replaced. I've been coming and going here for 20 years, but I keep posting about adjusting to the culture. I love this country, but some things are... different.

I won't say I know or understand what you're going through. I'll just share my experience and what helped when I went through something similar. 1) Centering. Every morning at 6 I walked to the nearby beach, sat, said my daily mantra out loud, and did light exercise. I breathed in the sea air deeply. I watched the beautiful sunrise. I enjoyed the calm, the sounds of nature, and the peace it gave me. (A daily mantra is basically words that make me better every day. Shaking off negative self-talk and becoming a better me.) 2. Greet every stranger you meet. Smile and say hello with no expectation or need. You'll be surprised how most people are glad you said anything at all. The goal is to climb out of your own trench. If you strike up a conversation with a Filipina, see how you can empathize. With no ulterior motive. 3. Volunteer. Find an organization where you can give your time and help others. Nothing in the world compares to helping people who have far, far less than you. The goal is never to feel superior, but to see how humble and kind you can be. Good luck, and God bless!

It's not the country, it's you. Until you figure that part out, you won't be happy anywhere. I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but my best friend was always irritable, moody, and up and down... I got him on TRT and had him do quarterly blood tests... and now he's doing the best he's ever been. Doctors try to blame things like depression or bipolar disorder, but sometimes your hormones are just a bit off. If I were you, I'd start with a blood panel of 200+ biomarkers and see what a "good" doctor says.

Find a girlfriend, she'll help