Non Negotiable Values

It wasn’t until my coach Margarita asked me to recall a highlight life experience during my Global Coach certification, that I realized how close I hold my country to my heart.

Out of all the amazing life moments I have lived, I chose to recall the Athens Marathon. The one and only original course that my ancestor Pheidippides ran barefoot as he hurried to announce the Athenians win in the battle of Marathon. Crossing that finish line was an alignment of all the stars in my 34 years as an immigrant to the United States. Margarita later recognized that connectedness, resilience, heritage and fairness were some of my strongest non negotiable, defining values.

But why did I resist becoming a US citizen for so long? America is the land of the free, the land of opportunity, the country of my husband and children, the place where you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Why was it so hard for my heart to surrender?

After recalling the Marathon experience I know why. Because when you leave your birthplace for a different life far away, you feel as if someone ripped part of your heart out and you always long to stay close, stay connected.

I struggle less with this distance these days. Technology, cheaper flights and calls, social media and more flexible schedules have allowed me to feel closer to Greece and surrendered to the notion that I don’t have to be on Greek land to be Greek. 

My 42km course might have been more comfortable and better hydrated than the one Pheidippides ran but our connection to the homeland was as strong.

Whatever your nationality may be, if you are far from your roots, live every day to honor them, live it, and be it.