‘I would always choose peace and love over war.’
Adi is 28 and lives together with her fiancée right in the center of vibrate Tel Aviv. Family life is really important to Adi and she can’t wait to start a big one of her own.
What does happiness mean to you?
To not overthink life. Do what you love and don’t worry too much about the consequences of your choices. Live a life in the now. I am at a point in my life I have everything I desire; the best fiancée, a healthy family, a good job and a nice apartment. I am happy with the way things are, if you think too much about it you forget to appreciate what you have.
What is your background?
I am born and raised in Haifa, the north of Israel. I am an only child; my dad is Israeli and my mom from Chicago. My childhood was a happy one; I had a lot of friends and was a good student. After I finished high school as a custom Israeli obligation I joined the army. For girls its two and guys three years. The army wants to be in contact with local communities and my task was to visit facilities that help children with special needs. I taught the children about the army and what we do. I could go home to my family three times a month. The army was a very good experience to me; it made me independent and grow up fast. I don’t believe in war, but if you live in Israel it is an obligation, we need an army, we have too many enemies. I would always choose peace and love over war. But I am realistic person its just not the place we are yet. At the age of 21 I started university as an industrial engineering and management student. During my study I met Rom my fiancée.
Where do you stand in life?
I feel good; I feel I am on the right track. Currently I work 12 hours a day to bear the costs of living in Tel Aviv and I would love to get those hours down before I have children. For now it’s the price I pay for a good career. It’s not easy to live in Tel Aviv, I really don’t understand how people live here without getting support from their parents. I realize I am very lucky being in the position to experience live in Tel Aviv as a starter. At one point I will definitely move to a village and a more natural environment for children to grow up.
Are you familiar with the 30 years dilemma?
Yes I am, if I had the opportunity to postpone children I would do so. That way I would have more time to set up my career, work on myself and be more fit. These are the beautiful years of your life, but I also want a big family and don’t want to wait to long with that.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Do you have a dream?
In ten years I would like to have children, I hope to be in a job that challenges me without consuming a lot of my time. I live in the countryside near Haifa, close to my parents and I would love to have animals and grow my own veggies.
What wise lesson did your parents teach you?
To communicate in a respectful way; you can solve everything without shouting. Be a good listener and have respect for other people’s opinion.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To choose one hobby and don’t be too much all over the place. If you know how to dance or to sing and you enjoy it, focus on that. I tried out a lot of sports and hobbies growing up, never concentrated on one thing. I notice that even now I find it sometimes difficult to persist and maintain something.
When was your last moment of happiness?
Last week at a desert festival I felt very happy and super proud of myself. At home I am addicted to cleaning and with all these dust I had to make peace with my addiction. I had dust all over me and in my tent and I didn’t give a shit. It was a true personal victory.
Under the same sun is an ongoing travel log which you can follow on our travel and lifestyle blog Meet You at the Bridge. The reports show the similarities and differences on what it means to be happy for women between the ages of 25 and 35 who hail from different cultures.
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