English from Brasil #44 | The Opposite Experiment
Na edição anterior: English from Brasil #43 | Bingo! Small Steps, Big Changes
Hello, hello!
Um causo
Um dos meus apelidos nada carinhosos era Do Contra (lembra aquele personagem da Turma da Mônica?). Mas, toda vez que me chamavam assim, eu ficava furiosa e virava logo a Mônica. Quase sempre bravinha.
Esses dias, pensando nisso, percebi que ser do contra me trouxe muita coisa boa: experiências e oportunidades mais alinhadas com o que eu realmente queria.
Alguns anos atrás, enquanto ainda lutava para seguir um plano super rígido que eu mesma tinha traçado (e que não conseguia cumprir), parei para refletir. Além das metas que consegui alcançar com esforço e planejamento, também houve conquistas inesperadas—coisas que aconteceram ao acaso, simplesmente porque eu tive a flexibilidade de aceitar caminhos fora do plano original.
Ser do contra quase sempre foi bom—só os apelidos maldosos que não. Engraçado perceber que, no fim das contas, ir contra o esperado muitas vezes me levou exatamente para onde eu queria estar.
A quote
“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” — Tony Robbins
A lesson: The Opposite Experiment
Sometimes, we get stuck in routines, habits, or ways of thinking without even realizing it. What if, just for fun, you tried doing the opposite of what you’d normally do? That’s the idea behind the Opposite Experiment!
Your Task:
1️⃣ Think of a small, everyday situation where you usually act or react in a certain way.
2️⃣ Now, do the opposite! If you always take the same route home, try a different one. If you usually say “no” to something, say “yes.” If you avoid small talk, start a conversation.
3️⃣ Observe what happens. Did you learn something new? Did it feel strange, exciting, or even better than expected?
Reflection:
Write a few sentences about your experience. What did you do differently? How did it feel? Would you try it again?
This is all about experimenting with small shifts—no pressure, just curiosity!
A question
Have you ever changed a habit or way of thinking and been surprised by the result? What happened?
(This is really silly, but I have sensitive gums and my dentist has told me off a few times and strongly recommended I brush my teeth GENTLY! I use an electric toothbrush and recently started brushing my teeth with my less dominant hand. In the past I could never do it and I think I might “master” it soon)
FIVE Random Things
🛋️ Have you ever read Turma da Monica in English? [link]
📿This is also nostalgic for me [link]
🚗 Car suspension test [link]
🪴 I want this so so so badly! [link] and I want it NOW!
🎧 I want a house - This is a great song to practice singing in English! [link]
Glossary
gums: the firm area of flesh around the roots of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
to tell off: (informal) reprimand or scold someone.
Se você gostou dessa edição, encaminha para os amigos?
See you next week! 👋🏽
Karen Rito
English from Brasil 🌎✨