Generally, I do not touch on political themes simply because I have enormous respect for different viewpoints, and I always try to seek knowledge and information to make my own decisions. This reflection has no political intent; it is merely a broad perspective from a citizen who loves the world we live in.
However, we are living through intense and decisive moments in the world. Strong feelings are surfacing in every corner of the earth, both in the West and the East. And every day the media bombards us with alerts and updates on so many important and crucial topics that are unfolding with incredible speed.
Reflecting on citizenship and patriotism with all their definitions, it becomes inevitable not to notice and think that both should always be together, as one complements the other in terms of affinity and tuning. A simplified definition is that “citizenship would be the exercise of your rights and 
duties and patriotism the feeling you have in reference to your homeland.” Remembering that being patriotic does not mean you agree with the type of government in power, but rather love for your land of origin or your country of choice. Many end up leaving their country and venture to immigrate to others for various reasons.
Still, it is important that as children of the same homeland, regardless of all our differences and diversity, our admiration, respect, and sense of unity connect us in a unique and valuable way. A union for a common love.
We are indeed different from one another due to our dreams and purposes that make us unique individuals. And it is in this vessel of dreams and personal projects that we embark far from our country of origin. Physically far, because in a very special and unique way, distance is incapable of separating feelings and erasing the good experiences lived that accompany us in our baggage and never get left behind.
In my case, being a citizen of two extraordinary countries with such different cultures, even with so many distinctions, they face different problems with some similar difficulties. I often mention to some close friends that, having survived the terrorist attack on American soil, it was as if part of me had died and something was born that day in that place.
Something difficult to explain in a few words, this unique and impactful experience, which, starting from a feeling, began to generate an emotion. Regardless of how to describe this feeling, I feel honored with this special and unique connection. I must admit that I have come to see the world through a broader and more comprehensive perspective in many ways.
However, having survived so many adverse circumstances, destiny showed me both negative and positive personal emotions and experiences that cannot be denied; the love, affection, and respect I have for the country I live in is enormous. Over time, the decision to become a citizen flowed naturally. May everyone feel this special feeling with the countries they choose and be able to unite the present with the past as a whole to soften 
any sense of rupture. It is an incredible feeling; it is undoubtedly an honor.
Therefore, regardless of the situation and personal reasons that lead or do not lead a person to obtain dual citizenship, or even in maintaining pride for their homeland, may it always be with love, respect, pride, and honor.
Embrace the new homeland that welcomed you with the same honor and love. So, let us be more vigilant and open to opinions and updates for the common good of the homeland and with our compatriots. We do not need to agree with any politician to be or demonstrate our patriotism.
So I conclude with a famous quote from an illustrious doctor who went through many situations and still had the energy to inspire changes for us to reflect: “What worries me is not the cry of the corrupt, the violent, the dishonest, the without character, the without ethics… What worries me is the silence of the good.” Martin Luther King
Always smile at the world! Always!
ADRIANA MALUENDAS
Author & Writer
www.alemdasexplosoes.com.br