I've had some amazing experiences: I met great people from all around the world; I learned parts of a language that I couldn't even initially differentiate from others; I finished my first 10k; I know how to use public transportation (!!!); I went to uniquely Korean places in Bulguksa Temple and a mud festival; I've happily watched the sunrise more times than I can count.
And some not-so-good ones: FIFTH GRADERS; I've gotten hopelessly lost; My iPad was broken; I've had 50+ mosquito bites; Two words—butt shot; I've been homesick; My co-teacher sometimes lacks common sense; Oh, and Korea has seasonal weather (think below freezing in the winter, disgustingly humid in the summer and more recently, typhoons).
I came across an article in the Opinion section of the NY Times (full article here) a few weeks ago that sums up my experience using slightly more erudite language:
Our wandering is meant to lead back toward ourselves. This is the paradox: we set out on adventures to gain deeper access to ourselves; we travel to transcend our own limitations. Travel should be an art through which our restlessness finds expression. We must bring back the idea of travel as a search.Which led me to this:
God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.I'm not necessarily religious, but it's basic logic made sense. So with that in mind, I'm looking to focus my efforts on circumstances that I have the power to change; as the article above states, my travel has definitely gone full circle as a search within myself and of my ability to "transcend [my own] limitations."
I've slowly been having a more negative view of my time here, but it wasn't until a conversation this past weekend that I was finally able to accept that it's all in my head. And that I can change how I perceive this experience. I was starting my days with a defeatist attitude instead of looking to what I could accomplish in that next 24 hours. So here's to changing my mindset in order to enjoy the six months that I have left in this wonderful country, one day at a time.
xo
It's easy to feel down here sometimes. The crazy weather along with the ridiculousness of this country can really be hard to deal with sometimes! So I feel ya, and yes...it's about that mindset and one day at a time!
ReplyDeleteHaha I just have "Because it's Korea" replaying in my head :) Thanks for the words of encouragement! I just finished your blog post about your disagreements with Korea and I could not agree more. Day by day!!
ReplyDeleteHave you decided what you're doing for Chuseok? I might try out a temple stay!