If I hadn't pushed myself to try new things, whether it was speaking Korean, asking a new person to hang out or trying new food, I would've never had all of the amazing experiences I've had so far! My goal from now on is to continue trying new things and pushing myself out of my comfort zone (I am going paragliding in a couple of weeks!).
2. It's Okay to Embarrass Yourself - Laugh About It!
I embarrass myself pretty much every day here. That's normal! I'm still in a pretty new environment. I didn't grow up in Korea, and there are lots of things I still have to learn. Whether it's failing to speak Korean, teaching a class my kids are bored in, falling on my face at the gym (twice so far) or taking the wrong bus and ending up in a different city - I realize that it's all part of learning. If I laugh at myself instead of feeling ashamed, then other people feel more comfortable around me too!
It's also important to remember to find comfort. Embarrassment is normal, and although I do laugh it off, it's important to take time for myself to feel comforted. For me, it's always comforting to watch my favorite TV show, call my friends and family and pet the cat that lives outside my school (she reminds me of my pets from home).
3. There's Always Room to Grow
Although I've accomplished a lot here so far, there's always room to grow. I constantly remind myself that there's always something new to learn. I still make mistakes and embarrass myself, but I use those times as opportunities to ask questions about what I can do better next time. It's always important to remember that everybody is different, no matter what culture they are from. I try to always look for the best in people and in myself too!
