2016 has definitely had its ups and downs (more downs than ups it seems). As the insane year is finally coming to a close, I think it’s a perfect time for me to reflect on the GOOD that has happened this year. I’d like to share these moments with you, and hopefully bring a little sunshine to your week. Here we go – My Top Moments of 2016 – A Year in Review!
Professionally
Being promoted to Editor in Chief – I started writing for The Daegu Compass shortly after arriving in Daegu. This year, they asked me to take on the role as Editor in Chief. It has been a challenging and incredibly rewarding experience.
Networking with some awesome bloggers – I’ve made a concerted effort to put myself out there with blogging this year, and have met (errr kinda) some wonderful bloggers – Duke Stewart, The Next Somewhere, Hair to There, and many many others have really welcomed me in to the blogging world and have been great inspirations to me.
Teaching Tailgating to elementary school students – I was able to choose my lesson this year at Global Station and it was so much fun getting to teach Korean elementary school students some of the aspects of American tailgating culture.
Realizing how much I enjoy teaching adults – I’ve been fortunate enough to teach a Teachers Training Course, two Intermediate Principal’s classes, and two Intermediate Citizens classes. The students have all been an absolute delight and I hope I get the opportunity to teach adults again.
Finally sticking my neck out there – My friend Michael has been telling me for ages to let go of my fears and really put myself out there with my writing and photography. It FINALLY sunk in about a month ago (I’m a bit slow sometimes) and it has really paid off. The few wins I’ve had over the last month have given me the strength to push even harder over the next year. Thank you Michael 🙂
Exploring
Seeing Adam and visiting Tokyo – One of my very best friends from England, Adam, met me in Tokyo for summer vacation. It had been a long 4 years since we had seen each other and it meant the world to me that he made the huge effort to come hang with me.
Eating Kobe Beef with my besties – I took not one, but TWO trips to Japan this year. On my second trip, with some of my favorite Daegu people, I got to eat Kobe beef IN KOBEÂ – an absolutely amazing experience and a wonderful trip with my friends.
Glamping for the first time ever – My good friends Nancy, Joseph, Arlene, and Jonathan invited me to go glamping (glamorous + camping) with them in Gyeongju. It was the perfect level of roughing it and I had an fantastic time – especially when Joseph played DJ.
Finally making it to the Garden of the Morning Calm – The ONE place I absolutely wanted to visit in Korea was the Garden of the Morning Calm. I finally made it there this autumn and it did not disappoint.
The Food
The Food…enough said – This has been my year for food – just LOOK!!
Personal Growth
Learning to speak my truth – A couple friends have been working with me to finally put myself, my health, and my needs first. I have bad habits of saying yes when I should say no, allowing inconsiderate people to remain in my life, and not listening to my body when it tells me to slow down. I’m finally learning how much happier (and healthier) I am when I put myself first for a change.
Making friendships that will last a lifetime – Over the past year, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet Michael, who has become a second brother to me. He has been there for me through thick and thin and challenges me to let go of my fears and stand up for myself. Within the past couple of months (always happens toward the end of my stay somewhere), I’ve also been lucky enough to meet Gwendolyn. It didn’t take me long to realize that she and I will remain good friends for the rest of our lives. I’ve met some absolutely amazing people over the last year – my G-Station peeps and the Sinmae/Wolchon crew particularly. I consider myself very fortunate to call you my friends 🙂
2016 has been a rough year in many respects, but it is really important for me to take a step back and focus on the positive. Thank you for reading my ‘Year in Review’. I welcome 2017 with wide-open arms and look forward to achieving my goals in the new year! Linds xoxo