I caught myself comparing my life to others as I was reflecting on 2014. It’s not a healthy thing to do, I know this, but with social media it’s sometimes hard not to. I love seeing what friends are up to and it’s certainly a good way to stay in touch and share the joys of life when you’re separated by mountains and oceans, but at times it has caused me to question where I’m at in my life. This past year, my Facebook and Instagram feeds were full of marriages, engagements, babies, new home ownership and career success—all things that don’t appear to be in the near future for me but are currently happening for everyone my age, or so it seems.
2014 did not pan out the way I’d envisioned it to at all. Most people can probably say that, however. It was exciting, challenging, scary, frustrating, and at times quite lonely (the cockroaches I’ve been sharing my apartment with aren’t very good company). I moved to Korea without preparing myself for what would happen if I didn’t love living here. The possibility of not loving it just didn’t cross my mind. I don’t mean for that to sound like I haven’t enjoyed myself, because I really have, and I’m incredibly grateful for my experiences here. In no way do I regret the decision to pack up, sell everything and move here. I still sometimes wonder why and how I even got here, but I’m glad I did, despite all of the unexpected difficulties.
The other day I received an email from a friend who mentioned how much respect they had for me for being so bold and adventurous. It’s funny how much a simple statement like that can mean. Bold is not a word I would use to describe myself, and it’s like it made me suddenly realize whoa, I totally moved to the other side of the world. I’ve received plenty of encouragement from my family and from David and those that read this blog (thanks, guys 😉 ), but something about hearing those words from a friend far removed while I’d just been thinking to myself I could have been a stronger person this past year, made me feel pretty good. I did not accomplish or experience the things my friends did last year, or perhaps it’s just the things I’m longing for, but I do think my year was equally great in a very different way.
This year I will always remember to focus on living my unique, extraordinary life. I will appreciate the here and now and what is right before me. My time in Korea will come to an end in just over 6 weeks, and a lot of unknown lies ahead as I face living in a new city and begin the search for a new job, possibly a new career. I am trusting that my life will pan out as it’s meant to, and I will savor each chapter along the way. 2015, I am ready for you. I have a feeling it’ll be a good year.
A Pocketful of Kimchi 
Dear Emily, remember us? We’re friends of your mom and Rick. We have been followers of your blog since your mom forwarded your first posting. I’ve meant to comment a number of times, and this post was so compelling I finally had to do it. We have been so very impressed with your writing, musings, subject choices, sense of humor, and fantastic photography artistry! Your express yourself in such an easy, readable style, yet manage to be witty, thoughtful (insightful), and provocative in your word and subject choices. I think you are not bold, but BRAVE in taking the job assignment and sticking with it for the year. It speaks of an ability to persevere but even more, it shows your keen desire to accomplish something extraordinary. This post, as well as earlier ones, moved me to tears. 2015 will indeed be another great year for you, because YOU will make it so. And your life will never be a measure of what others do in theirs. You have a gift, one I’m afraid I will miss when ‘A Pocketful of Kimchi’ ends. All the best, and we hope to see you in FL when you return. Laura (and Mark)
Hi Laura! Thank you so much. Your comments mean a lot and I’m happy you’ve enjoyed reading my blog. Maybe I’ll start a new one when I begin the chapter after Korea…we’ll see. 🙂 I am looking forward to seeing you guys in FL in February!