"Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suite on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics... Choose your future. Choose life... - "Mark Renton"
- Irvine Welsh ~ Trainspotting
Today I've heard two people, indepentantly of eachother, say to me that they had the same epihany about choosing to be happy. Its not rocket science. Its not that easy either. Sometimes its a decision we make over and over again as we wander through life. Some never make this decision. I speak of it now because I've lately also made this decision . . . to be happy. Of course I say this now as the weather is making a left turn for the better along Spring Avenue. I've returned to running and a ridiculous workout regimen again and am almost in shape again. I have a great set of friends here now in Korea. I'm looking at the teaching gig through new, experienced eyes. I'm choosing to recognize how fortunate that I am here, abroad with a job, a degree, and those that are close to me are truly wonderful people . . . here and at home.
School started again three weeks ago now and during those first two weeks I wanted nothing more than to bitch about Korea to friends and family and leave this place. I was even looking at plane tickets online. I was about to give my notice . . . for real. Then something changed. I think I got tired of listening to myself. I began to dislike the person I was becoming. So this last week I decided to choose to enjoy life in Korea. I'll still have my ups and downs I'm sure but so far this has been an excellent decision. I'm looking to take up new experiences like piano lessons and running events in Korea. I'm finally accepting the differences that I'll probably never grasp between myself and my Korean bretheren. I made fajitas for my Korean friends. I'm starting our schools frist English Club for students. I sought out amazing live Jazz here. I'm attempting to teach myself how to sing while playing more guitar than I've played in years. I'm choosing to be more me in everday life . . . for those of you who like Jason great, then you got him; if you don't like him . . . the door is just over there use it at your own discretion 'cause I'm not changing who I am for anybody. I'm choosing to be happy for what I have, where I am, and how I do things. Since last week I have to say I've been smiling a hell of a lot more. Upon hearing these two people say this as well today was refreshing. Perhaps it hadn't even occurred to me that I've done the same thing lately until I heard the second person say this. She said it was because of me, a conversation we had last night. I was sharing with her what I'm sharing with you now. I'm taking what was my personal hell two weeks ago and turned it into opportunity. Its just a choice. Its that easy. It seems way more complicated than that. It might feel like saying 'gravity' is a choice. But I after this week I really don't think it is. Perhaps it is easier for me to say this now that the above things are working for me such as the weather, friends, and experience but I've had all this for the last month and then some. It wasn't until last week though that I made that decision and I have to admit things are better. In the long run some days are better than others, sure, but why stress about the small stuff? I've discovered that if I choose to have a better attitude about . . . well, everything, then things just start snowballing into amazingness. Its like a positive vibe that is my 'light saber' for the 'dark side of the force.' Now if I could just hook up with Princess Laia that'd pretty much make my millenium.
Thank you all for listening to me bitch about this place. I feel like I've done it a bit too much and I'm sorry for that. You all have been so supportive, thank you.
Good night.
1 comment:
This is not the first time I have seen you choose to be happy, but perhaps the first time I've heard you know that you're doing it. I made the same decision nearly a year ago, and have to wake up every morning and make it over again. And it's entirely worth it. Big love to you! sio
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