My journey began approximately two years ago when I was inspired by a little black book that challenged me to do one thing everyday that scared me for 365 days. Of course, my journey along with the challenge didn't end there because I came across another book, but this time it was a little orange book that challenged me to do one thing everyday that inspired me. During this journey, I overcame some fears and still cringe at the thought of others (like rodents), but I think I learned and grew a lot about myself along the way, and I'm still learning and growing. So now, I'm on a continuous journey to explore the world while challenging and re-discovering myself. But...let's backtrack a little bit. If you follow my @cerymyjourney instagram, you may have a little insight on my journey and who I am already. I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. I went to VCU for college, and did minor traveling here and there (mostly around the states). So it's safe to say I've never really been away from home or far enough to feel completely independent. Until now. Until I found a big enough reason to push me to do what I said I wanted to do post college - I finally found my WHY. Prior to me moving to South Korea to teach, I was depressed. Everything on the outside seemed fine. I had a loving and supportive family, amazing friends, and a career doing what I love...teaching. I always had a smile on my face (and still do), but emotionally, I hit rock-bottom. I remember telling myself that I'd rather be stabbed and feel physical pain than to experience the emotional one because at least with physical pain, I knew without a doubt that it would heal. Within a week's time, a physical wound would scab up and heal itself. Whereas with emotional pain, I had no idea when the hell that shit would just go away. Days grew into weeks, weeks grew into months, and before I knew it, I had been battling depression for over a year. And then I realized, the only way I would get out of this was to truly decide that I didn't want to feel the way I did anymore. So my goal was to figure out a way to remove myself from emotional distress, both physically and emotionally. I had to refocus my energy on getting myself out. I decided I was going to finally do what I said I would do post-college. So when I wasn't teaching or preparing to teach, I drowned my time in trying to find a teaching position abroad. I made myself so desperate and determined to find an opportunity that I ended my contract near the end of the school year and decided not to re-new, just so that I wouldn't have that safe-guard cushion or excuse to not pursue what I really wanted to do. Finally, the stars aligned. I was offered a position to teach in South Korea, and on July 21st, 2015, I had my one-way plane ticket and the rest is history. It's a liberating feeling to be in control of your emotions and to understand the things you can and can't control. I've learned to accept things for what they are and understand the value of every lesson in life. I've come to appreciate hardship and sadness because without them, I wouldn't fully appreciate the everyday blessings I have and the experiences of joy...nor would I have ever realized how powerful the heart can be and its resiliency and ability to persevere. And the most important lesson - once you reach rock-bottom, there's only one direction left...and that's back up. Yours truly, Cery
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorJust a girl with a wandering soul and a burning heart filled with desire to discover the world around me and within myself. Archives
January 2017
Categories |