I've been contemplating the social aspect of my company, Flipside Fitness, for quite some time now but I told myself that things would pick up once the cold weather hits Cheonan. Hiking apparently is my strong competitor for weekend activities, or so it feels like. I posted a question on my Flipside Fitness Facebook page, asking my members to check off why they don't come to social events. I was curious, I really wanted to know what I could change, add, or do to not only get a stronger commitment and attendance from them but build a stronger, bigger community among us ladies. I then wrote about this situation on my homepage, pressed enter so that it'd be published and then went about the rest of the day. Well, I got a response to my homepage entry. It was from someone named Alex, and this is what they wrote:
"Honestly, it kind of sounds like you're lecturing them - do you say these things to them in real life? Most foreigners come to Korea as a travelling experience, and as something to do for a few years before getting a job back home. It's mostly low stress, and mostly fun, and for a lot of people, it's their first time living on their own. I'm not sure that I'd really want to get involved in something if the person in charge was making me feel guilty for not showing up consistently. Just a thought."
This was EXACTLY what I needed to hear, not because it was supporting me (because it wasn't) but because it made clear what has so obviously doesn't phase me anymore.
Alex, thank you.
You were exactly right, we're foreigners here. I knew this but in me being here now 8 years I definitely don't view Cheonan as my temporary home. I've been making roots here, getting myself grounded, and so yes, I clearly lost sight of the fact that not every foreigner makes Korea their home away from home. Actually, this isn't my home away from home, this IS my home. After I read your comment Alex, I felt terrible for sounding like I was lecturing them, I never met to come across as that, but it definitely made me rethink how I think about them all. It was a good reality check, a much needed reflection of how I lived, what I thought, and how carefree I was when I first came to Korea. I didn't come here thinking I'd be staying him more than a year so yes, I went month-by-month with my gym membership and wasn't one for committing to anything beyond plans for that day.
So thank you Alex. It sounded so common sense when I read it but in a way it no longer is for me. I've changed a lot in 8 years and so while I'm grounded here and not living on any kind of set due date, I definitely have to remind myself that others are only plan to be temporarily here. Thanks for the reminder, much appreciated and much needed.
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