Put Yourself Out There: Being Open Despite Being Uncomfortable

While very excited, I was quite nervous about going to a place as new and different from what I know as Seoul, but now that I am here, I am so glad I took the plunge and decided to come.

I still have more than half of my time in Seoul remaining, but the past two weeks have been incredible. I can’t think of another time in my life that I have learned so much, tried so many new things, and had this many new experiences in such a short period of time.
 

From trying new foods, to hearing and seeing an unfamiliar language, to witnessing and learning about a different culture, Seoul has been exactly the challenge I was craving.
 

As someone who tends to be somewhat shy, I really wanted to force myself to be open to anything and put myself out there, even in moments that I was embarrassed or nervous. Unsurprisingly, this has resulted in a much richer experience. Even in the smallest interactions, like ordering food, you can find positive experiences and moments that stick with you.

One moment that really impacted me was when a stranger approached my friends and I while we were sitting on a bench in Hongdae. She didn’t speak much english, so she used her phone to translate and asked my friend what perfume she was wearing because she liked the smell. I noticed she was wearing a plushie keychain on her shorts, and I had one clipped on my belt loop as well, so I gestured to it and said it was cute. Then, she unclipped it and tried to give it to me, which I tried to refuse, but she insisted. Now, I have an adorable plushie that memorializes a cute moment in Seoul and a strangers kindness.

This experience serves as a reminder for me to try to be open at all times. Be accepting of new experiences and try to make the most out of all your interactions, rather than just getting through things as quickly or efficiently as possible. 
 

Although it was totally valid to be nervous, I am so grateful I decided to come here, and now that I am, I have and will continue to make a strong effort to go out, try new things and experience as much of Seoul as I can in my time here.