After weathering some lazy bouts of writer's block, my best course of action is to write my mind - and lately my second round of six-month teacher-training has dominated that head space. Today, just as most native teachers regain the pleasure (or curse) of teaching students in-person once again, our in-person classes with Korean teacher-trainees … Continue reading Round 2 of Teacher Training
Self-Protective Self-Criticism
Source: Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff Bold italicized sentences indicate book quotes. Why are so many of us so hard on ourselves? It feels counter-intuitive. We want to succeed and become the best versions of ourselves. It makes no sense to self-sabotage with self-destructive thinking. Kristen Neff, psychologist and self-compassion specialist, suggests a straightforward explanation for … Continue reading Self-Protective Self-Criticism
Chewing Over Adler – Trauma Does Not Exist
CLICK HERE for an opposite, measured interpretation. Back in January, a co-worker of mine lent me a book - The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. I crushed it in a weekend, basking in insight while pickling in uncomfortable ideas. But I enjoyed it so much, I cracked open their second … Continue reading Chewing Over Adler – Trauma Does Not Exist
The Perils of Optimal
In the self-help community, the word “optimal” surfaces as a staple buzzword - especially in the introduction to the Tim Ferriss Show. YouTube videos all contain titles that suggest optimal performance tips. “The optimal way to lose weight.” “The optimal way to grow huge muscles.” “The optimal way to study.” “The optimal way to teach.” … Continue reading The Perils of Optimal
Lesson Planning Tips For New Native Teachers
Welcome back! While most native teachers slated to start in April have postponed their travel until August, a few have migrated from other positions within Korea to begin their public school journeys. We've all been new ESL teachers at one point. Moving abroad, flying thousands of miles, settling into a new community, and adapting to … Continue reading Lesson Planning Tips For New Native Teachers
The World On Pause
The world feels frozen - as if aliens paused their intergalactic DVR episode of Earth to use the toilet and pop some more corn. California ordered the entire state to shelter in place. The U.S. ascended intro the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some days I do nothing, yet feel like everything is changing. These … Continue reading The World On Pause
You Never Forget Your First Farewell
As the world descends into physical distancing, handwashing, panic, and pandemic, mid-February feels like several lifetimes ago. And yet the end of my first six-month teacher-training program etched memories on my mind that will last a lifetime. I still remember the aching awkwardness as I started work at the Institute. The previous class of 16 … Continue reading You Never Forget Your First Farewell
I Still Suck At Asking For Help
After retreating from my locked apartment in defeat with nothing but the clothes on my back, I slunk into my classroom for some refuge from the swirling island winds. But before I slipped into sleep, thoughts flitted across my mental sky like shooting stars."You should let someone know. Maybe they can call a locksmith, or at … Continue reading I Still Suck At Asking For Help
I Suck at Asking for Help
As we all settle into this world-consuming viral reality, I've found more time to reflect on my relationships with others. For the past year, I’ve immersed myself in self-development podcasts like The Art of Charm or The Jordan Harbinger Show and felt the same messages bludgeon themselves into my mind. The most lasting lesson of … Continue reading I Suck at Asking for Help
Teacher Training Reflections – First Program (Part One)
https://youtu.be/j-gOJRndXZg As we cross over into February, my first 6-month program as a teacher-trainer is drawing to a close. I feel like it was yesterday that I showed up at JIEI as a fresh teacher-trainer scared out my mind with little dribbles of pee running down my leg as I stepped in front of my … Continue reading Teacher Training Reflections – First Program (Part One)
