Someone I use to know would tell me to enjoy my time here in Korea whenever I reached out to them. That wasn’t what I wanted to hear, and I didn’t want to believe them. I had already done this, and this wasn’t what I wanted to do. Well, some 60 days later and I am doing as they said, I am enjoying myself. I want to tell them all about it, but unfortunately, we don’t really connect anymore. So, if you are reading this, I am enjoying myself and thank you. So, let me explain why I am finally enjoying myself.
This is a different type of enjoyment than I am used to. I miss my family dearly but knowing and seeing that they are taking care of business, I can loosen that emotional control I was holding on to. Also, I didn’t want to do anything “fun” because I was so irritated that I wasn’t doing it with my usual crew. Fortunately, because they are awesome, they have included me on their fun by simply having good conversations with me and I can’t wait to link back up to create new adventures.
This week started out as the usual episode of 24 for me. Little did I know that that show would prepare me for the next year. I have to be very flexible in the area I work. Flexible like Gabby Douglas or Simone Biles. Looking back over the week, I think I sat behind my desk once. I was range walking everywhere, having a car wouldn’t have mattered.
I had the privilege of escorting local nationals to a conference this week. I love learning from other cultures. During the down time, several interesting conversations took place. A very kind Sergeant Major (SGM) was present during this conference. He was there to make sure everything went smoothly. I love his approach to leading troops. He really forced those around him to think, instead of just telling them what to do. We had a conversation about knowing the difference between something being urgent and being important. The 1SG stated earlier in the conversation that most of the things that need to be done are urgent, but the SGM asked him if they were important. This conversation went on for a good hour. The few of us that were there were given a valuable lesson on learning the difference between a failed mission and a successful mission by prioritizing what is considered important and knowing that just because it’s urgent doesn’t make it important.
During some training held the next day by the Command Sergeant Major (CSM) of the region I fall under, he echoed what the kind SGM mentioned about urgency and importance. It was definitely a sign. I chuckled but started to see the bigger picture start to open up some more.
The Brigade had their annual ball. This is the first time in my career that I am part of the color guard. Not only am I a part of it, but I am in charge of making sure things go smoothly. With the guidance of such an awesome leader, we did just that. I am apart of such an awesome team. This was also my first ball without my hubby. I say it like I go to them all the time, this was actually my third ball in my 11-year career. As hubby told me when I was ugly crying in the airport the morning I flew out, “just because we are apart, doesn’t mean you are alone.” He is so correct. I ran into so many familiar faces that it put a lot of anxiety at ease. I had a great time.
Just because it is urgent doesn’t mean it is important. Well, I am no longer looking at my time here as being an urgent rotational move that is only a year long. Instead, it is important. As I stated in a previous post, I am coming into my purpose. Being here has allowed me to do something I only shared with a few people, which is my ability to motivate and inspire in a way that is relatable. It’s an important move just for the people that I have encountered here. People that you only hope to meet and call a mentor, battle, or dare I say, friend. Important is once in a while and failure would result with a great impact. Being here was important because I was ready to throw away 11 years of service because of what I can now look at as one instance. You learn from your experiences. I want to be the change I want to see, so this move is important for me, my family, and those around me that I impact.
With that being said, I will continue to enjoy my time here. I will continue to travel. I will continue to inspire.
Finally, I will try not to frown when another leader calls me highspeed here, instead I will believe them and do what I do best, smile and carry on.
I know they don't re-stuff that's this long but this was very interesting keep up the good work my love
Inspiring 💪🏽