Starting Up: Goals, Hopes, and Rambles

For someone who loves writing as much as I do, I have never written a blog post.

They are such a foreign concept to me that it wasn't until I researched starting one when I noticed just how personal, creative, and simply fun they are! I found myself questioning why I hadn't started a blog sooner, but of course, I know the answer: I was terrified of sharing my writing on a public platform. To me, it has always been something private. I keep it close to my heart as something that I can lose myself in; something that no one else can judge.

But with so many life changes occurring all at once, what's one more?

I want to use this to share my life in Japan with people back home. Think of it as a (somewhat) real-time account to keep everyone up to speed without needing to constantly touch base with individual friends and family.  Or rather, a way I can keep my thoughts together in the chaos, and keep track of which stories I’ve shared. I know I love to talk, but it saves my breath, and it’ll save people from hearing the same story three times since I can’t remember who I said what to.

I’d also like to provide some information about moving to Japan, specifically through the JET Programme. When I was dipping my toes into the world of teaching abroad, I had so many questions that I couldn’t find answers to. Most of the information was repetitive (which, of course, makes sense since it’s usually the most important) or it focused on negative aspects. Moving abroad is difficult and uncomfortable. There are going to be negatives for a while until you find your groove…but I’ll check back in a month and let you know since I can’t speak on the matter right now. I want to highlight the positives while dealing with the circumstances, and provide just a little bit of assurance for anyone hoping to take on such an incredible adventure!

As I said before, this is my first blog. It will come with its own challenges and learning curves. I’m ready to take it on, and hopefully you’ll be there to see my progress, and probably laugh at me when I get it wrong.