I honestly forget about this blog sometimes, for weeks and in this case months on end. That, coupled with the frequent disinclination to blog, menas that my last post was in October introducing a new blog, and not only have I not blogged here, but I haven't blogged there since the first week either. I'm busy, what can I say?
Instead of trying to summarize the last 7 months, i'm just going to talk about what is making me really excited now.
After years of playing around with ideas, hoping, wishing, dreaming, I've finally decided and am taking the first big steps toward starting my own business. I have always wanted to be my own boss. Anyone who knows me knows that that's my personality. A few years ago the plan was to open a cafe, but since I've been in Istanbul teaching, there has come to mind a completely different plan. I want to start an English Training programme. I'm not really inclined to call it a course. It will involve highly commnicative techniques for improving students' fluency and accuracy in speaking English as a second language. I'm developing my own programme and materials, and I'm really excited about it. I don't want to put too much info about it here until I have a website and a contact number and brochures and business cards. But I'm excited.
The most surprising thing to me has been the rections of my friends and acquaintances. I am really nervous about this, as it's a big step, and it's a dream I've had for years, and probably the biggest thing I've done in my whole life. And as I tell people around me about it, I notice there are only two reactions. The first is always a surprise, it's the people who are absolutely thrilled about it and are immediately curious and very supportive and encouraging. I didn't really expect this. I mean, I know it's a big step for me but I don't expect others to think it's such a big step. And I'm really heartened by the waves of support and encouragement coming from all directions. The second reaction, is always even more surprising.... it's the people who have a very strong negative reaction. I don't know where it comes from. Friends have told me it stems from jealousy, but whatever it is, it's these people who, without even knowing any of the details say things like "oh how are you going to make that successful?" or "you can't do that in turkey and make money" and I guess if I even believed them a little bit, it could be discouraging, but I have full confidence in my ability and in the ingenuity of my plan and the method I plan to use, the originality and the fact that there are no competitors, also make it a sure thing.
I'm excited! I need your prayers and good thoughts....
