Lots of friends and students  have been showing their 9 photos which sum up 2019, so here are mine! :-)

1. Leaving Nara.
The place we called home for 2 years. A sad time, but also the start of a new beginning. 
'Beautiful beginnings are often disguised as painful endings'

2. Teaching the elderly in Hokkaido.
This was a real pleasure and made me feel truly alive. I have always done volunteer work, but in Japan this was made very difficult due to laws etc. Being able to give back to the community was wonderful, and made me realise my true purpose in life in to serve! 

3. Becoming a certified Rescue Diver.
This was a dream come true for me! From deciding to study to get my Open Water Diving licence a few years back, to now having an Advanced Licence, Level 2 Underwater Photography and also being a fully qualified Rescue Diver. This photo was taken at the beautiful and haunting 'Anthony Gaudi' dive site in Miyakojima. It was magical and terrifying at the same time!
Dreams can come true. It is up to you to put in the effort to get you there.
No one else can do it for you!

4. Near death experiences.
I won't go into too much detail about this one, but this photo is a reminder to myself to not be reckless. There are people who love you in the world, and even if you don't believe that - there are countless people who need help and support. Dedicate yourself to others if you feel depressed. It will help them AND you to feel better.

5. My Grandmother passing away.
It is very cliche to say, but you never know when you will speak to someone for the last time. A few close people died when I was living in Japan, and I never got to say goodbye to them. But on each occassion I was content that I tried my best, and my last time to see or speak to them was a good one. Never leave a situation with a negative feeling. Always do your best to maintain positive relationships.

6. Completing the 3-Peaks 24 Hour Challenge.
Almost immediately after returning to the UK from Japan I set about to complete this great challenge for charity.
Climb up and down the three tallest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales, plus driving time, all in 24 hours. This was a wonderful experience and made all the better with such a great team.

7. Continuing the service back in the UK.
Since returning to the UK I have started setting up a free, local 5km walk/run every weekend for the members of the public. 
I was so happy to see 270 people turn up early on Christmas day (many in Santa and reindeer outfits!!!) despite it being such an important day. People can exercise, make friends and get out in nature. All for free. Some of the comments I have received from participants have made it all worthwhile, and I will continue to do this work.

8. Winning my first race in America.
I have been racing ultra marathons for a few years now, and placed top 10 on occassion, but never actually won a race before. In Boulder, Colorado my time finally came. I had to push beyond what I thought was possible, and raced 100 miles (161km) through the night, in a storm at altitude. But somehow it worked out for the best and I won. While winning races is not actually important to me, this event was significant as it shows that I can achieve ANYTHING if I put my mind to it. You can too.

9. Lewes, East Sussex.
The base for our new lives.
After a few journeys outside of London to the countryside, we decided that this town is perfect for us. Hundreds of miles of nature surrounding a charming little town. I have discovered a way to achieve my dream and embark on a new career, whilst maintaining my teaching and training business too. More on this to come in the future.
The future is unwritten, and it is up to you to create.
If you are not happy with your life - change it. Only you have the power.

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So there you have it - 9 scenes which sum up my 2019.

Of course, 2019 wouldn't be such a magical year without my lifelong partner - Ashley.

These scenes reflect certain moments which will shape the rest of my life, but in truth there were thousands, and it was hard to choose.

2019 was full of extreme highs, but also extreme lows.
But in a way, that is balance too.

Let's make sure 2020 is our best year yet.

Take care everyone, and have a wonderful day.

David

I am a highly experienced professional English teacher, Yoga Instructor, Tai Chi teacher, Nutrition Consultant and Personal Trainer from London, UK. I recently left London to work and travel around Japan on a with my best friend and longtime girlfriend Ashley (who is also a teacher on Cafetalk : https://cafetalk.com/tutors/profile/?id=54542&lang=en ). 
We decided to come back to the UK in May 2019 after 2 incredible years spent in Japan :-)
The journey is not over, and our travelling is about to continue! Please check out my columns for fitness tips, travel updates, philosophical thoughts and more!
We love sharing adventures travelling, teaching, exploring and understanding new cultures. We hope to speak with you soon!

www.perfectbalancefitness.co.uk - My website
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