Japanese retiree, husband, traveling & walking lover. I love sharing thoughts and ideas on life and current topics with various people.
Japan
Joined July 2023
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I’m sharing a series of essay-based videos about life and work on my channel (youtube.com/@GreenPoolsChann…). If any catch your interest, I’d be delighted if you took a look and enjoyed them—each is about 15 minutes long. 📽️🎞️
Continuing even what is important, good, and necessary is hard, as the Japanese proverb Mikka Bouzu—“three-day monk”—describes those who can’t persist. By turning small tasks into daily habits, we can continue naturally, reduce stress, and one day be amazed at how far we’ve come.
Social media makes it easy to express opinions and criticize others, sometimes at the expense of achieving results. Although taking action with balanced judgment involves the risk of failure, embracing that risk and persevering toward positive outcomes is a worthwhile endeavor.
Minimizing uncertainties at the planning stage is essential, since unexpected events will inevitably arise during execution. Doing so prevents new problems from compounding while we respond to situations—a principle obvious in theory but often overlooked by the inexperienced.
Even a complex and daunting problem need not be feared if others have successfully solved similar problems before. By carefully organizing the facts, identifying causes, and simplifying the problem, we can clear our minds, reduce stress, and approach the solution positively.
Ryokan Ara (1928–2019), a Japanese Buddhist monk, once said, “It doesn’t turn out the way you thought, but it turns out the way it was done.” Though life rarely follows our wishes, expectations, and plans, its outcomes reflect the sincerity of our choices, actions, and efforts.
After overcoming a formidable obstacle, care for your mind and body and treat yourself to something special to renew your inner energy. Likewise, show the same appreciation to those who helped you along the way, as your gratitude may give them renewed energy as well.
No matter our age, sincere praise for even small, uncertain efforts brings lasting happiness and meaning, and boosts self-esteem. Giving it takes very little effort, yet we often neglect it, so I gently remind myself to be more intentional—starting with those closest to me.
We often realize that the ordinary routines we take for granted are actually miracles only when they are gone. Recognizing this brings gratitude and encourages small preventive measures, which, when taken casually, are easier to sustain without feeling overly restrictive.
When vague anxieties arise, facing ourselves, carefully analyzing the facts, and writing down causes and solutions helps reduce worry and motivates us to act with a positive attitude. Even if our actions fail, valuable lessons learned become stepping stones for improved results.
Regardless of formal academic background, a humble person who stays true to themselves, with a strong desire to learn, a mindset for improvement, constant curiosity, and willingness to act & learn from failures, can become a person of distinction in any field over a few decades.
Even when life keeps us busy with endless obligations, using brief moments to focus on what truly matters nurtures peace of mind and lasting inner fulfillment. Over time, these small but consistent efforts gradually transform harsh fate into a brighter, better destiny ahead.
Even those who have passed away but once profoundly touched our lives continue to live deep within our hearts. When we are completely unsure which path to take on life’s journey, their words and way of life often come to mind, guiding us toward a path we will not regret.
In Buddhism, the saying “Ordinary people are full of worldly desires and passions” reminds us everyone is bound by desires, which lead to error, suffering, and ego-driven judgments. By recognizing this, we can let go of the need to be right, reduce blame, and cultivate tolerance.
Rather than dwelling on what cannot be changed, a positive mindset can make a meaningful difference. It is like the familiar image of a glass being “half-empty” or “half-full”: when something must be done regardless, choosing the latter perspective is more constructive.
