Reflections on Personal Growth and Perception

Throughout my life, I've encountered numerous circumstances that have tested my perspective and resilience. In each of these situations, I've made a conscious effort to give people the benefit of the doubt. This approach isn't about naivety; it's about trying to see things from different angles, to understand the full picture before jumping to conclusions. This doesn't mean I'm immune to taking things personally. As human beings, we're inherently emotional creatures, and it's natural for certain situations or interactions to affect us on a deeper level.

The Shifting Sands of Human Attitudes

One of the most fascinating aspects of human nature is how our attitudes towards others can change over time. As we interact and experience different situations, our perceptions and feelings evolve. It's a reminder that relationships are dynamic, not static.

Despite my best efforts to remain objective, there are moments when I can't help but feel personally affected. And you know what? That's okay. It's part of being human, part of being engaged with the world around us.

The Universal Comparison Game

Let's be honest for a moment – we all have times when we feel we're better than others in some way. It's a universal human trait, this tendency to compare ourselves to those around us. The key is recognizing this impulse for what it is and not letting it control our actions or attitudes.

Interestingly, I've noticed that those who view others negatively often do so because of their own insecurities. It's as if their inner struggles cast shadows on how they perceive the world and the people in it. Understanding this has helped me approach criticism and negative perceptions with more empathy and less defensiveness.

Embracing Imperfection and Growth

As I look back on my journey, I feel a sense of pride. Not because every decision was perfect – far from it. But because each choice, each misstep, and each success has contributed to who I am today. I've learned to embrace the imperfections in my journey, recognizing them as opportunities for growth rather than failures.

The Path Forward

As I continue on this journey of self-discovery and growth, I'm learning to balance self-assurance with humility, realism with optimism. It's about maintaining a positive perspective while also being grounded in the realities of life.

To anyone reading this who's on their own path of self-reflection: embrace your journey in its entirety. Acknowledge your strengths without dismissing others. Strive to see the world clearly, but don't let it harden your heart. Give people chances, but also honor your own feelings and experiences.

Remember, your path is uniquely yours. The decisions you've made, the challenges you've overcome, the growth you've achieved – these are all part of your individual story. Be proud of how far you've come, and look forward to the growth still to come.

In the end, our perceptions – of ourselves and others – are powerful forces in shaping our experiences. By approaching life with openness, self-awareness, and a willingness to grow, we can navigate its complexities with grace and authenticity.

Hazuki : August

 

It was the late 19th century when the solar calendar was introduced to Japan from Western countries for the first time. Until then, the old calendar known as the lunisolar calendar was officially used.

Each month has another name with different meanings in the old calendar. The kanji used in those names represents the meaning, which gives people a clue to guess the origin of its name. They are still occasionally used in daily situations, and it will be helpful and fun to learn the Japanese name of the month

In the old Japanese lunar calendar, the month of August is called Hazuki.

Hazuki is commonly understood as a month of falling leaves. 

When summer ends, the leaves (“葉/Ha” in Japanese) turn to a different color and start to fall, getting ready for the next season: fall.

As there is a slight difference in the dates between the old Japanese lunar calendar and the current solar calendar, since the old Japanese lunar calendar begins in mid-February, the eighth month - Hazuki, corresponds from mid-September to mid-October.

Frays

 The way we tie ourselves to one another, and the way that bond can fray.

Relationships are hard work. They're full of pain, betrayal, and heartbreak. Sometimes you'll be holding on for dear life and wondering if it's worth it. And then there are times when you're just exhausted by the whole thing—you know? It can leave you feeling like you don't know who you are anymore.

If you're in a relationship with someone who is hurting you (physically or emotionally), you may feel like you have no choice but to hold on. You might feel like you're afraid of what will happen if you leave and how it will affect your life, your child's life, or your family's life. But the truth is that most people can't see themselves doing anything else once they've been hurt by someone else in a relationship. They feel trapped by the idea of having to start over again from scratch—they don't want to go through the pain of losing another person again and starting over yet again. And so they stay where they are, even though it hurts them badly.

It's not even really about the other person—it's about what they bring out in you and how they make you feel about yourself. What they do isn't right, but you deserve better than them—you deserve someone who will treat you well and make you feel secure in your life together.

Trust is what makes a relationship work—without it, nothing else will survive. Trust is what keeps you going when things get hard and painful. And trust is what ensures that your partner will have your back, no matter what.

Junior Highschooler

 My daughter just graduated from Elementary, and now she is in Junior High school.

Like any parent, I can't stop feeling emotional.

At this point, I think I need to share that my daughter is a special child. She has a very mild developmental disability and it was very challenging for me how to raise her "correctly". I have researched online, read too many articles, and also took an online Educational Psychology course just so I will be able to give her intervention and take her in the right direction.

Her nursery intervention school teachers were great but I didn't have the best experience in her Kindergarten, especially with the other parents, so I was very scared to enroll her in a regular Elementary school. I researched about home-schooling, but unfortunately, there was not enough information at that time. Thankfully, there were helpful teachers that guided her through the 6 years.

Honestly, I am not fond of the school system in Japan. Yes, the academic system is maybe one of the best as it teaches discipline and perseverance, but growing up in a Catholic school, I feel that there is a lack of discussion on morals and ethics. There is a clear hierarchy among the school year levels which is one cause of bullying, and there are rigid rules that are not inclusive and diverse for all.

Either way, now that she is in Junior high school, I am still hoping that she would be able to absorb the necessary knowledge and grow up to be a holistic individual.