A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  There is a Japanese proverb that says, “A big house, big winds.” Literally, it means that the larger the house, the stronger the winds that blow against it. Figuratively, it suggests that the greater a person's status or wealth, the greater the challenges and worries they will face. In other words, each person carries burdens that are appropriate to their circumstances. From my own experience, I have learned that it is difficult to truly understand another person’s situation without having walked in their shoes. For instance, one cannot fully grasp the emotions and realities of retirement until they have experienced it firsthand. When I retired, I found that the experience was not quite as I had imagined. It was a reminder that perspectives often shift when we live through something ourselves rather than viewing it from the outside.

  When we achieve a goal and enjoy the afterglow of accomplishment, a sense of stagnation can gradually set in. At such moments, finding a new goal and shifting our direction allows us to regain momentum. By integrating a routine aligned with this new objective into our daily lives, we continue moving forward with renewed energy. This cycle of progression is essential not only for growth but also for a fulfilling life.

  One of the most commonly heard regrets from elderly people, regardless of their place of origin, is not having taken on the challenges their hearts truly desired. In contrast, those who have lived true to their inner voice have inevitably faced numerous obstacles, experienced failures, learned from them, and ultimately persevered throughout their lives. This is why even the simplest words spoken by such elders carry weight and deeply resonate in our hearts.