A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  It is easy to say we should distance ourselves from people we dislike, but when avoidance is impossible, the situation can feel almost tragic. Yet, even such relationships offer valuable lessons. Rather than being superficial, we can sometimes ease tension by considering the other person’s position—as well as the perspectives of those who support them—and by facing them without outright denial but with a broader, higher outlook. Because difficult people stand out so clearly, they challenge us to raise our own awareness. This is easier said than done, but worth attempting with calmness. When we succeed, our sense of difficulty diminishes, and the experience becomes a resource for handling other challenging relationships.

  Many Japanese Buddhist monks teach that one should “take losses to accumulate virtue.” This means that even experiences that seem like unwelcome losses can become opportunities to build virtue when willingly accepted without expecting anything in return. Here, “virtue” refers to inner qualities such as moral character, integrity, and goodness. By accumulating virtue, we gain the trust of others, enrich our relationships, and are more likely to receive support in times of difficulty. At the same time, we cultivate inner satisfaction and personal growth. So, if you find yourself facing what feels like a loss, remember the teaching: “take losses to accumulate virtue.”

  A common story we hear from people in their late 70s and older is that they can no longer do what they once could. Declining physical strength, reduced brain function, and narrowing choices often lead to fewer activities, diminished motivation, disrupted daily rhythms, and eventually a negative cycle affecting both mind and body. If this is a path most of us face, even at different speeds, what can we do to prevent it? Now in my mid-60s, I find myself considering a minimalist lifestyle—reducing waste, practicing simplicity, and focusing on what I truly want to do. At the same time, I want to stay connected to society and continue nurturing self-esteem. Of course, my opportunities will narrow as I age, but within those limits there are still ways to grow and discover new potential. I believe the key lies in maintaining a steady daily rhythm, keeping my body and brain engaged, celebrating small successes, and appreciating the life I have. When I look back at my working years, my op...

  When I write essays, a daily routine for me, I often feel as though I am conversing with another version of myself—one that offers me advice. On closer reflection, I realize this advice is shaped by what I have learned from books, mentors, and my own past experiences. In a sense, my present self simply lives day by day without much wisdom to rely on, while this other self reaches into memory, retrieves lessons, and presents them as guidance. It feels almost like the relationship between a computer’s memory and hard drive: one draws out and supplies what the other needs. Yet, there is something to be mindful of. If we consciously nurture this inner dialogue to bring out positive insights, it can protect and guide us. But if we allow it to unconsciously pull forth negative thoughts, it may instead work against us.

  When doing good deeds for others, such as being filial to one’s parents, it is important not to overexert yourself physically or mentally. You have your own life to live, and pushing yourself too hard can eventually make it difficult to continue. By practicing kindness in moderation and making it a natural part of your routine, you reduce stress, ease the burden, and make it easier to sustain over time.

  In Japan, some people believe that as we grow as human beings and reach a certain stage of maturity, learning shifts from seeking causal explanations to discovering meaning through deeper connections. I have not yet reached that stage of growth, so I cannot fully grasp the essence of this idea. Still, I aspire to continue cultivating myself so that one day I may come to truly understand its meaning.

  The accumulation of small daily achievements builds self-esteem, strengthens self-affirmation, and enhances focus and motivation. These benefits help us live positively in the present and deepen our sense of fulfillment. For this reason, it is wise to include actions that bring small successes into our daily routine. In my case, I began cleaning the bathroom—a mold-prone and often troublesome space—every day after retirement. Though it can feel like a chore, I always feel refreshed afterward.

  Everyone experiences periods of despair at some point in life. How one navigates such times varies from person to person. For me, keeping a diary proved invaluable. I recorded the events that led to my despair, possible causes, ways to maintain a positive outlook, concrete steps to overcome the challenges, and my progress along the way. In such moments, it is essential to write about hopeful and constructive thoughts, even if negative emotions persist. Dwelling on misfortune, contradictions, or complaints will only deepen despair. Instead, by calmly addressing each small issue step by step, without succumbing to pessimism or agitation, the larger problem will eventually be resolved. Good fortune will come—though the timing may differ—and when it does, treasure it.

  Regardless of their scale, problems in daily life—whether at work or elsewhere—can cause distress and tempt you to run away. Yet avoiding them often makes matters more complicated, erodes the trust of those involved, and leaves you carrying the burden even longer. It is therefore essential to proactively address issues that directly affect you or fall within your scope of responsibility, even when you would rather not, and to work toward resolving them promptly. Of course, some problems require teamwork, expert intervention, collaboration with external partners, or simply the passage of time. Solutions do not always succeed, but persistence matters: adjust your approach, experiment with different methods, and keep trying. Even when resolution proves impossible, you can mitigate the impact through diligent follow-up or, at the very least, treat the experience as a valuable lesson for the future. No two problems are identical, but with each challenge you face, your problem-solving ...

  In Japan, it has long been believed that even actions that seem like short-term personal losses can, if they ultimately benefit others and society, help us accumulate virtue. Over time, such virtue can improve our character and fortune, leading to positive outcomes. In today’s consumer society, where materialistic values dominate, willingly accepting superficial losses for the sake of virtue is easier said than done. Yet we are reminded again of the enduring importance of this mindset and its practice.

  Everyone experiences problems or failures caused by their own shortcomings—whether due to immaturity or a lack of moral awareness. Strangely, or perhaps as a natural law of life, if we fail to recognize and learn from these shortcomings, we are likely to repeat the same mistakes. In this sense, I believe one of the fundamental purposes of being born into this world is to continue learning and growing throughout our lives.

  The skills and knowledge accumulated over years of organizational work can be used to benefit others and reconnect with society after retirement. This not only fulfills social needs and the desire for recognition but also supports self-actualization. It is truly rewarding to devote time and energy to such meaningful contributions.

  It is sometimes said in Japan, “Those who work hard speak of hope, while those who are lazy speak of dissatisfaction.” Indeed, people who express hope, set goals aligned with their aspirations, and take consistent action often attract the support of those around them. In contrast, those who complain without addressing the root causes of their dissatisfaction gradually lose the trust and cooperation of others. Of course, there are exceptions—some hardworking individuals still express frustration—but even they may unknowingly alienate others and hinder their own progress.

  The joy of traveling lies not only in reaching a destination but in the entire journey—before, during, and after the trip. Much of the excitement comes from imagining the adventure, planning the itinerary, and making preparations. Along the way, we encounter unfamiliar landscapes, new cultures, unexpected events, and people who leave lasting impressions. Even after returning home, we continue to savor the experience by reflecting on memories captured through photos, videos, and diaries—allowing the journey to live on. Sharing these intangible memories with others deepens the joy, as it brings back the emotions we felt at the time. A trip focused only on reaching the destination misses so much of what makes travel meaningful. In the same way, a life centered solely on achieving goals can feel empty, as the satisfaction may fade in just a few days. But if we find joy in the process as well as the outcome, life becomes richer, fuller, and more rewarding.

  To cultivate and sustain a positive mindset, it is essential to regularly engage with books and people who embody positive thinking. By imprinting such thinking onto our subconscious and consistently practicing positive decisions and actions in daily life, we can turn optimism into a habit. However, if we begin to find the attitudes of negative people comforting—even slightly—we may gradually and unconsciously absorb their negativity. When we become aware of this shift, it is crucial to promptly break away from that harmful mindset.