A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  When visiting a temple or shrine in Japan, one may encounter a monthly slogan displayed on a bulletin board within the premises. Recently, a particular motto at a shrine I visited resonated with me: “Reflection: When you are arrogant, you will be abandoned by God. When you are greedy, you will be turned away by money. When you are jealous, you will not have friends. When you are angry, you will lose yourself.” Given the sacred setting, each word of the motto carries profound weight, touching my heart deeply. While reflections on the importance of self-assessment are often imparted by parents and teachers during childhood, as adults, we rarely encounter such reminders. Nevertheless, I believe that dedicating time to self-reflection as part of a daily routine is crucial for personal growth rooted in positive thinking.

  As May approaches, colorful flowers bloom one after another, and the young leaves grow greener with each passing day. In entering my post-retirement life, I've become increasingly sensitive to these changes in nature. I'm moved by its beauty, finding it soothing, and these changes also strongly stimulate my intellectual curiosity. It seems as if everyone becomes a poet as they grow older.

  In life, if we fail to address the problems we have caused ourselves, we risk encountering the same issues repeatedly. In such situations, it is crucial not only to solve the immediate problem but also to delve into its root cause to prevent its recurrence. This process involves identifying the cause, learning effective solutions to address it, and implementing them diligently. While these steps may appear straightforward, they require a deep level of self-awareness, as unconscious patterns of thought and behavior often underlie our problems. Therefore, it is essential to confront our inner selves, thoroughly investigate the causes of our issues, and reflect thoughtfully to break these patterns.

  In life, unique opportunities can unexpectedly present themselves, and the ability to take advantage of these moments often hinges on an individual's sense of purpose, hard work, and resilience in various life situations. Overcoming challenges and learning from experiences play crucial roles in seizing and making the most of such opportunities. The stories of many successful individuals suggest that achievements rarely stem from mere chance, but rather from a combination of determination, effort, and the ability to extract valuable lessons from setbacks and related knowledge.

  To excavate deeply into the ground with a shovel, it's necessary to start by digging a relatively wide area, encompassing the space around the intended hole. Similarly, when leveraging one's expertise to drive organizational action towards a significant goal, securing the full cooperation of organizational members is crucial, requiring a broad spectrum of insights.

  If we avoid or postpone problems that need to be solved, they generally tend to become more complicated and larger, leading to increased psychological stress. Therefore, by suppressing our worries and troublesome feelings, we should proactively face or jump into the problem. Just as one would unravel loose threads, we should clarify the facts and causes, think of an optimal solution, and quickly implement a plan to solve the problem. It is wise to solve problems at an early stage because they are less difficult to manage.

  I had expected retirement to bring a life of relaxation and comfort, yet reality has proven otherwise. Unexpected challenges arise from time to time, demanding solutions. While I often reflect on and record lessons from my past, I sometimes catch myself wanting to evade new problems in retirement, seeking to avoid unnecessary trouble. During such moments, I feel a sense of immaturity, recognizing the need to confront these challenges head-on. I remind myself that growth requires proactive engagement with new difficulties. Life, it seems, presents continual opportunities for learning, even in retirement.