A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  When planning and carrying out something reliably, it is essential to minimize uncertainties at the outset. Unexpected contingencies will inevitably arise during execution, and the fewer uncertainties we carry into the plan, the better prepared we are to handle them. This also helps prevent new problems from emerging while we are already responding to unforeseen events. Of course, if unpredictability is part of the enjoyment, the approach may differ. Otherwise, this principle is obvious yet often overlooked by those with little experience.

  I was once struck by a quote from Ryokan Ara (1928–2019), a distinguished archbishop of Tendai Buddhism: “It doesn't turn out the way you thought, but it turns out the way it was done.” This simple yet profound statement captures the essence of life. Though each of us is born and raised under different circumstances, we all share the same opportunity to shape our destiny through our choices, actions, and efforts. Life seldom unfolds as we plan, yet its outcomes reflect the sincerity of our endeavors.

  No matter our age, being praised for even small efforts—especially those we feel uncertain about—brings genuine happiness and strengthens our self-esteem. Offering such praise requires little effort, yet we often neglect to do so. As a reminder to myself, I want to be more intentional in praising others, beginning with those closest to me.

  When vague worries or anxieties arise, it helps to face ourselves, examine the event objectively, and break it down into facts, causes, and possible solutions. By writing these thoughts on paper, we naturally develop a desire to resolve the issue and create concrete steps, which not only reduces psychological anxiety but also motivates us to take action with a positive attitude. Even if our actions do not succeed as planned, the lessons gained can serve as stepping stones to refine the process, leading to better results over time.

Even when daily obligations force us to stay busy for others, we must not lose sight of ourselves. By making good use of even brief moments of spare time to focus on what we value, we nurture peace of mind and fulfillment. When we continue these small but meaningful efforts over time, they lead to unexpected and wonderful results. In this way, we accept the harsh fate before us while carving out a better destiny of our own.  

  In Buddhism, there is a saying: “Ordinary people are full of worldly desires and passions.” This reminds us that everyone is bound by desires, making it difficult to escape suffering and anxiety. Recognizing this truth is the first step toward awakening. For example, in discussions that involve judgment, we are not always right, and others are not always wrong. If we acknowledge that both we and others are driven by desires and prone to error, we gain humility. We may then see that what we consider “right” often conceals our ego or simply serves our own convenience. With this awareness, the impulse to blame others begins to fade. Such a perspective is vital for cultivating tolerance and becoming more understanding as human beings.

  It is a well-known story in Japan that Konosuke Matsushita (1894–1989), the founder of Panasonic Corporation, often asked job applicants the same question during graduate recruitment interviews: “Are you a fortunate person?” The intentions behind this question may be interpreted in different ways, but it is widely understood that Matsushita valued those who could confidently answer “Yes, I am.” He believed such individuals would face challenges with independence and a strong sense of responsibility. If so, they would be able to pursue personal growth by proactively learning from the diverse experiences awaiting them.