MirrorWriting

Mirror writing

Christmas is a truly special time, a day that no matter where anyone is in the world, even from the otherside of it, everyone will do whatever it takes to be with their loved ones again. This to me really shows he compassion that still exists in this sometimes cold and robotic world we live in. As Mother Teresa so rightly put it, 'How can we promote world peace? Go home and love your family.'

Bu the Truth is, my favorite day of the year is actually New Year's Eve. Everybody is together full of hope and excitement for the new year. That's when I think to myself, how beautiful would this world be if we all woke up every morning with this same excitement, not just for the new year, but for each day that passes? So, one of my resolutions will be to do this every morning and inspire others to do the same :)

However In order to really benefit from the excitement of a brand new year coming up and a fresh new start, we have to reach to grow and develop from our pervious experiences that Eve had through out the year. Therefore I've invented an important procedure to follow before we start our new year. I'll call this he 3 r's procedure to make it easier to remember. These 3r's are, reflect, realize and revitalize. It's fairly easy to follow and can prepare to live the next year to the fullest potential.

1) Reflect

The first step is to write down every experience that had some kind of significant impact on your life, whether you consider them to be good or bad. Then imagine each experience as if you are watching them again, but in a mirror. I know it might sound a bit strange but, while teaching an advanced class English the other day, my students asked me what the word 'reflection' meant. So I asked 'when you look in the mirror, what do you see? To which they replied 'myself'. I then told them that they were wrong. Not their English, their answer. Eventually they agreed with me but didn't know the English word to describe what they saw. That's when I told them, that it wasn't them that they saw, it was their reflection.

A reflection is something you look at from an outsiders point of view, without any internal or emotional involvement. It can give you a wider scope of any situation therefore a better understanding of what really happened in each experience that you've listed before. And of course, if you change the angle of the mirror, you can see many different perspectives and ways to think about and judge each experience.

2) Realise

The second part of this procedure then automatically follows, from positive reflection, important realizations are made. You first start to realize that each experience in the past year are all intricately connected by one master divine plan made just for us to achieve out highest dreams and fulfill our most wanted desires, happening one by one at the perfect time in the perfect place, leading you with with the universes subtle signs along the way, falling into place just like dominoes.

3) Revitalise

And it's only after this important realization can we draw upon each experience an important learning curve, lessons that will help us to implement the next step in our procedure - to revitalize. From these lessons we learn we become stronger, wiser and more in synch with the grand plan, securing yourself a destiny full of love, light and contentness. This way we never stop growing, developing and evolving to our maximum potential, the reason why each of us is born into this world.

If we all follow this type of procedure and inspire others to do the same, then we can start each new year of our lives full of energy and positivity, bringing much more happiness to our lives and making this world an even more beautiful place to live in.

Happy New Year to all

Xxxxx

Empty as the sky

Here's a story of how I fell, got back up, learnt an important lesson and become a stronger person.

PART 1

On another solo journey, this time with with a different frame of mind. Recent events had made me feel delicate and I hadn't had time to deal with it before I had to get on the plane. 

This story consisted of walking down a certain path because it felt right. Deep inside I thought what was at the end of the this path I wasn't ready for, and it wasn't in my capability to achieve but I still followed my instinct. On the way I stopped, listened and followed, stopped, listened and followed. The sounds became louder and I knew I was getting closer. The sound I could hear gave me the impression I was heading towards something really exciting and I couldn't wait to be in the midst of it all and finally be able to have the big positive effect that I have always wanted to spread. Friends and family all cheered and assured me that I would reach the destination. I kept going, through the struggles and obstacles  and got so close I could finally see the door that led to this wonderful opportunity in my view. I arrived at the door, my heart pounding, I reached for the handle, turned it.... but it to my surprise, it was bolted shut.

All I could think about was 'How could that be? Why would life lead me all the way down this difficult road, to a bolted door I couldn't open?' 

But without having time to think about it more, off I went on a journey that I had organised 5 weeks previously, a little afraid of yet more disappointment that may be bestowed upon me. But for some reason, I still had an unbreakable faith that the universe is working with me and not conspiring against me. Every downfall has made me even stronger, and so as a true lion would, off I went with as much courage as I could muster, into the unknown.....



PART 2

Heading home I finally have time for reflection. I thank life for giving me the opportunity to explore and experience another land and spend time with good people. And I have a sudden realization that I have learnt something very important during my trip. Good things enter your life sometimes, out of random. They show this beautiful display of colour and light, like the the lights of aurora. You are in a state of great happiness. And then this good thing slowly fades away, and the display finishes. And there is suddenly an emptiness.....

This seems such a negative word. However, what I learnt was, it's what you do with that emptiness that determines your emotional state afterwards, therefore also determining how well the events of your life will go following that experience. 

If you fill the emptiness with expectations and judgments of the situation, there is a big chance you will get let down, disappointed, and hurt. And when you are in this state, your so full of sadness, that other good opportunities pass you by without you even knowing.

But if you leave it empty, without expectation or judgement you will just have this space, a void. And with this space, you will have room for other good things to come into your life, always welcoming the great opportunities and always remaining in a state of peace and contentedness.

Space and emptiness is the most valuable thing we have. And when we feel it inside of us, we have a tendency to think we should be filling it as quickly possible with anything that gives a very temporary feeling of satisfaction, be it, drugs, alcohol, sex or food.

But the reality is, it's not painful at all. It's light, it's free and it's exciting. Creating a void and making room for the universe to swoop in and give you what you have always dreamed of will only attract beautiful experiences ahead of you. 

This concept has actually been woven into many different religions, cultures and spiritual teaching practices for thousands of years all over the world. I've decided to illustrate 5 different examples to show this.

Be empty as the sky, and be free.

EXAMPLES

1) WISE MAN STORY

This is illustrated in the story of a wise man who won an expensive car in a lottery.

 His family and friends were very happy for him and came to celebrate. ‘Isn’t it great!’ they said. ‘You are so lucky.’ The man smiled and said, ‘Maybe.’

For a few weeks he enjoyed driving the car. Then one day a drunken driver smashed into his new car at an intersection and he ended up in the hospital, with multiple injuries. His family and friends came to see him and said, ‘That was really unfortunate.’ Again the man smiled and said, ‘Maybe.’

While he was still in the hospital, one night there was a landslide and his house fell into the sea. Again his friends came the next day and said, ‘Weren’t you lucky to have been here in hospital.’ Again he said, ‘Maybe.’”  
Being without judgment, is to be without pain.

2) SIKHISM

Inside the Guru Granth Sahib, their holy book, there is a passage that says:

'Be just as the lotus flower is not affected by water and always remains much above the surface, however big the rise and fall in it's level may be.

Be just as the duck who lives in the water, swims on it, but its wings do not become wet and it can fly away at any time. 

Be detached, and you will be able to swim across the world ocean."



3) SCIENCE 

'Apparently 99.9% of the whole entire vastness of the universe.....is.........space. nothing. voidness to its max. In between all the atoms that make us up there is more space then mass. This amount of empty space is not just huge, but gravitational too. Its grounding, and curves the shape of the planets orbits and the overall outline of universe itself.'



4) JAPANESE WRITING

Sky-  空

空 Kū or sora, most often translated as "Void", but also meaning "sky" or "Heaven", represents those things beyond our everyday experience, particularly those things composed of pure energy. Bodily, kū represents spirit, thought, and creative energy. It represents our ability to think and to communicate, as well as our creativity. It can also be associated with power, creativity, spontaneity, and inventiveness.

Kū is of particular importance as the highest of the elements. In martial arts, one often invokes the power of the Void to connect to the creative energy of the world. A warrior properly attuned to the Void can sense their surroundings and act without thinking, and without using their physical senses.

5) BUDDHISM 

a passage from the book of TAOISM

11

Thirty spokes will converge
In the hub of a wheel;
But the use of the cart
Will depend on the part
Of the hub that is void.

With a wall all around A clay bowl is molded;
But the use of the bowl
Will depend on the part
Of the bowl that is void.

Cut out windows and doors
In the house as you build;
But the use of the house
Will depend on the space
In the walls that is void.

So advantage is had
From whatever is there;
But usefulness rises
From whatever is not

Be free like the sea

Living life in the big metropolis city. Whatever I decide to do, a concrete jungle surrounds me everyday, with the buzzing atmosphere always promising me excitement and mystery......

But something starts to feel wrong, out of place... but there's no time to stop and think about it, nope there's no time for anything, gotta keep up with the non stop schedule with every minute of free time taken up, gotta maintain that progress in your career to keep growing, gotta balance that out with an exciting social life  because without the fun how would you release all that pressure of work? Sleep reduces to only 3 hours a day as that's all that can be squeezed in, I started running on reserve energy that I didn't even know was humanly possible, and life just seems to fly past you at the speed of light......

.... and about a month ago all of the lights, noise and chaos started to blind me from the root of the wrong feeling that kept nagging at me. And when two minutes of golden silence and peace  would blessingly enter my life, i thought to myself 'hang on a sec, where AM I going? Which way was I heading in the first place? Why are all these good people leaving my life? Why is all the positivity I am trying to spread around me actually having the adverse effect than I intend it to? What is going ON????

I felt blocked. Obstacles were everywhere.  I decided to stop and listen to my body. How can I get rid of these blockages? I asked. I started to have cravings for the rustling trees, mountain views, fresh sea air, and the sound of crashing waves. I could feel the lack of nature around me. I love nature so much so, that when there is a lack of it, I deeply miss its presence. That's when I knew, I needed to get away. A solo adventure to a tropical island for 4 days.  Off I went........

I arrived and got on the bus to the hostel from the airport. It was a fairly long journey. I noticed immediately there was nothing to worry about, no timing to be held, no promise or plan to implement, only me and a the swaying of palm trees slowly passing me by. My mind quickly emptied, and I went into a deep state of contented thought. When I arrived at my destination. I suddenly realized it had been months since I had even had time to think about going into a deep state of contentness like I just did, and I already felt refreshed before the holiday had even started.

As the holiday unfolded everything that I wished for was basically given to me on a silver platter. I wanted to achieve my dream of scuba-diving, and I did so a few hours after getting off the plane. I wanted to visit the jungles and see the old tribal culture that existed there, and so a lady I just met offered to drive me all the way there and back for free. I wanted to meet special and inspiring people that I had connections with and create unforgettable memories with, and I did that too. And even when a typhoon hit the island on the last day, I was forced to stay in the hostel and have a whole day of just relaxing cooking watching movies and playing board games. I forgot how beautiful these days could be.

I spent a whole evening on the beach watching the waves. I thought about my scuba-diving experience. I had never imagined so much beauty existed under the ocean. What was the secret of the ocean? It was free, everything came and everything went with the motion of the waves, it accepted everything, it never held on to anything, it always let everything go. And what was the result? a magical world underneath thriving with beauty and positivity beyond our comprehension.

One month has passed since that much needed and inspirational get away. It slowed my life down in a way that actually saved it from its own downfall. I came back to the city, with my mind unblocked and ready to accept, let go and be free, just like the sea. Within a few weeks, career opportunities started falling into my lap, and the window to my future was suddenly clean enough to look through and have a sneak peak at. It's enough to start my journey again, now I know which direction in which to head to.

As for the unintentionally negative effect I was having before I left the island, I figured out how that was happening and have made my own remedy to the situation. There has been a few situations in my life as of recent that have ended up with me being hurt and a little resentful. I can see clearly now that the key to preventing these situations from continuing was an ultimate forgiveness to everyone I had negative feelings towards in my life. And so I've started something called 'The Book Of Forgiveness'. In this book I've written a small letter to every person I felt has been connected with why I have felt hurt recently, and 100% completely with all my heart forgiven them in these letters.

Now I feel like the sea. No fear, resentment, anger, no boundaries, blockages or obstacles in my destination. Only me and the thousands of possibilities surrounding me now and in my future. And just like the sea, my magical world is appearing before me with beauty too sacred to describe in written word form....

You have the choice now, to cleanse. Get rid of all the pressure and stress, and with an empty mind  make the space for the universe to swoop in and answer all of your prayers. Now just like the sea and me, come with me and be free.....

Digging Deep - My Indian Tale.

Born in England, with an English way of living, but with a twist - being told that my roots were based in a country very far away where people do things, live and think in a very different way than the people surrounding me. I knew I was different to my friends at school, I always had different views and ideas about what was wrong and right, and different rules at home to theirs.

Then between the age of 4 and 10 my father decided to introduce me to India, this far away land where generations after generations of my family have lived for many many years. And so my mind was opened at such an early age, always hot weather, huge bugs and animals I had only ever seen in a Zoo before. People dressed up in wonderful colours, and  there was a world of poverty that I didn't know could exist, where the children seemed to be very happy regardless of whether they could afford trousers or not. Every corner we turned there was always something new and exciting to be seen, whether is was a roaming cow on the road or temples the shape of flowers. It was a new huge exciting playground where it seemed there was freedom to be yourself, without being judged by others, which was always the case back in England.

 14 years passed. I left home,  had many jobs,  travelled far and wide, lived in different countries where I saw other different cultures but nothing seemed to compare to the diversity of India. All the while, wherever I went, I would always tell people about the magical land that I have roots in and all the amazing things it has to offer. I learnt how to cook typical Indian food, listened and followed Indian music, went to temples in England, mixed with Indian people, which always made me feel very good, safe, at home. I felt my connection with India was strong and I couldn't wait for the opportunity to go back again and experience it all again.

And then while living in Asia, the opportunity finally came. 24 years old, I was dying to go back and couldn't wait to reunite with my family who i hadn't seen in a few years. And what a better place to reunite!

In those 14 years however, I had changed a considerable amount. I had dealt with many different types of people and out of everything I've experienced I've taken on all that feels in tune with my soul what is classed to me as 'the good', behavior, beliefs, morals, and left out the bad, gluttony, selfishness, negative thinking, things that never helped me move forward in my life.

Then I returned. Returned with this heart that I've spent so long developing and fine tuning, bringing all the morals I've learnt with me - but with an Adult mind. And what I was exploited to came as shock to me. Greed rules the streets, cons and crimes happened left right and centre and the every man to himself type of living was prominent in the society. I had many questions, in which the answers included information such as the problem of over population, not enough police, the class system not shifting. I've travelled the world and been to many places alone, but I just didn't feel safe enough to step outside without someone with me the whole time I was there. Anyone that talks to you is never interested in your welfare, only the money in your pocket. If you don't obey to the class system, and take a bike rickshaw home ride for 40p, making a very poor hungry man cycle you to your house which is a only 20 minutes by foot, you are potentially starving that man from buying him and his family dinner that night.

So as I was trying to take all of this in, I was trying to understand why I hadn't been able to see all of these things when I was child. A childs brain must only be able to comprehend what it wants to see, which for me was only fun, exciting adventure. Now my brain has matured I was able to see the truth.

An overwhelming feeling of disappointment came over me, as for years of feeling connected to and having roots in a society that does so many things I've learnt to be bad or wrong......

.... However at that moment of dread, a magical unexpected thing happened (As it always does). I was introduced to relatives of mine that I hadn't met before who were a family of the Sikh religion. They spent a great deal of time with me explaining the way of the Sikh and the principles that they live by.

I was told that, if you are ever in trouble in India and need help, run to a Sikh. It is his duty to protect others and will help you with 100% effort with what you need. They are taught that whatever they have is a gift, so they should always feel content no matter their class or income.  And they were right. That day we caught a taxi that a Sikh man was driving. Before we left the car, he told us to what to be careful of in the area. He genuinely cared as opposed to wanting something from us. Of this I was convinced.

They are so strong in what they believe, that in the Sikh history, many Sikhs have sacrificed themselves fighting for such a normal thing as quality, Regardless of gender, caste, colour or creed, all is one. They have been fighting for a land where Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims (three prominent religions in India) can live happily side by side for centuries. Some of the stories include an old Sikh warrior dying to protect others that are of other religions. This situation is so unique, it hasn't ever been found  in other religious stories.

Another concludes, that two young Sikh boys, age 9 and 10, were captured and asked to change their religion. When they said no, they bound them and built a wall around them suffocating them inside.

One other warrior who had previously put his life on the line to free many women who had been captured for slavery, had his head sliced off , but managed to capture his head with his hand and continued to fight with his sword in his other hand!

These are a few of many other heroic stories that show true bravery equality, selflessness and respect that is instilled in these people.

We went to one of the main Sikh temples while we were there, and I was sitting in the meditation room, listening to the a book that should never be read, only sung, I whispered to my father why it was I was felt so connected to these beautiful sounds. The soothing drums and voice always stirred very strong emotions in me, for reasons I could never understand. He told me that if one generation of people listen to one type of music over many many years, your ears can be genetically built to recognize those same sounds that your ancestors have been listening to and connect it with good feelings being sent to your brain. What a beautiful way to feel good again.

The relatives I met welcomed me immediately, regardless of the fact that I was very different to the typical Indian girl, being grown up in the West. They called me sister, and daughter, told me they loved me, gave me gifts, would always be there for me, all completely unconditionally.

It was during these moments that I was slowly realizing I could see something familiar with this type of behavior - I could see myself reflected in their morals, their actions, their hearts.

From this I was able to comprehend where my roots really lie and why I have felt so connected for so long - to these wonderful people. The Sikh religion is a beautiful way to live and has made this world a better and safer place to live. My faith, and hope had been restored into India.

Before I went back as an Adult, I had built some structure to my life and my personality, some with the help of my family, some by myself. From the trip done as an adult, I can safely say to that structure, I now have a strong solid base, a foundation that will keep my structure sturdy and balanced.

Now I can continue my life, always building, always developing  knowing that my solid foundation has come from roots and a background that's so strong, nothing in this world can break it.

Trust is a Must

On the new adventure. No idea what could possibly be ahead of me.  I  then came to a very interesting fork in the road. There were two paths. And they were both sign-posted. To the left there was a path that looked very well-trekked already, as if many a person had stomped their way down it before. The plants around it had been heavily trod on, bent over and lifeless. This was signposted with the following Japanese phrase:

- 長いものにはまかれる・ (nagai mono ni wa makareru)

Translation:  wrap a long thing around you.

Meaning conveyed: Once you have wrapped a rope around you, you can easily be pulled by others, down the path that everyone else follows, to do and be exactly the same as them.

This path seemed so well defined that I could actually see it's destination in the distance. And as I gazed down for a few more moments, from only imagining the predictability of it, I had a sudden feeling of deep emptiness. Just from the fact that I knew exactly where that path led was enough  for me to turn my head away and look for an alternative.

And so I turned my attention to the other path on my right, which was signposted with another phrase in Japanese:

- 茨の道を選ぶ (ibari no michi wo erabu)

Translation: Choose the path full of rose thorns

Meaning: Choose the dangerous path, and you will gain the biggest reward.

I looked down this path obviously in fear. There was danger of hurt, pain and suffering. But I was convinced that I would discover beautiful things, and have adventurous stories to tell and share with others, spreading happiness, joy and love, which of course is all I ever wanted. And of course, just as importantly, inspiring others to do exactly the same, making this world an even more vibrant and exciting place to live for everyone to enjoy.

And so I made my obvious choice. But before I set off on the perilous journey to true happiness, light and love, I looked at the person who was standing beside me, also trying to choose a path. And for a very brief moment, as we looked into each others eyes, a mutual agreement and understanding was shared between us and I had a sudden feeling of pure joy shining from inside of me. I reached out my hand. But at that moment, I looked again and the light in the eyes had slowly started to diminish.

I saw fear had won it's battle, and completely taken over. In the next instance, the magnetism started to repel and we were pushed down separately, down separate directions, down separate destinies.

I now travel this path full of thorns, alone but content, sending love and light down the other path when I can, while simultaneously trying to learn the lesson of acceptance. The winds have changed their tone and the only word I hear being whispered to me now is......'Trust...'.

Then it became clear. Do we really know what is good and bad for us in our lives? Or do we create illusions about what are good and bad and blame the universe when we don't get what we think we want?

The real questions are:

Can we be patient enough to wait for the blessings in store for us all, or will we lose all chance of it because we are too busy complaining about what we think don't have?

I suddenly understood what I had to do. I switched off fear, and replaced it with pure unconditional Trust. Trust in the universe, that it well, truly  and ultimately wants the very best for me, even if it's not so obvious to me at times. And so with my mind at peace I trusted, took the jump, and now a stronger, happier and wiser person is here in front of you, telling you this story.

 Trust today, and things may go your way.

KEEP CALM IT'S JUST JAPAN!

Here is a little something mainly to help all the newbies that have decided to come and see what Japan has to offer in their lives. But I’m sure the oldies can relate and benefit just as much J

So after a lot of thinking (ouch!) and gathering some perspective from other teachers, here are the ten top tips to conquering culture shock living in Japan. Gambate!

1.       Learn a little lingo. It’s true you don’t have to be a master at Japanese to survive in Tokyo, but even a few basic words will get you pretty far in sticky situations, and it’s best to avoid those in this weird and wonderful place. Plus you really impress the locals when they hear you trying, just a few words and to them you would already be very ‘jouzo’(good at) . Not bad for the old ego too J

2.       Giggle… at yourself. Messed up a little? Said something completely wrong in Japanese, or parked your bike in a no parking zone area without realizing as you may be unable to read the signs, resulting in it being towed away? (that one is probably only me). LAUGH at it. There will be many things going on around you every day that will leave you guessing forever, and they make amazing stories that can be shared with other foreigners living here and soon you will be comparing to see  who’s story is the funniest and who messed up the most, leaving your sides hurting.

3.       Eat the weird and you might get wonderful. Guaranteed you will go into a convenience store and turn your nose up at most of the stuff to eat in there when you first arrive.  You may even lose a few pounds and be put off eating well for a while. But Japanese people are known to live a very long time, and studies have suggested that there is a very high chance  it could be down to their diet.  So although it looks horrifically different to anything you may have tried before,   once you dive right into it you’ll be pleasantly surprised how fun all the different tastes, textures and combinations of food you’ll discover is. You’ll be saying ‘mmmm oishiii!!’ before you know it, and may have extended your life by a few years.

4.       Say goodbye to homesickness. Let me guess, you are missing baked beans, Cadburys chocolate, frozen pizzas, English breakfasts, and a good old pint of British ale or stout from somewhere south western, Wiltshire or Devonshire prehaps. Well I’ve only be here 7 months, and I have found them ALL. There’s an abundance of English pubs, and international supermarkets, even a Waitrose section for you upmarket folk.  Tokyo is a city full of surprises, keep asking around with enthusiasm, and you’ll find whatever you want.

5.       The silence is only temporary. You will do lessons sometimes and wonder if the student your teaching may be slightly mute. Let me tell you that’s very improbably the case. You may find the reserved personalities a little shocking at first, but please know that it’s not YOU, you wouldn’t be offending anyone as I’m sure you’re a great guy/girl. Being shy and reserved is part of the culture here, especially when meeting foreigners (we are a little scary at times it’s true) so keep smiling, keep eliciting and keep being yourself, and within no time the students will feel comfortable, open up more,  and may even be best bud material.

6.       Oh the mystery…What are they thinking? Sometimes when you have no idea what’s going on in a situation, it won’t just be because of the language barrier that there may be(unless you have a super brain and picked up how to write 2000 Kanji characters just walking off the plane).  But even then, languages aside, you will find a tendency for a lot of thinking to be happening,  but not enough talking, saying what it is  they are thinking, even if it’s important. You will find this especially on the trains when you will be crammed left right and centre like sardines in a can. No one will speak but it will be obvious that everyone will be getting on everyone else’s nerves. What I’ve done in this situation is just simply understand and accept that that is how it is. Worrying about it will only cause unnecessary stress. Besides, this allows the ‘bum shuffle’ to be totally acceptable to do on the train (a term we’ve recently come up with for cramming yourself backwards when you enter the train, making everyone else shuffle up and suffocate just a little bit more) It’s all fun and games of course J

7.       I. AM. ROBOT. But it’s OK not to be too. Tokyo is an exciting place to be. But you may notice that there is a certain robotic-ness to the daily life routines. People will be doing the same things, dressed the same way go to the same places every single working day. Some people have called it being ‘plugged into the matrix’.  And it’s so easy to get caught up into that matrix yourself. My advice here is mix it up a little. Take a different route, go shopping and eating in different places (there is ample to choose from!). Go check out some crazy museums, robot restaurants, cat cafes, kendo  and ninja lessons, maid… well, whatever takes your fancy, each to their own. It will take out the mundane feeling from daily routine and help you feel you are making the most out of your experience here.

8.       It’s not just any plan. It’s a Japan Plan! Got some holiday coming up? As amazing as Tokyo is, get out and about in the rest of Japan as much as you can. It has everything you can imagine, from bungee jumping in the mountains to scuba diving in the tropical islands, anything you want,  you’ll find it. The only limit is the one you set yourself.

9.       Drink. Find a local bar and get in there as much as you can. Plain and simple. Even if you don’t like alcohol (non-alcoholic beer is a bigger thing here). Friends will be made, amazing people will be met, opportunities will be placed in front of you on a silver platter, and your Japanese language skills will sky rocket.  Trust me on this oneJ

10.   Actually, you’re quite special. Oh go on then, a lot J You will look around sometimes and think, my god, I’m an alien. Yep, we are not in London, where your best mate may be Polish, and your Dad Indian and your cousin Jamaican.  It’s pretty daunting, and you will probably get stared at, and get given a fork instead of chopsticks every-time you buy something from a convenience store .  125 million people live in Japan, and we only make up  1% of that. But this small percentage does not have any effect on what you are worth. Understand, accept and enjoy being different, let your uniqueness shine through you and the adventure that you came here looking for may well exceed your highest expectations. 

The only way is UP

Going from one phase to another in your life and not sure the best way of going about it? Yep, me too. At such a crucial stage in your life however, applying the right mind set and viewing it from the right perspective could have a huge impact on where your next phase takes you.

So here's how I decided to go about it. It's a little bit of an adventure, but everything seems to feel right. I've written it down, hoping it can inspire you to embrace every aspect of the changes that are happening to you.

Happy reading! 鼓舞する!


The batteries died.

No matter how much energy I tried to squeeze  out of them, there was no output anymore. As I desperately continued to slam the buttons, hoping with all my might it would magically start working again, flashing lights, music and all, a sudden fear started to creep into my heart, as all of my attempts failed. A realisation. It's time to let go, before any more damage is done. Let go and overcome the fear. The outcome of this decision will benefit you and everyone involved, even if it will take time for anyone else to see it. Don't struggle anymore for the fear of loss. Just let go.. So I did. 

Then woosh. 

Magnets started pulling.

I was swept away by a crazy tide during a thunderstorm. Where I was going, why I was going there, how I even ended up on the crazy journey in the first place, I didn't have the slightest clue. But I felt like I was being  magnetically pulled. Control was something out of the picture. Of course, I could have tried swimming against the current. But would I have survived doing that in a raging storm? Who am I to defy the laws of the almighty nature? So I rode the wave, letting it take me to new unknown destination, with fear in my mind, but courage in my heart. Eyes closed, here we go...

Settling sand, new found land.

Then there was calm. Looking around, waking up, I realised I had been beached. I was on unknown land. Infact, it was new soil. freshly settled sand had fallen and created a new platform for me to stand on. As I felt my toes sink into the sand, instinct told me that this new land had all been built just for me to survive, explore and thrive. How thankful I am to life for such a beautiful gift of mystery, enchantment and excitement, where all things could be made possible and all dreams could come true. 

Theres no one around. The silence is daunting. Could the emptiness surrounding me be too much for me to  cope? Theres so much to get started, and the way in front of me is free. I have two options. I can let the fear swallow me up and never really know what could have been in store for me, living, then dying, full of regret. Or I could explore this wonderful new land, living experiences and eventually filling the emptiness by giving pure unconditional love to everything I do and everyone I meet along the way.

As I walk along the shore trying to decide, I've realized that in my heart I've already made the decision. And in the gentle breeze, I can hear a word in the wind being whispered to me.....完璧