Chain Reaction
You rarely notice coincidences as they’re occurring. Oftentimes, you’re so wrapped up in the moment that everything else appears inconsequential. Without a look back from time to time, it becomes easy to understand why we are prone to take lucky bounces as moments taken for granted.
My friend, mentor, and fellow author recently pointed out the importance of reflection as a method of keeping yourself in check. He pointed out some misconceptions he had held until, upon further examination, he found that everything happened exactly as it did because of a previous event. As I read his post, it brought me to realize that I have some recent life to examine myself.
In case anyone here isn’t aware, I am currently living just over 7,500km from my home town and only other home I’ve ever known. In this relatively small town of Hirosaki, life is different, but yet very similar to the one I was familiar with in Calgary. Everyone moves about their day, the sun rises and sets, and life is just as beautiful. Albeit, it contains within itself a different sheen, due in part to the novelty of a new location, but living in a starkly different culture has its merits as well.
Getting here could not have been done without a ton of help. From agencies sending mail and forms to and from Calgary and ensuring my trip would be a safe, expedient and relatively painless journey, to those answering all my questions and helping me pack every single last item on my expansive list. A network of people came together to support my departure, despite a handful of them feeling just as much melancholy as excitement at the prospect of me leaving.
Before that, however, were those guiding me through Japanese language and culture in such a way that nurtured my understanding and pushed me to make my own discoveries. Those in those roles had a larger influence than they might realize, and I have them to thank for the multi-cultural outlook I possess today. Along with them, the community that originally engaged me and brought me to the point of wanting to understand what I was taking in instead of just casually enjoying the material must be given their due.
I would not be in this university library writing this post if not for the chain reaction of just sheer life that took place in front of my very eyes over the past five years. I would not be living in the country of my dreams if not for the constant reaffirmation from the small pieces telling me to soldier on, even through times where I felt “maybe I shouldn’t be doing this”. I wouldn’t have the chance to reflect like this had not everyone up until this point inspired me and spurred me on to further self-analysis.
So thank you to everyone involved. Know that prior to, during, and especially afterwards, your contribution has never gone unnoticed. I am here now and that is all thanks to you.