So, I’ve had a breakthrough – I’ve made a commitment to live honestly with myself.
…Then, what? What did you do next?
I plan to share my journey little by little, so bear with me!
And just remember, even today, I’m still working hard to become the person I want to be.
This is my life journey – there is no end to learning and growth.
So, I hope you see this as my jouirney in progress, not a success story!
Well, the first thing I did to live honest with myself was to decide to do so!
It sounds easy, isn’t it? haha
I truly believe that before anything else, making a decision is a crucial step!
For those hesitating about studying abroad or a working holiday:
I get it, I was there – I had been stuck in an endless loop of indecision for a long time.
Even when you want something, you keep second-guessing yourself: “But… What about this or that…” and before you know it, time just passes by.
In the end, your fear and comfirt win, and you convince yourself, “Okat, this was right, this was right…”
You end up giving up, even before you try.
I get it.
We all should remind ourselves that, in our lives, all the circumstances are out of our control, inclusing other people and our past.
The flip side is that everything within us in this present moment is in our control, including our thoughts and feeilngs.
- I’m too busy…
- I can’t afford…
- I have work… I have shcool…
- My parents said…
- My partner will say…
It’s fine to consider these factors when making a decision, but there’s a difference between considering them and using them as excuses to savotage yourself.
And remember, these are all external factors – things outside of your direct control.
That’s why, first, decide – THEN figure out how to make it!
All you can do at this moment is making a decidion!
That’s the biggest first step you can take, right here right now.
A Personal Story: My Mom’s Decision
For four years after moving to Canada, I made several trips back to Japan to visit my family.
But it’s really sad that no one in my family ever came to visit me in Canada.
I often told my parents how beautiful Canada was and how much I wanted them to see where I lived.
Every time, they’d say, “Oh, I’d love to visit!” – but it never actually happened.
Eventually I started feeeling flustrated with their “nice fake” response and asking, “When are you coming?”, “Why won’t you come?”
But their response was always, “We’re too busy with work! We have our fanily business, just can’t take the time off!”
By the way, this is the typical response that I have been hearing from childhood.
I understand, but at the same time, deep down it always feel like “I am not important”. – This is painful.
However, last summer, I suddenly got a message from my mom:
“Hey, I’m coming to Vancouver next month!”
Wait, what? Next month? That was out of nowhere!
So I asked, and she shared her story with her friend.
Her friend told her,
“If you really want to go to Canada, first, you have to decide! Then, figure our how to make things work.”
That encouraged my mom to make a decidion, and she did!
Imagine, for four years, she had been back and forth “I really wanna go!” “But what about my work?” “Ah I wanna go…shoud I…?” “No I have family responsibilities too…”
Then, the moment she made the decision, everything fell into place!
She arranged her work schedule, sorted out her family responsibilities, and she was here in Vancouver, enjoying an amazing summer only 3 week later!
I was beyond happy!
(Yes, that’s why I was sobbing so hard like a baby at the airport when I saw her! haha)
Just Decide – That’s the First Big Step!
Once you decide, you naturally gain the determination to follow through.
Once you make a choice, try not to second-guess yourself for now.
I know easier said than done, but just take the first step forward.
And remember – choosing not to do something is also a decision.
Plus, if things don’t work out, you can always come back and adjust course later!
Allright, so now, I want to ask you this question!
Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution?
Did you actually accomplish it?
If you did, please reach out to me and tell me how you did it! Lol
But seriously, how many people have actually followed through with their resolutions by the end of the year?
Oh, I can’t even remember how many times I’ve “decided” to lose weight!
And yet, here I am! same me, every year! Lol
But, WHY?
I once made a decision, right? Something is off here.
Yes, that means just “deciding” isn’t always enough to make it work.
So, in the future posts, I will be writing about:
- How do you actually make a decision?
- Why is it so hard to stay consistent, even after deciding?
Let’s take a moment to think about one thing you want to do but haven’t taken action on yet
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