Dear Reader, Growing up, I thought my life was going to be predictable. There is a certain structure and rhythm to life that many of us follow when we’re young - go to school, get good grades, graduate, get a job, and build a family. So it was very humbling for me when the pandemic challenged all of my expectations. The pandemic was a while ago. I mean, it happened 5 years ago now, but a lot of us are still affected by what happened then. I certainly am. The 2 things we always have within our...
11 days ago • 3 min read
Dear Reader, I hope you're having a great summer! With the warm weather and long days, I’ve been going to more picnics and barbecues - and honestly, probably eating just a little more than I should 😅 So what’s the best thing to do in moments like that? I like to remind myself of the Japanese concept of kuchisabishii. Keep reading to find out more! The best thing you can do after you eat too much I was recently asked by a reader, “I once read this Japanese word, “Kuchisabishii” — would you...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, It's summer! And I've been hearing from so many family members, friends, and readers about their recent or upcoming trips to Japan 🇯🇵 It truly makes me happy to see so much interest in the country I grew up in. I love being able to share it with others, especially since it wasn't always as accessible, so it's great to see more people experiencing and learning from it. Whether you've visited Japan or are still dreaming of going, here are a few things I've learned about healthy...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, I’ve been thinking about procrastination a lot recently. Mostly because I’m doing a lot of it (😅). I've typically been good at getting things done, so I've been trying to figure out why it's been so difficult for me lately. I have my to-do list, I make time to do things, but why is it that when I come so close to starting I feel… Dread? Japanese single-tasking for the procrastinating mind In today’s world, our attention is constantly being pulled in different directions—by social...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Dear Reader, I've been thinking about resiliency a lot these days. There's a lot for me to be grateful for in my life, but that doesn't mean it doesn't come without its problems, challenges, and setbacks. And everyone experiences this - Maybe it's around our personal health goals. Maybe it's career or school-related. Maybe it's romance or friends. So what should we do when things don't go as intended? I value taking responsibility over my life, but I'm also not someone to be described as...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, I'm back! Thank you for your patience 😊 When I'm working, I feel like I spend too much time inside and on a screen. While I don't think screens are inherently bad for us, I think too much makes it easy to fall out of touch with our bodies and internal wellbeing. So I took advantage of the warmer weather - I went to a baseball game, met up with old friends at new restaurants, and had lunch on a bench in the park (underrated activity). Can't forget that life is meant to be lived....
2 months ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, I don’t think people were born into this world to be productive. As in, all people are perfectly capable of growth and accomplishment, but I don’t think work is my (or anyone’s) life purpose. And the moments where I am able to take a step back and recognize that, are the moments I feel the happiest and at peace. In Japan, I think there are values of hard work and career growth as well as values of cultivating personal interest-- it often depends on who you're speaking to! But...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, Taking care of yourself is simple in concept, but in practice it often feels anything but straightforward. On the one hand we have those who believe in the 'toughness' of eating right and exercising to enjoy the benefits of self-improvement. A mindset that leans into the idea that all we need is a bit of self-discipline to become the best version of ourselves. On the other, we have those who believe in accepting ourselves where we are. An approach that is more guided by the value...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, Have you been to Japan before? If you have, you'll be quick to notice that phenomenal customer service is not limited to just high-end luxury shops and hotels. If you walk into any regular store, you will likely be greeted by an employee who will politely welcome you in, bow to you, and rush to help you as soon as they realize you need assistance. Their uniforms are crisp, clean, and appearance clearly cared for. The shelves are put together, the products aligned and organized....
4 months ago • 2 min read