I teach about health inspired by simple Japanese philosophies and lifestyle practices, so you can learn to find peace, fulfillment, strength, and health in your own body. Sign up for my newsletter to receive all my writing and exclusive resources!
Finding optimism when life’s problems feel impossible
Dear Reader,
I feel like we should recognize it: Life is hard. Soaring living costs, climate change, and the lasting societal and economical impacts of Covid-19. Many face unique financial, social, and political challenges, on top of the everyday challenges and work we face in life.
But while it’s easy to blame our struggles on that which is out of our control, providing momentary comfort, this is not helpful over the long term.
Instead, if you are struggling, let me offer a perspective that may provide comfort, while also empowering you with the confidence to help you find optimism and peace, and ultimately, solutions.
(And don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to just “be more positive”)
What Japan learned from centuries of natural disasters
First, let’s start with a bit of Japanese history, to understand a common cultural perspective towards personal responsibility.
Historically, Japanese society faced a lot of challenges, simply because they faced a lot of natural disasters. It is geographically high-risk for earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons, and because of its mountainous terrain, agriculture was also difficult. Many things felt out of one’s control.
But instead of growing pessimistic and frustrated with these harsh conditions, Japanese culture learned to develop a unique perspective towards struggle that isn’t your own fault, and to value finding acceptance in that truth.
Your problems aren’t your fault, but we can still take responsibility for them
This perspective of acceptance is often referred to as “ukeire”.
Ukeire means that you don’t need to see the bright side of everything, but first, try finding acceptance in it. For a moment, allow the situation to be as it is, and relax in that peace.
ukeire (受け入れ)：acceptance
Some things are out of your control. Your problems don’t make you a failure, a bad person, or a burden to others. It just is.
Peace is found in accepting responsibility
From this acceptance, a hard, but important lesson emerges: that we still must be responsible for addressing our problems, even if they are not our fault.
In other words: An earthquake may not be your fault, but you still must fix the broken roof tiles.
The Japanese view toward perseverance showed me that while not all my struggles are necessarily my fault, they are my responsibility. And this doesn’t need to be some dark truth. It’s empowering to know that whatever comes my way, there is something I can do.
Losing my job may not be my fault, but I can still find another one.
Getting sick may not be my fault, but I can still take steps to improve my health.
A flat tire may not be my fault, but I can still get back on the road.
Learning to acknowledge the randomness of bad luck, but still deciding to take responsibility for my problems, is inherently an act in optimism. We don’t need to deny ourselves the ability to feel frustrated, mad, scared, or uncertain— but acceptance and responsibility means that we won’t let it consume us.
Instead, we learn to find optimism and peace, and ultimately, solutions.
Warmly,
Kaki
Thank you for coming to Medium Day! 🤩
I was recently invited to speak at Medium Day, a virtual event hosted by Medium.com! It was hosted by Harris Sockel, alongside the talented authors, Benjamin Sledge and Julio Vincent Gambuto-- we talked about publishing books, our own journey with writing, challenges along the way, and advice for aspiring writers.
Check out the recording if you missed it! *I don't know how long the recordings stay up, hopefully it's still available when you click it 😅
Over 20,000 people registered to join, and there were over 250 sessions run by writers, editors, and experts across the platform. It was amazing, I learned so much, and although I was *super nervous* speaking in front of people, I left feeling inspired.
Would you be interested in seeing me do more live events?
If so, what topics would interest you the most?
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Hi, I'm Kaki!
I teach about health inspired by simple Japanese philosophies and lifestyle practices, so you can learn to find peace, fulfillment, strength, and health in your own body. Sign up for my newsletter to receive all my writing and exclusive resources!
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