In celebration of this happy moment that my voice can be heard and my ideas shared so openly I’d like to open up to my readers and tell a little bit about myself as the writer and give a glimpse into my inner thoughts. I’ve always been into fashion and sparkly things and all my friends know that I have many many hobbies and interests that continue to grow. I currently live in Japan as an English teacher, model, and writer and it’s been a wonderful experience so far. I’ve travelled far, met many great people, and had nice experiences. If things calm down in the world, take the chance to travel or live abroad to change your perspective on life and discover who you are. Take a step away from what’s familiar and you’ll learn things about yourself that you never thought possible.

Since living in Japan I’ve started playing the guitar, singing, picking up my creative side and still perusing modeling. Does that mean I don’t miss home? Of course not! I miss reaching deep into the earth to get my hands dirty in nature. I miss the calls of wild birds and the fresh mountain air; the privileges of a silent place. The stir of wild animals in the nearby brush or driving to the city for a day of shopping with close friends. Growing up without internet or TV in a world of only plants and animals it was hard for me to be fully exposed to the city life where the stares of people continue every day and the situations get hilariously stranger. I’ve come to love the culture of Japan and yet disagree with it at the same time just like my own life back home. I’ve discovered foods I can’t stomach and others I just can’t stop eating. There are those who believe in equality and others who resist change. I’ve learned that in a society completely different than my own and culture incredibly backwards from what I’ve been taught they are oddly similar. I’ve learned that one cannot force another to suddenly change their ways just by telling them so. I’ve learned that some reach out with love while others spit venomous words to cut down anyone they can. We are human. We laugh at the same jokes and situations, cry in the same moments, and think alike. I’ve realized by living in Japan we are humans all connected by a single thread. Divided by generations of culture, there is unforeseen conflict, but in a time of need we are one and the same. Man or woman, Japanese or America. Humans are and always will be just that, imperfect, yet absolutely entertaining. We destroy what is given to us and take from those without a care only to please ourselves, we create masterpieces of such rich beauty and pick up those who stumble around us all based on the choices we as humans make.

I know this article is not what I usually publish nor tell others, but thank you for taking the time to read, pause, and hopefully think about what your life means to you. Step outside your bubble and forget your worries. Observe those around you to see your not alone. There is so much possibility for yourself and others out there. And no matter where you are or who you are, there will always be someone willing to smile, cry, and laugh with you. Be that person who moves first to help others, who loves without question not relying on the idea that something will be returned for that love, and see the positive in a world filled with darkness so that your light can reach those who need it most. Let’s be ourselves in 2021. Let’s be human once more.

Photo credits to Kazuaki Takata and @_ahmed.abbas

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