The Quiet Practice of Being Grateful
Some mornings at 4 AM, walking to 7-Eleven, I have a conversation with something larger than myself. It is not formal prayer. It is just acknowledging that I have enough for today.
Expat
Posts tagged under Expat.
Chasing Dreams vs. Chasing Money (And Why I’m Still Figuring It Out)
At 3 AM, I wasn’t awake from stress. I was awake because I am addicted to hope. At nearly 60, I am still chasing dreams instead of sleeping. Is this healthy optimism or just avoidance?
How Small Daily Anchors Keep Us Steady (All you Need is One)
For 674 days, I have stumbled through Japanese lessons. I am not chasing fluency. I am chasing consistency. Here is why a five-minute habit can save you when life gets messy.
Finding Balance in Alone Time
Even with friends, there is a hidden cost to constantly “adjusting” ourselves. Solitude is the only time we can stop performing. Here is why I crave the silence of the farm.
How Dreams Change as You Get Older
People say we are “rich” if we have a dream, regardless of our bank account. But sometimes I wonder if that is just a story we tell ourselves to feel better about living paycheck to paycheck.
The Quiet Art of Checking In With Yourself
For 20 years, my wife was my reality check. When she left, I lost my mirror. Now, 552 days into living alone, I have to perform my own daily audits to make sure I haven’t disappeared.
After 20 Years in Japan, My Japanese Is Still Pretty Basic (And That’s Complicated)
I have lived in Japan for 20 years. I have a 567-day Duolingo streak. Yet, I still panic at the tax office. Here is the complicated truth about why I am not fluent.
Something I’ve Been Noticing About Being Busy
I caught myself rushing through my morning walk, calculating how soon I could start being “productive.” Even my free time felt like something I had to justify. When did being busy become a badge of honor?
The Power of Small Wins: Celebrating Life’s Quiet Triumphs
We have a bad habit of ruining good moments. We say “That was nice, but…” and immediately worry about tomorrow. Here is why you need to stop talking yourself out of feeling good.