All kidding aside...take a moment to breathe. You deserve it! Today's article is on "perspective." Always do your best to have perspective on what you do, what you say, and how you approach life. I hope today's article inspires you to reflect on your values and what is most important in life.
I recently went on a family vacation to Japan and Korea. The visit to Japan was my second time… the first to Korea. As I spent time in both countries, I did my best to slow down and take notice of everything. What I learned from the trip gave me the perspective of a visitor and the ability to embrace what I take for granted in my daily life.
In Japan, there is a sense of order, perfection, and grace in everything they do. From taking subway rides to and from work. From how they line up everywhere they go. From how clean everything is. From how they cook and present their food. They are highly organized, finally, in how they treat each other and visitors. At times, it may seem like they are in a rush to get to their next destination. Only to realize that when they are at their destination, they perform their work with patience and skill that borders on perfectionism. What I learned from these findings is that the Japanese have a relentless pursuit of perfection in everything they do. This drive is noticed in everything they do, such as sweeping the sidewalk, folding an article of clothing just purchased, making food and drinks, and tending to guests. Their pursuit, from what I learned, is based on having patience and composure.
I also noticed in Japan that everyone was extremely healthy and slim. Their diet, nature of movement everywhere, and overall focus on life lend themselves to them being healthy. I never felt fatigued, lazy, tired, or full when I mimicked their eating habits, movements, etc. I also noticed very, very few elderly people were moving about. Those who did were quite fit and healthy, and moved almost as fast as the general population.
The Japanese are a remarkable people. The arts, culture, architecture, automotive design, you name it, were top-notch. It was an honor to be among them and to learn from them in both direct and indirect ways. What they taught me is that I need to focus on patience and care more with respect to all that I do, say, and be.
In Korea, I did my best to apply patience and care. What I learned in Korea is that they are strong people. What I mean by this is that there is an overwhelming sense of power, certainty, boldness, strength, and conviction in the people of Korea. From their multitude of large, formidable, tall buildings to their transportation highways, their strength is seen repeatedly. They are proud people. The way they do their daily activities shows a sense of verve and drive I haven’t seen in a while. Their strength is shown in their police force, their endless Korean BBQ restaurants, their shopping streets, markets, and centers, and their composure. Everywhere I went, I noticed this strength…even those rallying on the streets because of voting season. They were orderly, focused, and strong-willed in their message delivery. I think what amazed me most was the architecture of Korea. Their skyscrapers, city skylines, etc., were everywhere. I have never seen so many tall buildings in my life. My takeaway from Korea is to be proud and strong in myself and what I have built in my life.
As you take time to peruse the attached photos of both countries, see if you can spot what I did and how both countries gave me a new perspective on moving forward in life.
I hope that as you continue to push forward in your endeavors, please have perspective on who you are, what you have accomplished, what you hope to achieve in the future, but, most importantly, how others are also trying to reach their goals. My wish is that you achieve what you set out to achieve and ensure that you help others along the way. We all deserve the best, and in helping others, you will reach your goals.
Thank you for who you are and what you do. Thank you for your time, and may you continue to move forward positively. If you ever need help, please reach out…
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