Be Proud of Who You Are Now: A Journey Through Japanese Culture and Self-Acceptance

Introduction

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of who we are and where we stand in society. We often find ourselves comparing our achievements to others, feeling inferior or superior based on our social status, occupation, or age. In this blog, we will delve into the personal experience of a 27-year-old part-time worker from Japan, who shares her journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, inspired by the wisdom of the Japanese concept of Bushido. By connecting her daily emotional movements with Japanese culture, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their true selves and live life with pride.

The Struggle with Self-Comparison and Inferiority

The blogger, who speaks Kansai dialect, begins by sharing her current situation. She is a part-time worker, 27 years old, and still chasing her dreams. In a society that often values success and stability, she sometimes feels inferior when comparing herself to others. She wonders what she is doing with her life, especially as she approaches her 28th birthday in June. This feeling of inadequacy is not uncommon, as many young adults grapple with the pressure to meet societal expectations and achieve success.

Discovering the Wisdom of Bushido

In the midst of her struggles, the blogger stumbles upon the words of Bushido in a book she reads every morning. The concept of Bushido, often referred to as the “way of the warrior,” is a code of conduct for samurai warriors in feudal Japan. However, its principles can be applied to all aspects of life, including one’s self-perception and relationships with others. The blogger reads the following passage: “Having a high status is just as pitiful as being lowly.”

Initially, she interprets the first part of the sentence as a critique of those who boast about their high status. She feels that such behavior is pitiful and even disgusting. However, upon reading the second part of the sentence, she realizes that the message is directed at her as well. The passage suggests that those who pride themselves on their high status and those who make fun of their low status are essentially the same. They judge people solely based on their occupation or social standing, rather than seeing the essence of who they are.

Learning to See Beyond Social Status

The blogger reflects on her own tendency to judge herself and others based on their social status. She realizes that she has been guilty of seeing people through the lens of their occupation, just as those who boast about their high status do. However, she is determined to change her perspective and learn to see people for who they truly are. She is inspired by the idea of looking at people with the eyes of her heart, rather than solely through the lens of their social status.

The blogger shares that she wants to be someone who can see others in a flat, unbiased way, even when she achieves her own goals and gains a higher social status. She believes that a person’s occupation is a respectable thing, but it does not define their entire being. She wants to learn to see the essence of people, understanding that their position in life is a result of the accumulation of their experiences and choices.

Embracing Pride and Self-Acceptance

The blogger concludes her reflection by expressing her determination to live her life with pride, regardless of her social status. She wants to put aside the social lenses that cloud her judgment and see the essence of people. She acknowledges that humans are not shallow creatures that can be defined solely by their occupation or social standing. Instead, she wants to live her life with pride in herself, so that she can truly see and appreciate the unique qualities of others.

The blogger’s journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance is a reminder that we should not define ourselves or others based on external factors. We are all complex individuals with unique stories and experiences. By embracing our true selves and living with pride, we can cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of others.

Conclusion

In this blog, we explored the personal journey of a 27-year-old part-time worker from Japan, who shared her struggles with self-comparison and inferiority. Inspired by the wisdom of Bushido, she learned to see beyond social status and embrace self-acceptance. By connecting her daily emotional movements with Japanese culture, she hopes to inspire others to live their lives with pride and see the essence of people. Let us all strive to embrace our true selves and appreciate the unique qualities of others, as we continue our journey through life.

Call to Action

If you found this blog inspiring, please consider sharing your own experiences with self-acceptance and self-pride in the comments section below. Let’s create a community of support and understanding, where we can learn from each other and grow together. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to hearing from you.