Japan Reflection

In Japan, I learned a lot about how we interact with people, as well as our expectations versus those of others. Though not because of our location, I had enough experiences of my own while we were there that taught me some well-needed lessons.

I learned that people might be used to one standard while that is not applicable for another person and the way in which they go through life.

For example, as a friend you have certain responsibilities and are expected to be there for the people you care about. That does not, however, mean that you are obligated to advocate for something you do not agree with. There is still a line between personal belief and wanting to make a friend happy or feel better about something.

There are also different types of people in the world. Those who think about every detail and have a need to discuss it over and over, and those who are content letting things be sometimes, without overanalyzing them.

Every situation is different, but it is my belief that moving on and letting the past be the past is a good path to follow. Not holding on to people or situations that did not fit your personal expectations is so important and can help you to avoid affecting everyone around you.

I think that it is interesting to see the ways that different people handle similar situations, as well. While one person may not be bothered, the other might think about an event long after it has passed. Understanding that not everyone sees the same thing in the same light is crucial to your own well-being; some things are just not comparable, and that might span to people’s feelings about something.

On a different note, I learned more than ever that going with the flow is a great skill to have. Not letting things affect you, like a missed train stop, or an upset member of your travel group, or a longer walk than expected, can make a trip (or life) so much easier.

Everyone sees the world in their own way, and it’s up to each person to understand and allow for that. Nobody is obligated to do anything, or be anything, for you and if they do, that’s something to be grateful for, not to take advantage of.

Each person has to do what’s best for them at any point in time, and while that doesn’t mean walking all over people, it does mean that they can and should put themselves first. We’re all the star of our own life, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s natural. So let it be, as the Beatles would say.