Lessons from a Little Town in Tokyo

Azabu jubbbaaaannnn! I am singing in my head today on this lovely sunny morning in a little town called Azabu-juban in Mamianacho, Tokyo, Japan! I feel so fortunate as I type here in a little cafe with the knowledge that my job allows me to have such a wonderful and adventurous life. I have to acknowledge that this would not have been true without the support of a boss who believes in practising workplace health! It is our company's mission to provide that to others, but she actually tries to practise what she preaches! Such a rarity in Singapore, a place where people prefer to say they are busy all the time.

What a joy to be able to breathe in the fresh air, to see others working with pride and integrity at the things they have been called to do. Last night as Ian and I wrapped up our night, we looked down at the security guard outside the apartment. He turned towards the soft noises that we made as we came out to the balcony, 8 stories above him. He seemed alert and was standing in his smart policeman like outfit and his long staff which I suppose he would use to ward away intruders. How different from the guards in Singapore who sit and snooze at the first chance they get! Who appear irritated if they need to take down your details to let you enter the premises.

In Japan, in most places that you go to, each person seems to take pride in the small tasks that fall within their responsibility. Whether it is greeting and seating you, wiping your table, opening your taxi door for you or helping you find your way in the train station, it seems that Japanese people have much more sense of duty and dedication to what they do. I'm sure this cannot be every single one of them without exception, but I would be a fool not to take a lesson from them in doing each task that I undertake with a little more Japanese purpose and diligence.

Kicking Procrastination's Butt!

I'm tired. I have no idea why. I just am. I don't think i have a reason to be. I just am. I have had enough sleep. I have eaten nutritious food. I am surrounded by people who love me. But I am tired.

I think sometimes if feels easier to just "be present" to soak up what is around me. To taste, smell, observe. But to do, I don't know...I guess I'm just not as good at it as some people are.

My Dad and my partner Ian are great at it! They love to DO! Their days are filled with doing. They never have enough time to do all that they want to do. They are gritty, they are hard-working, they like the grind. It is really difficult not to compare myself to them though. Sometimes I feel so lazy in comparison. I feel as though I am not as productive, but I am not sure how to become more productive.

What should I spend my day doing? I have the freedom to decide. I am one of those fortunate ones who has the ability to choose when I do what. So I need to make the most of that!!! So few people in life have this luxury.

I think I need to organise my time better. I need to write things down as soon as I think of them so I don't forget to do them. I need to constantly make small changes instead of being fixated on making big ones.

I am not great at starting tasks. Thus, I need to learn how to begin tasks without thinking too far ahead and overwhelming myself to the point of inaction.

Thanks for existing blog! You've given me energy for the day!

Time to get busy!