Healing Time

I usually don’t think back on the negatives, but this past 2 months have been something else. Getting sick three times in a row with the last time being tonsillitis. And then having the school year start while sick, all while trying to get my life squared away to leave in a few months, yeah… things have been a little stressful to say the least. The fact I leave Japan in 2 ½ months still hasn’t hit me, despite knowing that this chapter in my life is coming to a close. More than anything, I think my heart has been in a state of limbo, running through the motions every week, numbing myself to the reasons why I fell in love with my little piece of the countryside in the first place. But thanks to a special friend, I’m slowly relearning to appreciate the small things in life.

This past week, I was blessed to be able to spend time with a good friend from Korea, whom now that I think about, has visited Matsuyama every year since I’ve been here. I find it amazing that she really likes this place, probably more than me, and that she loves life’s simple pleasures. From meandering the back streets of Dogo, to walking around the ruralness of Hojo, I can’t remember a time I enjoyed taking in the beauty of nature at such a calm and relaxed pace. I’ll never forget being able to talk about anything and everything while slowly pacing around and enjoying the company of a good friend, and a beautiful sunset. Actually, now I can’t stop staring at sunsets haha.

I have a new appreciation for Hojo and Matsuyama city. I’m challenging my self to walk around more and experience life at its simple best, something I really haven’t done since I first arrived here.

So to this special friend, if by chance you read this, thank you for helping to “heal” my heart when I didn’t know I needed it. I now look forward to closing out this chapter of my life and experiencing something new in a few months. I hope to follow you on your adventures, too. And one day I hope to pay back the favor.

Till next time