Hitting reset

Every time the holidays roll around in the middle of the school year, it usually passes rather uneventfully. Perhaps I might make a short trip, camp at East Coast Park (more on this in the future) and meet up with friends who I rarely get the chance to talk to. This year, however, things were different. Instead of staying home, I spent four weeks in Japan. Yes, you read that right. FOUR. WEEKS.

Initially, the main reason for the trip was to visit some close friends, but somehow, the news that the prices for the Japan Rail Pass were increasing exorbitantly propelled me to lengthen my stay so I could make full use of the Shinkansen Experience (train nerd alert). No regrets, because it was the best vacation that I’ve ever had. Solo.

The highlight of my trip - a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Beyond the travelling aspect of things, I really needed to be alone with my own thoughts and hit the reset button. Since the pandemic began, I had been working and shouldering responsibilities relentlessly without a proper break. In addition to the emotional and mental stress of life in general, the fact that there were so many changes and restrictions along the way really took its toll. I was on the verge of burnout and quitting some things that were important to me.

So I reevaluated my priorities and found my dream again while I was in Japan. I managed to catch a glimpse of what could be and since then have taken active steps towards achieving my goals. The launch of Yukkuri Diary is the result of that as well as putting more time into my own business, Studio Yukkuri, which has also been on the back burner while I work my day job. I imagine that juggling everything along with other personal commitments will not be easy, but by God’s grace I do believe I can manage it all with joy. ♡