Reunion with Wisdom
My wisdom is used because it has been so useful to me. I have used it and so it has more value now than when it was new to me. It is wisdom charged with Hitomi-energy. As I pass down with Hitomi's wisdom. I free up space that will be filled by the universe.
Recently, Y-san, a colleague from the days when I was still managing an apparel store and who is now aiming to start her own business, reached out for my advice, leading us to arrange a lunch meeting after a long time. Y-san had worked with me up until the day before I declared my independence to my colleagues at the store. I vividly remember how she encouraged me on the day I announced my intention to go independent, saying, “Hitomi-san, you should definitely go independent!”
Since we had only met once after starting my own business, it has been over 15 years. I pride myself on not having changed much in appearance, but what about her? She has been working as a manager at an apparel brand, and indeed, she seemed to have hardly changed at all. Once you reach your 40s, maintaining your appearance without change requires effort. Sharing laughs over such conversations, we reminisced about our former colleagues and other pastimes, creating a moment that felt like a slip in time, engulfed in bursts of laughter.
I listened to her business plan, offered new perspectives, and then shared my long story of the journey from before I started my own business to where I am now. It was just a fraction of the story, as it’s impossible to tell it all. My tales are mostly composed of failures, within which are many life-changing quotes. Y-san eagerly took notes, asking, “May I take notes?” as she recorded these stories.
Actually, what she was jotting down was almost entirely things I had noted for myself in the past. (laughs) To this day, those words, along with the images from those times, and how they changed me, are neatly filed away in my memories and organized in my blog.
Realizing this is how wisdom is passed down filled me with gratitude for those who had shared these insights with me. Reflecting on my journey from the age of 29 to now, at 49, felt like a series of flashbacks, a carousel of memories, with scenes from those times racing through my mind. The span of 20 years seemed like a wormhole, connecting me directly from those cherished memories to the present, as if the joy of those moments was still continuing right here, right now.
Soon after the 4-hour epic came to an end, I received a message from her.
“Thank you so much for all the advice and insights today. You truly are incredible, Hitomi-san, and I’m moved. I want to praise myself for deciding to reach out to you! And it was fun.”
Reflecting on our conversation, I carefully chose my words to respond.
“Y-san, the pleasure was all mine, thank you for choosing to meet with me. It’s wonderful that we met at what could be called the most enjoyable workplace for both of us. Someday, even drawing on past experiences might become tiresome, (laughs) so always aim for the new and enjoy the journey of surprising yourself with discoveries about who you can be.”
When I first became independent, I could envision the next three years and, as planned, established my company within that time frame. Beyond that, to be honest, I couldn’t imagine what the future held. But there’s no need to worry. As you accumulate knowledge and experience, the range of what you can do expands, the quality of your work improves, and your productivity increases. And so, you embark on a journey of discovering unexpected aspects of yourself.
“Life is a journey of self-discovery, and the deepest learning is found in surpassing oneself.” — LifeCoach