When you think of ‘change,’ are you excited, or are you nervous?

In Japan, spring is a season that comes with a lot of ‘changes’ and even a lot of ‘goodbyes.’

Many companies in Japan still have a system where companies change which department people work in every three or five years. If the company has locations all over Japan, the employees are even sent to different cities nationwide. That can cause a lot of excitement, or a lot of stress.

How do you feel going through seasons of change? Is it something you dread? But sometimes, we can’t change the fact that things change! Right..? There’s no point in complaining about it… but how can we deal with it?

First, it’s easy to see the things we lose in change, but how about focusing on the things that are good?

Second, it’s okay to feel bad about change, but don’t let those feeling hurt yourself or other people. Maybe to deal with the change you need to go out and have a good comfort meal, or maybe through a change you need to have a good cry! Because some changes are really tough.

It’s not a bad thing to cry, but if that continues for days, is that a good thing? Would that change anything? Would crying help your situation change? In my past experience, crying does maybe make me feel better, but it doesn’t change anything. I need to learn to let go, and focus on the good things.

When people change, it hurts too. When your best friend moves away, how can we deal with that? Living in Japan for 15 years now, I’ve said goodbye to many foreign friends along the way that have decided to move on to another country or back to their home country. At first, I was pretty immature, selfish and upset (ha!). I would cry, and say “why are you leaving, don’t leave me!” Pretty selfish, right? I’m very glad I matured, now! Because saying those things, if I’m joking, are fine. But saying those things are actually quite negative, I may have even hurt those friends feelings or made them feel guilt for leaving!

So now I like to think and say, “Thank you so much for spending these months or years together with me. It’s such an honor that out of the millions of people in this city, we could connect and enjoy good times together. I’m so excited for your new season. You will be missed, but stay connected! Excited for you, praying for you, it’s going to be great!” Sometimes I still feel sad when I miss my friends, but I also know they’re excited for their new season, so I’ll wish them the best too!

Let us know, what “changes” are you going through this season?
Which part stood out to you? What new English phrases did you pick up?