Seen by Summer

Hey, bestie! Long time no see. Since my last entry, my life has completely transformed. I’ve moved to Japan, become single for the first time in my adult life, and received my first full-time job offer.

How Did This All Start?

To put it simply, a book changed my life. This past spring, I was going through a lot of growing pains. I wasn’t satisfied with the direction my life was heading, and I found an escape in audiobooks. I started with fiction, drawn to the artistry of storytelling, which felt more enriching than the fast-paced, overconsumptive nature of social media. From there, I ventured into productivity and philosophical books. As I explored different perspectives on life, I began to question my own.

I went from living comfortably in the lukewarm waters of routine to being jolted by the cold reality that I only get one chance at this life. I realized that the life I was leading didn’t align with who I thought I would be or who I truly am. I faced the harsh truth that I had been lying to myself, creating excuses to deflect my dissatisfaction. Until then, I blamed my circumstances, never wanting to take responsibility for how my life was unfolding.

That all changed when I began reading. Opening myself up to alternative perspectives made me see how narrow-minded I had allowed myself to become. This was when I started to change. My outlook on life shifted, and the way I viewed myself began to transform. I started to believe that I was worth investing in. I invested in my health, my appearance, and my future. I cleared the haze of lies I had been telling myself and found beauty in the ugly truth. No longer was I resigned to the environment I blamed for my stagnancy. I was empowered by the community that had nurtured me, and I began to fight for the change I wanted.

The Defining Decision

The first thing I did was find a community. After moving back in with my parents, I struggled with overwhelming isolation. I realized I needed friends nearby, people I could see regularly. So, I joined a grappling club—one of my best decisions to date. Initially, I joined to improve my physical health, but what I gained was much greater. This sport taught me self-confidence and gifted me three new friends—Lilly, Savannah, and Victoria—who uplifted me and helped me become a better version of myself during a time when all I felt was self-doubt and loathing.

Without the support of these incredible women, I doubt I would be where I am today. The fun experiences we shared and even the mundane errands we ran together made me feel more like myself each day. They gave me a safe space to be myself, and I am forever grateful for the time we shared.

With my newfound confidence, I began to dream. I created a vision board—a fun, creative project that resulted in a new background for my computer. Every time I opened my laptop, I was reminded of what I wanted for myself. I saw the person I could become and the life I could create.

Rapid Transition

Just two weeks after setting my dreams into motion, I received the email that changed my life. I finally got a full-time job, and it was going to take me halfway across the world. Within a week of receiving the offer, I was landing in Tokyo, preparing to become an environmental program leader. Four days later, I arrived in Sado, my home for the next five months.

As I started to settle into my new surroundings, I realized I was in the midst of a great metamorphosis. After just two weeks in Japan, I made the difficult decision to end my four-year relationship. It was one of the few things holding me back from becoming who I was meant to be. My ex-boyfriend was incredibly supportive, and I deeply respect and cherish the time and energy he poured into me, which helped shape who I am today. However, given the demands of my job and my desire to prioritize my career, I realized I couldn’t continue to be a good partner in that relationship.

So Now What?

Here I am, reflecting on the events that led me to be single in Japan. I can’t wait to share my experiences of working abroad and all the personal development that has come with it. My job is demanding, but I’ll try to update you when I can. Thank you for reading, and I hope we can catch up soon!