My own growth (and lack of it, in a good way) in Japan

I've been meaning to write this blog for a while now, but the busy nature of spring and the start of the new fiscal year has had me a bit preoccupied!

ToneToEdo recently wrote a blog about personal and professional growth here, inspired by another post by TheMuggleWriter1997, and it got me thinking about the topic overall. I've definitely had some growth here, from having to branch out into career fields that I wasn't accustomed to, to becoming a parent, and muddling my way through a language that isn't my mother tongue.

What I also spent some time reflecting on was the idea of the 'lack of growth' I've had, and how I actually think that can be a hugely beneficial thing.

I think, very often (at least in my home country), you're bombarded with a pretty linear idea of success. You do well at high school, you go to university, you get a good job, you climb the corporate ladder...in perpetuity. If you're a woman, you're expected to hold down a job while also being the primary caregiver for any children you may have, with the mindset that somehow we can have it all.

Living here, and probably more so moving to the countryside, has been a bit of a countering of that mindset. I think one of the biggest things I've learned is that I don't always need to be following that relentless drive to optimize my life. It's harder to do that in my country of origin, with housing prices out of control and the overall cost of living through the roof. I don't disagree that it's a problem here, too, but it feels less so than what my friends and family back home are feeling. 

In the countryside, I feel like instead of that 'constant motion' feeling, I can enjoy the simpler things in life. Things like flower festivals, enjoying fruits and veggies when they are at their best because I've learned all about what's in season and when, or knowing our neighbors and local shopkeepers well are such a wonderful, slowed-down life moments.

My wage isn't impressive, but I get to do a job I enjoy that comes with some cool experiences, whereas back in my home country I felt like I was working just to make as much money as possible. That has in turn allowed me to be a more present parent, wife, and friend, and I think nurturing those relationships is more important than anything money can buy.

In hindsight, perhaps my lack of traditional growth is actually one of the most rewarding kinds of growth I’ve experienced.