I have been feeling better and the fact that I am writing is a sign of it. I knew things were bad when I had no desire to write – and writing is my passion!

I viewed my sadness as growth because I didn’t have anything to be particularly sad about – that is, I wasn’t grieving for a person or relationship, I was sad for myself over something as yet unknown. As the unknown becomes known, so I grow. I am less sad now because I have figured out why I felt sad.

I have had friends tell me of how isolated and weird they felt when they had to spend just several weeks (not a year!) in Asia and they had no knowledge of the language and were going alone. They had been excited about going overseas and then wham! they could not connect…to anything. They couldn’t read the signs, they had nothing familiar around them, they were surprised at how lonely they felt. If they felt that way after only a short stay, I can’t even guess at your feelings and can only send you kind thoughts. You may want to seek counseling to help you adjust or find others who have experienced what you are going through so you know that you’re not alone in your experience.

I’ve been wanting to comment on this post for awhile, but haven’t had the time-I’ve just moved to Japan (as you know) and as things haven’t really gone to plan, I’ve been going through a fair amount of extra suffering too. I’m not new to suffering, there has been a history of depression in my family-and it has rarely not touched each of us. It’s interesting how you look at your sadness as a form of growth; I’m sure you’re right, but when you’re in the middle of it, this knowledge only helps a little bit.

I hope you’re feel better now (I haven’t read your latest posts, but as you’ve been writing at all I assume you’re feeling better. I hope I feel better too…I’m lonely, my new job isn’t what I was anticipating, and Japan is sooo incredibly different to my usual familiar surrounds. I knew some things would be tough-but not this tough.

We were “sisters in tears” on Tuesday – it was a bad day for me as well. I am glad that you have regained your inspiration – it gives me inspiration. I have reread your post a few times to motivate me that yes, others have doubts but we do get through and past them.

I have working on discovering what is making me resistant as well as letting go and trusting Intention. Thank you for the reminder that Peace and Light are always there for me.

As a side note, the photo included in this post was taken in Melkbosstrand, South Africa almost 3 weeks ago. I was visiting friends and walked along that path most mornings. I am back home and yes, it is also a beautiful place. I am even luckier in that I have a spiritual home with my friends in South Africa.

Peace and Light are always there for you; you just need to allow it in and let it happen. I know, my own life has told me that sometimes (let me rephrase that-oftentimes) that is easier said than done. But it is true that the stuff that is beating us up in the stream of life (the “Flow” if you will) is our own resistance, from our own thoughts and our own minds.
The flow of life is doing what we love and trusting that everything will work out. I’m working on that trust now myself.

It looks as if you live in an exquisitely beautiful place. That is something to be grateful for. Remember Gratitude.

I am defining stronger as more focused with a greater belief in myself and my purpose. I am defining stronger as becoming a more accepting, generous, loving, compassionate and kind person – not just to others but to myself!

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the kind words and support I have been receiving here.