Connecting in many ways, that is now (The 2nd Tomarigi Cafe)

The second Tomarigi Cafe was held the other day.

Actually, due to various circumstances, we were planning to cancel it at the last minute. While feeling terribly sorry, I contacted the participants to inform them of the cancellation, and then,

I received a message saying that. Although Tomarigi Cafe is a place for casual chatting, the concept of the cafe is, for the time being, about taking a leave of absence or returning to work.

I think these are sensitive topics that people usually cannot talk about easily.
That is why they gathered the courage to participate this time.
I want to help them somehow.

However, in reality, meeting in person was difficult.

Not doing anything unreasonable that involves self-sacrifice, and doing what I can within my limits.

That is also one of the concepts of Tomarigi Cafe.

It is not something where you do it once and it is over.

After consulting with Hyokaru-san, we decided to connect online.

The participant, who was a bit nervous at first,
gradually started to show a smile as we talked about various things.

Personally, I couldn't take a leave of absence until my mental state reached its limit.
The guilt about resting, and the disgust and fear toward myself for not being able to fit into society were also severe.
Until I took a leave of absence, I couldn't take care of myself at all.
I had a faint, baseless expectation that someone would notice and help me in this situation.
I gave up on reaching out and just huddled in a corner.
It was a relief that I managed to go to the hospital by gathering my last bit of strength.

While listening to the participant's story, I suddenly looked back at my past self, thinking it was a courageous decision.

Time passed in the blink of an eye.
It left an impression on me that they had a calm face at the end.

I was glad I held it.
I could feel that from the bottom of my heart.

I am not a doctor or a counselor, so I can only listen.
I think my knowledge is also limited.
But I have experience that goes beyond knowledge.

I want to help someone.
I cannot say such a thing. There is no way I could say that.

Even so, I think I am now realizing what I wanted someone to do for me back then.

I just want them to listen.
What to do after that is up to the individual.

To have someone listen.

It might be something obvious, but for me, it wasn't obvious. I couldn't do it.

It is just that, but for me, it
became a source of courage.
I hope my experience can be of even the slightest help to someone.

With gratitude for this connection.

The next date is undecided, but I plan to continue.
If possible, within this year.

The previous one is here.