The ideal that existed only in my head is steadily becoming reality (Tomarigi Cafe, 3rd session)

What is Tomarigi Cafe?

It is a place I have always wanted to create for people who have taken a leave of absence or returned to work, with the goal of providing a safe and secure space where they can talk a little about things they usually find hard to say.

However, in reality, there were mountains of challenges such as location and costs.
I had given up, thinking it was impossible.

I talked about this back in the spring of this year.

Let's do it!

The conversation moved forward all at once.
(I will write more about this later.)

The first session.

4 people.

The second session.

This was the first online session, with 3 people.

And then came the third session.

To my surprise, it was held with 6 people.

I was surprised by the number of people, which was more than ever before.

I felt a little anxious about whether it would go well, but
I felt at ease because I wasn't hosting it alone.

Changes from the previous session.

In addition to the usual chatting,

I added journaling and tsumami-zaiku (fabric craft).

Although it was optional,
everyone participated in the journaling,
and there were also people who wanted to try the tsumami-zaiku.

It is strictly freestyle, so if you want to do it, let's do it.
Don't push yourself. Don't push others.

That is the Perch Cafe.

It started with a simple self-introduction.

Journaling takes 10 minutes at the beginning and the end.

Write down how you feel right now on paper. That is all.

Since there were first-timers, I was inwardly worried if they would be okay, but I felt relieved when I heard the sound of pens.

Of course, you don't have to show it to anyone. So write without worrying.
It's loose enough that you can share your thoughts if you have any.

In that way, the atmosphere warmed up, and everyone's conversation gradually became more lively.

I was greatly helped by the skillful facilitation of the other organizer, Hyo-karu-san.

I held a tsumami-zaiku workshop.

Whether I make it or the participants make it themselves,
this time, the participants made it themselves.

We talked about various things while making them.
About current anxieties, and about the future.

It was someone who had participated before.
Their voice was gradually becoming brighter, which made me happy personally.

Here is the finished work.

A beautiful finish that you wouldn't think was their first time.
The color scheme is also lovely.

And finally, journaling once again.
Everyone seemed used to it, and their pens moved along.

This time, the two hours passed in a flash. I'm happy if they enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. Probably more than anyone else.
However, since there were many people, there might have been some who didn't get to talk enough. And I feel like there were many people who wanted to talk this time.
No, since the concept is 'I want to talk!', that might be natural.

I listen to the stories of those who come.
I can't give professional advice, of course, but
my ideal is that my experience can be of some help,
and that they go home feeling a little lighter.

To put it further,
I'd like to make the time longer,
and my ideal is to say, 'You can just drop by freely without a reservation during this time,'
but that is a bit difficult.

I want to make improvements little by little.

That said, being able to hold it three times in this past year is a very big deal.

A year ago, it was nothing more than a fantasy in my head.

Let me think about the factors behind holding the cafe.

1. The location and the relaxed atmosphere. Actually, it was different at first. It was planned for Tokyo. But I chose this place because it met the conditions in various ways. I wanted to continue it as much as possible.
・One coin with a drink included
・It's also easy that you can go get drinks freestyle
・Close to the station
・The owner's flexible response
・No contact information was exchanged at all
I emphasized relationships and conversations that were strictly for that moment
・Thoroughly ensuring a safe and secure place
・The time was also free within the set hours

2. I tried talking about it. This is something I could never have done alone.
I was scared, thinking it was probably impossible.
I have nothing but gratitude for Hyokaru-san, who got excited when I talked about it and patiently stuck with me through the start-up from scratch.

3. There were people who participated. It goes without saying, but it wouldn't work without them.

I think there are various triggers for this, but
the influence of my essay book about being on leave is also significant.

I must not forget that I was able to hold it this year thanks to various connections.

The schedule is still undecided, but I plan to hold it next year as well. I want to do it around spring.

Because my creation of a place to belong has only just begun.

Thank you for participating!
For those who couldn't participate this time, please join us next time.
I look forward to our continued connection.

For information regarding my leave of absence, click here.
The story of taking 130 days off for adjustment disorder.
↓↓↓

The three years from taking leave to returning to work
(It is still ongoing. I am not taking medication or visiting the hospital either)

[Notice]

I am selling a return-to-work essay book and a grief care picture book (The leave-of-absence essay book is sold out. If there is enough demand, I will reprint it.)