[Essay] Words that Connect Hearts

To be honest, I don't know what a dog is thinking, but when they look back at me with a 'What?' expression, their eyes seem to overflow with unspoken words like trust and love, so straight and pure that it makes me flinch.

People and dogs, we are living together.

A moment that makes me realize we are just living creatures.

That gaze reminds me of something obvious yet easy to forget: if you face your loved ones properly and look them straight in the eye, your hearts will surely connect, won't they? (^^)

Is it something special to be able to feel that way?

In reality, it's a trivial thing and not particularly special, but it gives you a sense of excitement and makes your heart soar; both adults and children love the special ring that the word 'special' carries, don't they?

That's why it's better to have plenty of little 'specials' throughout the 365 days of the year.

However, many things happen as we go through life.

How many times have I swallowed tears of frustration?

I think there have also been times when we had to overcome tears of sadness.

But if we can decide not to hold back tears of joy and let tears that resonate with our hearts flow as they are, we might actually feel refreshed instead. (^^)

I feel like people maintain their emotional balance by changing the color of their tears.

It would be nice if there were fewer times when we cry because our feelings aren't understood.

Instead, I think people grow little by little as they start to try and understand the hearts of others, even if just a little.

So, if you find yourself moved to tears more often, it might be because the part of you that relates to love has grown, right?

Even if the amount of tears doesn't change, I feel like the type of tears changes every time we gain someone precious to us.

But you know, perhaps people gain a strong heart by pretending to be strong when they are actually weak.

Well, if possible, I want to roll away my grumpy heart, my prickly heart, and my flustered heart, and become rounder and rounder. (^^)

The older we get, the less we use the word 'courage'.

That is probably because when we are swept along by daily life, most things flow without any issues even if we don't go out of our way to summon the courage to do something.

However, I believe it is important to live a life where you create your own flow rather than just being swept away.

If you have a clear intention to flow toward a certain destination, I think you will find more opportunities to use the word 'courage'.

The 'yu' in courage is the 'yu' in dream.

The 'yu' in courage is the 'yu' in speak.

Those who have dreams they want to fulfill and paths they need to follow are tested by small acts of courage every day.

And they know that no wish can ever be granted unless they summon the courage to entrust it to words and overcome each step one by one.

When taking action, when wanting to change something, or when courage is needed, I believe a dignified sound like a bell surely resonates within the heart.

I feel that the sound of that 'rin'—which clears away hesitation and wavering feelings—brings with it a bright 'tomorrow' for every time it rings.

That is why it is better to have many dreams, even if they are small or modest, and I believe that those thoughts create a significant difference.

You will be happier if you use courage often, and above all, since the sound of the 'rin' will never ring unless you ring it yourself, don't you think it would be wonderful to live while letting that clear, dignified tone resonate?

Spirit, mindset, and thoughtfulness—the heart I use is who I am, and I live by using these various aspects of my heart.

For example, when there is something you want understood or something you truly want to try, you need the spirit to convey your heart.

However, strong feelings alone will not resonate with the other person, will they?

When you want to properly deliver the heart you wish to convey, I believe it is important to devote your heart to yourself and then to the other person.

Whether in work or in private life, daily mindsets and subtle thoughtfulness each become a building block of life.

If you devote your heart, there is nothing you cannot understand, and if you devote your heart, don't you think you can connect with many people?

I believe that the entirety of the heart we use is our life.

However, there are days when the heart is strong, and days when it is weak.

Strong hearts, weak hearts, kind hearts, selfish hearts... there are many patterns of the heart, but whether it is something small or something big, living by devoting your heart to everyone and everything you meet will surely lead to daily happiness (^^)

And so, let us take initiative and search for sunny words, so that the sky of our hearts may become a beautiful blue.

When you use happy words, your feelings soften, and when you use fulfilling words, your heart becomes gentle.

Words have some kind of special, mysterious power.

When you are feeling a bit down, or when you are feeling troubled because you cannot find an answer, why not look for bright-sounding, sunny words?

When people keep repeating negative words, their hearts unknowingly drift in a negative direction.

When you look for positive words, for sunny words, for some reason, you can always face forward and move ahead no matter what.

Because words change thoughts, and thoughts change actions, when you try changing the words you use and the words you feel just a little bit when accepting things, the state of your heart will change significantly.

The power to find salvation, the power to pull dreams and hopes toward you, can surely be found within the happy words you feel in your heart.

That is why I believe that people have the power to get back up even when they tilt, and that they have the strength to move forward even when alone, not because they are lonely.

Yes, if you know the temperature of your own heart, you will be fine, and if you believe in the brightness of the future, it will fill you from within—will you be okay?

However, it is human nature to end up clinging to things the more we cherish them.

When your feelings are too strong, it often ends up causing things to get tangled, doesn't it?

Because if you tie things too strongly and too tightly, your heart will become distressed, so I hope that we can connect with the people we cherish in a gentle way.

Yes, so that they can be untied at any time, and so that they can be retied as many times as needed, right!

And if you have a transparent vessel in your heart, the things that fill it will become easier to see, so just as you notice what is missing, I want to have one transparent, clear glass vessel in my heart for the things that are lacking.

Fun things, exciting things, lonely things, frustrating things—all sorts of thoughts accumulate in the heart every day, but facing both "good" feelings and "bad" feelings is what knowing your true self is about, and I think the important thing is not to look away from your true heart.

However, sometimes, when your heart is restless and unsettled, I think it is good to know how to pause effectively.

That is to rest in a place that is as warm and bright as possible.

Even if you are depressed because you cannot proceed as you wish, or even if you are at a loss and cannot take a single step forward, in a bright place, various things can be warmed.

A "heart" that has tilted toward the negative, the "bonds" with someone precious, "thoughts" toward a dream, new "ideas," and so on—if you are in a bright place, nostalgic scenery and new scenery will come rushing in, and those things should become the driving force to move forward next.

In such daily life, there are things you want to consciously put into your heart, things that enter unconsciously, good thoughts, and bad thoughts—everything ends up entering.

I think that is just how the human heart is.

It is scary because it can hold anything.

However, because it can hold anything, you could actually say it is reassuring!

What is important is knowing what is inside it right now, and always thinking about what is good to put inside.

Things that made you happy or brought you joy.

When you feel a small moment of happiness, make sure to deposit it into your happiness savings account right away! (^^)

Happy memories have power, so when your heart feels broken or you are feeling down, the savings you have accumulated will surely be of help to you.

Remembering that happy moment, you will be okay!

Remembering that wonderful time, you will be able to try again!

The standard for happiness is different for everyone, but that is precisely why the happiness savings within you will resonate with you more than anyone else's encouragement ever could.

Besides.

If you look at life from the perspective of making deposits, your ability to catch the small joys of every day will surely be polished even more than it is now.

I suppose that is a nice bonus of happiness savings, too (^^)

Now, many things happen as we live our daily lives, but once you have made up your mind, do not waver!

If you are wavering, then do not decide yet.

Which path should I choose?

If you are wavering, I think it is better not to decide yet.

Because in times like that, people tend to choose the easy path (^^;

Finally, I would like to introduce various words from the [Word Basket], so if there are any words that resonate with your heart, please take them with you (^^)/

Someone else's ruler, my own ruler, the measurements are different for each one.
Mitsuo Aida

There is no such thing as an absolute in a competition. However, those who cannot believe in the absolute will never know victory.
Tetsunosuke Onishi (Former Japan National Rugby Team Coach)

It's not about obtaining happiness. It's about acquiring a heart that can feel happiness.
Hiroto Komoto

I walk until I get a rice ball, so it's not like I won't get one.
Kiyoshi Yamashita, the wandering genius painter

Life is something you cannot redo, but you can review it.
From a Jodo Shinshu sermon

Effort governs luck.
Hiroaki Shukuzawa (Former Japan National Rugby Team Coach)

I always try when an opportunity comes my way.
Actor Cameron Diaz

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.
From the movie 'Forrest Gump'

There is no such thing as an introductory course for every genre.
Tamori

The important thing is to know for yourself what you want to do.
Snufkin

A precious, once-in-a-lifetime existence that cannot be replaced or handed over to anyone else.
Jodo Shinshu follower

Rather than fearing failure when taking on a challenge, fear doing nothing at all.
Soichiro Honda, founder of HONDA

From now on, please live by polishing your wisdom to see things accurately for yourself, think deeply, avoid being swayed by information, and choose information correctly.
Jakucho Setouchi

I don't get depressed; that's because you guys are overconfident. You get depressed because you think you can do it. I don't get depressed because I think, 'Well, this is just how it is,' no matter what happens.
Sanma Akashiya

Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.
Marilyn Monroe

Love is believing in, waiting for, and forgiving the other person.
Words from the mentor of the protagonist, Mr. Takizawa, in the drama 'School Wars'

'When you can't fly, you should just rest slowly. It can't be helped, since you can't fly.' 'If you can't fly anyway, it's better to rest than to worry.'
Coji-Coji

Excuse me, excuse me? Even if, even if, let's say, you were to die tomorrow, who decided that you shouldn't redo things?
Shintaro Furuhata

The first step to being a pervert is falling in love.
Tamori

Even if you try your hardest, it doesn't mean things will go well, and sometimes there's nothing you can do. Education should be about teaching that this is normal and to be expected.
Beat Takeshi

In the new year, let's create and keep one thing at a time that we impose on ourselves, even if it's something small. Isn't that the shortcut to creating what we call 'being yourself'?
Kazuko Watanabe (Nun)

My actions are my own. Criticism belongs to others; it is none of my concern.
Katsu Kaishu

When you work hard and achieve results, it builds confidence. When you achieve results without effort, it leads to arrogance. If you neither work hard nor achieve results, you are left with regret. However, even if you work hard and do not achieve results, you are left with 'experience'.
Unknown

Beautiful things are not necessarily beautiful; it is what you love that is beautiful.
Italian Proverb

Through travel, many things have been discovered and history has been built. Travel is exploration.
Natsuki Ikezawa

I am always longing for something beyond words, and because of that, there are times when I just want to remain silent.
Shuntaro Tanikawa

Time, which cannot be stopped, flows not only to be mourned, but to allow us to grasp beautiful moments one after another.
Banana Yoshimoto

Just as you cannot dilute whiskey with water, you cannot dilute words with meaning.
Ryuichi Tamura (from the poetry collection 'A World Without Words')

The ideal life is a life without words.
Lily Franky (from 'Expanded Edition: A Collection of Unknown Quotes')

If you cannot bloom where you are planted, it is okay to run away to a place where you can.
Bulletin board at Myokei-in Temple, Hiroshima Prefecture

Life is like a 'dark pot' (yami-nabe). You don't know what's inside, but you have no choice but to pick something and eat it.
Hikaru Utada

Don't let the opinions of others drown out your own inner voice. Have the courage to follow your intuition.
Steve Jobs

A year from now, you may wish you had started today.
Karen Lamb

It is difficult to do your best when things are painful or tough. So, it is okay if you move forward just one millimeter a day. Even if you step back a little, you just need to move forward another millimeter.
IKKO

There might be something great or something that saves us outside of ourselves, but I think the radiance or power deep within us is actually the most amazing thing.
Risa Wataya

If you do not become flexible, you will not be able to achieve what you desire.
Ichiyo Higuchi

If you get dumped, you lose someone you love, but they lose someone who loves them.
Kazuyoshi Ozawa (Speed Wagon)

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
Helen Keller

When you set New Year's resolutions, if you decide to discard anything, let it be the word 'impossible' first.
Napoleon Hill

It is not shameful to be inferior to others when compared. However, if you compare yourself last year to yourself this year and find that you are inferior, that is truly shameful.
Konosuke Matsushita

The most important thing is to enjoy your life, to be happy, it's all that matters.
Audrey Hepburn

It's about forgiveness.
Sou Utsumi (from 'Seto Utsumi')

The value of a human being should be measured by what they give, not by what they receive.
Albert Einstein

Even when we are embracing, we are only feeling our own individual sensations.
Masahiko Kishi (Sociologist, Novelist)

Experience everything you can. But whether you can make use of it depends on you, brother.
Keiko Utsumi

Everything doesn't have to be the truth, but the core words should be as simple and honest as possible.
Tina Tamashiro

Of all the waste, the most regrettable is the waste of time.
Marie Antoinette

Every cloud has a silver lining.
English Proverb

Chance favors the prepared mind.
Louis Pasteur (French Biochemist)

A person who can correct themselves after being criticized should be called happy.
From William Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing'

You don't need to get a perfect score. A perfect sky is enough for the starry night.
Sanma Akashiya

What cannot be avoided must be embraced.
Shakespeare

If you feel hesitation in your decision, you will lose. Trust your intuition. Intuition emerges from experience.
Yoshiharu Habu

Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad.
Christina Rossetti

People who cannot enjoy themselves often resent others.
Aesop

Without haste, but without rest.
Goethe (German Poet)

Cheerfulness and a bright mood are things that increase the more you use them.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Even if all the experts say 'you have no talent,' they might all be wrong, right?
Marilyn Monroe

If you have time to find yourself, isn't it more important to try to 'lose yourself' by eliminating worldly desires?
Jun Miura

The purpose of life is not to reach enlightenment. It is to live. Humans are animals, after all.
Taro Okamoto

A good life is not about increasing the things you 'can do,' but increasing the things you 'can enjoy.'
Shigeta Saito

You have no right to talk about goals if you haven't prepared properly.
Ichiro

Music is the only universal language, and it does not need to be translated. In it, soul speaks to soul.
Bach

The act of 'checking for yourself' is extremely important.
Henri Ohara

'I remember playing games like getting lost when I was a child. You love adventure, don't you?'
Author Eiko Kadono

The weight of the luggage I cannot discard behind me
Santoka Taneda (Haiku poet)

I want to meet a 'me' that I don't know yet.
Hikaru Utada (Musician)

To achieve something, it begins with thinking about it in your heart.
Bruce Lee

Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.
Bob Marley

The most important things cannot be put into words.
From Kenshi Yonezu's 'Ghost of the Sea'

Even if the result is wrong... as long as my feelings are right, I'm okay with it!
Yuko (Character from the manga 'Chainsaw Man')

'There is surely nothing more foolish than judging a person by looking at only one side of them.'
From the novel 'Six Liar College Students'

What kind of flowers to display. What kind of music to play. What kind of smile to wait with. That is what is important.
Audrey Hepburn

'That's a good opinion.' 'There's no such thing as a good or bad opinion, is there?' 'I stand corrected. I mean it's close to what I was thinking.'
Sohei Saikawa, Moe Nishinosono (From 'The Perfect Insider' by Hiroshi Mori)

Even if it seems useless at first, it will eventually sink deep into the bottom of your heart and one day change the way you live.
Yasuji Hanamori

The best thinking has been done in solitude. The worst has been done in turmoil.
Thomas Edison

Man is the most interesting thing to man, and perhaps only man can make man feel interested.
Goethe

This very moment creates the future. Will you waste your days? Or will you give your best every minute and every second? It's up to you to decide which one.
Line by Kenji Sakuragi from the drama 'Dragon Zakura'

Work = Mindset × Enthusiasm × Ability
Kyocera founder Kazuo Inamori

'When you think about who you're doing it for, you eventually realize it's for your own sake.'
Yuga Aoyama from the manga 'My Hero Academia'

The reason there are so many words is so you can find the ones that perfectly match your feelings.
Line by Takashi Umezu from the drama 'Maiagare!'

I want my interests to be about getting excited with others, saying things like 'Oh, that part was so good, wasn't it?' rather than using them to compete over knowledge.
Chika Tanabe, Boru Juku

As you get older, you realize that life isn't about winning or losing, but about savoring it.
From the manga 'The Full-Time Wife Escapist'

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