To My Future Self, and to You Who Are Living Through the Present: 'Your Story 2026'

I am participating in the 'Your Story 2026' Harumaga Campaign [26th Edition].

Haru-san, I am very grateful for the opportunity to write an article like this.

I have written this using the keyword 'Words I want to leave for my future self'.

After finishing 38 years of life as a company employee, I have walked this far, overcoming many walls and pains.

I am pouring my heart into these words, which reflect my true self at this very moment, for my future self and for you who are running forward right now.

To My Future Self: The Pride and Wish of Being an 'Exclusive Manager'

Are you, my future self, still walking right behind someone as an 'exclusive manager for female solo entrepreneurs'?
Are you still able to do that?

I take a small pride in supporting the parts that my clients find difficult—the practical IT work and the organizing of their thoughts—from behind the scenes, rather than standing in the spotlight and being called a 'teacher'.

The moment that person begins to shine through their own strengths, my heart feels warm deep inside.

I don't think I will ever get used to that feeling, no matter how many times I experience it.

If you ever get swallowed up by daily tasks and your core begins to waver, please remember.

That night when you were so absorbed in writing an article on your computer until 3:30 AM.

'I want to see the look of joy on someone's face.'

Remember that pure time when you were able to run forward with just that one thought.

To You, the 'Entrepreneurial Lost Soul'

To you right now.

Are you finding it a little hard to breathe?

'There is too much to do.'

'Things aren't going well on social media.'

Before you know it, it's the middle of the night, and you are staring at the light of your smartphone, shedding tears.

There are nights like that, aren't there?

But it's okay.

You don't have to force yourself to overcome your 'weaknesses'.

What I learned from experiencing bronchial asthma and lumbar spinal canal stenosis is not to ignore the voices of my body and mind.

And that it is okay to put yourself first.

Your strengths are already there.

You don't need to rush; you can just proceed at your own current rhythm.

Business is like a rice bran bed (nukadoko).

Preparing the foundation of a business is a bit like cultivating a rice bran bed.

Every day, you reach in, let it breathe, and nurture it as you change its flavor.

• Clarifying 'who you want to reach.'

• Preparing your partners, the tools like Gemini and MyASP.

• And, believing in your own strengths, and continuing—even if it's plain and simple.

There are days when it doesn't ferment well.

But if you stir it, it will come back to life.

Please don't rush.

If you nurture it slowly, the richness will surely emerge.

Once again, to my future self

Future Yoko-san.

Are you still smiling today, feeling the joy of others' changes up close as if they were your own?

Are you living by catching those moments when your heart goes 'Oh!'?

Please, never forget.

The power for the future lies within the warmth of the here and now.

Even if there is an invisible distance, we are connected.

With just a little bit of courage, if you take that first step, life will show you new light at any time.

Today, too, I hope your strengths will gently light up someone's heart, with all my heart.

I had my story made into a Storybook

I had my before-and-after story imagined and created in Gemini's Storybook.

It's quite arranged, isn't it? (laughs)

And my 38-year career has become 38 years old, but let's just call that a charming quirk (laughs).

I, too, am walking through life while wavering daily, making sure not to leave my feelings behind.

If something resonates with you, please let me know with a like or a comment; it would be a great encouragement.

Thank you so much for reading until the end.

May gentle light shine down on your every day.

#YourStory2026
#HarumagaMate
#WomenEntrepreneurs
#StrengthDiscovery
#SelfAxis
#ToMyFutureSelf
#Letter
#EntrepreneurLetter
#EntrepreneurLost
#CherishYourself