How to be happy: 'Living'

The language of flowers for the weeping willow is,
'I live for you'.

When I look at its branches growing straight,
I feel the strength of living while thinking of someone.

When people lose someone precious,
they feel as if the world has ended.

I had a time like that, too.

Twenty years ago, I lost my dearest person.
Back then, I was at the very bottom of my life.

If I could meet them one more time.
If I could hear their voice again.

I wouldn't mind dying.

I truly thought that.

But in reality,
I didn't have the courage to die.

When morning came, I would wake up,
go to work somehow,
eat, sleep,
and greet the next day.

In that way,
I just dragged on living.

At the time, I felt pathetic about it.

I couldn't properly look forward.
I couldn't become strong.
The sadness didn't disappear.

I was just living.

But now, I think,

I'm glad I didn't die back then.

I'm glad I'm alive.

Life is mysterious.

No matter how desperate you are,
as time passes, the scenery changes little by little.

A day will come when you can laugh.
There will be days when you like someone.
There will be days when you find food delicious.

A day will come when you look at a flower and think it is beautiful.

Of course,
it doesn't mean I have forgotten the person I lost.

I still remember them.
I still want to see them.

But even so, I am glad I am alive.

Recently, I read an article about
the bereaved family of the Henoko boat capsize accident.

In it, memories of their late younger sister
were written with great care.

'I want people to know what kind of person she was'

That wish came through from deep within the text.

When people lose someone,
they sometimes lose sight of
'why they are living'.

But perhaps living itself
is a way of keeping the time spent with the departed
alive in this world.

Sadness does not disappear easily.

However,
to still live today,

I think that alone is amazing enough.

The way to be happy
is not something special,
but first, it is to live.

A book that influenced me in writing this article

'On the Meaning of Life' by Mieko Kamiya

Why do people live?

When you lose someone precious,
sometimes only that question remains in your heart.

This book
contains the 'meaning of life' that can only be seen by those who have experienced suffering and loss.
It is not a book that forces answers upon you.

Even so,

it was a book that taught me there are things you can only see after you have continued to live.
I highly recommend it.

I have also compiled other 'ways to be happy' flowers
at the link below.
Please take as much as you need 🍀

Thank you for reading until the end.
I hope to see you in another article.
🍀 May you be happy 🍀