It's Okay, It's Not in the Future, But in the 'Carefulness of Today'

Hello. This is donchan.

Today, I am writing this for you, the one person reading this text right now.

If you are spending a sleepless night feeling anxious right now.

If you feel like your heart is about to be crushed by wondering, 'What will happen from here on?'...

I would be happy if you could read a little further.

We live our lives worrying about many things every day.

What if I fail?

What if I am disliked?

What if I run out of money?

What if I get sick?

When you start thinking about the future, there is no end to the anxiety.

That is why your heart gets tired.

I was the same. 'I have to do things right.' 'I have to try harder.'

As a result of constantly pushing myself like that, I once broke my heart.

Back then, I couldn't even believe the words 'It's okay.'

But, while restarting my life, I realized one thing.

It is that 'It's okay' is not a word that guarantees the future, but a sense of security that can only be felt little by little by those who have lived today with care.

No one knows the future.

That is precisely why it is natural to feel anxious.

But for those who have carefully accumulated what they can do today, a quiet sense of security is born within their hearts, strangely enough.

In Buddhism, there is a teaching called “Zuien” (following conditions).

It means living in accordance with the connections you encounter.

This does not mean doing nothing.

It is a way of life where you sincerely do what you can, and then let go of attachment to the outcome.

I have been saved by this way of thinking many times.

When I was only chasing results, my heart was always busy.

However, it is different now.

I do what I can, one thing at a time, with care.

I do not forget to be grateful.

I am kind to others.

And, I am also a little kind to myself.

Just by doing that, my heart has become surprisingly calm.

In Okinawa, there is a wonderful phrase called “Nankurunaisa”.

It does not simply mean “things will work out”.

It is a phrase filled with the wish that for those who have done their best in what they should do, a path will eventually open.

Such a wish is embedded in those words.

I love this phrase.

There are many things in life that we cannot control ourselves.

That is precisely why I handle what I can do with care.
I think that is enough.

Recently, I have been cherishing the word “care”.

Speak with care.

Eat with care.

Work with care.

Walk with care.

Treat others with care.

And be grateful for this day.

When you spend your time this way, it is surprising how much less your heart becomes disturbed.

Life does not become happy just because you rush through it.

It is not only those who run fast who find happiness.

I believe what is important is to keep walking at your own pace.

I have lived for 64 years.

It has by no means been smooth sailing.

I have experienced many painful and sad things.

Even so, I believe that writing this text now and meeting you is a great connection.

That is why I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart today.

You are not alone.

There is meaning in the fact that you read this text.

Thank you so very much.

If there is a day when you feel you could not do anything, please do not blame yourself.

You were able to take a deep breath.

I was able to eat a meal.

I looked up at the sky.

I was able to say thank you to someone.

That alone is enough.

Life is made up of a series of small, careful moments.

No matter what happens, it will be okay.

That is not an irresponsible platitude.

It is a word of hope that only those who have lived today to the fullest, and with care, can gradually nurture within their hearts.

Rather than fearing the future, be grateful for today.

That accumulation will surely gently illuminate your tomorrow.

And if this piece of writing has managed to lighten the heart of even one person who is currently feeling anxious, there is nothing that would make me happier.

Thank you so much for reading until the end today.

[With gratitude, I would like to introduce the articles of fellow creators]

From here on, I would like to introduce them in no particular order, with my sincere gratitude.

Thank you for the wonderful prompts and for the encounters with articles that have left a lasting impression on my heart.

Photo & philosophy donchan