Courage is a chain reaction. And today, a friend started a business.

"You seem like the type who's going to do something big."

I've been told that a few times in my life.
The first time I heard it, I couldn't help but laugh. It sounded a bit exaggerated, and I didn't think of myself as anyone that special.

"You seem like you'll turn your words into reality."
"Being around you gives me courage."

Every time someone said things like that to me, I felt happy, but at the same time, a little ticklish.

To be honest, I just spoke about the things I wanted to try and took a step forward, even when I was scared.
There's no guarantee that things will work out, and the anxiety never really goes away.

Still, I think the reason I was able to keep moving forward is because someone's words were always pushing me from behind.

"You can do it."

It's just a few words, but their power is surprisingly immense.
Sometimes, people see potential in us that we haven't even realized ourselves yet.

That's why I think:
The words we receive shouldn't just end with us.
They are like a baton, meant to be passed on to the next person.

And today, a friend of mine started a business.

The moment I heard the news, a warmth spread deep inside my chest.
It was a feeling that went beyond just being happy.

Perhaps back then,
when I told them, "You can do it," it might have given them just a little push.

If that were true, there would be nothing that makes me happier.

Courage is a chain reaction.

The small light received from someone else goes on to illuminate the path for the next person.
It doesn't have to be anything special. Just a single word is enough.

"It's okay."
"You can do it."

Those words can change a life.

Watching my friend take that new step, I thought quietly to myself:
Ah, the baton has been passed on properly.

And at the same time, I realized:
that I, too, have come this far by receiving batons from so many people.

"You seem like you're going to do something."

Maybe those words weren't just an impression.
I think they were the first cheer from someone who believed in my future.

People can't go very far on their own.
We can move forward because there are people who have expectations for us, people who believe in us, and people who tell us, "I'm sure you can do it."

If I had received different words back then,
if I had been told, "You'd better not do it,"

I might be a little different today.

Life changes depending on who you meet.
And it changes even more depending on what kind of words you receive.

That's why I intend to keep speaking those words.
I intend to believe in someone's potential and make sure to tell them.

And so, I will pass on the words I was told as a baton to the next person.

Just as one day, that person will pass the courage they received on to someone else.

Courage, I'm sure, spreads quietly in this way.
From person to person. From words to the future.

Today, a friend started a business.

Their figure looked dazzling, proud, and somehow like hope itself.

Actually, I felt a little proud, too.
Proud of myself for having been on the side that could pass on courage that day.



So, whose back will I be able to push next?

Thinking about that, I am taking my own step forward once again.