What are you truly grateful for this week? | The 'value of connection' I realized after taking my first step

A small step taken with courage

I never imagined that the meetup I mustered the courage to sign up for that day
would turn into such a heartwarming experience.

To be honest, I kept doubting myself even after I signed up.

“Is it really okay for me to go?”
“Won't I be out of place?”

Those anxieties were swirling around in my head.

But looking back now,
I think that step was the thing I am most grateful for this week.

Back when I thought my company was enough

Until now, I have valued my professional network within the company.

Building trust through work.
I believed that was more important than anything else.

If anything,

“As long as I do well within the company, that’s enough.”

Perhaps I thought that somewhere along the way.

That is why I had almost no connections outside of the company.

However, after I fell ill and had to take time off work,
my way of thinking changed a little.

I felt that this applied not only to work,
but also to my connections with people.

The three capitals taught by 'The Theory of Happiness'

That was when I came across Akira Tachibana's 'The Theory of Happiness'.

This book states that happiness is made up of three types of capital.

Until now, I have been growing my financial capital through investments.
And I believe I have also been developing my human capital through my work.

But what about my social capital?

Looking back, I had almost no connections outside of my company.

At that moment,
I realized that the balance of my capital was quite skewed.

The world I saw after diving into a new place

So, I decided to take the plunge and attend an offline meetup.

Honestly, I was very nervous.
It had been a long time since I went to a place where I didn't know anyone.

But once I actually participated,
it was a more enjoyable and educational time than I had imagined.

Talks about investment and asset building.
Talks about how to use ever-evolving AI.

I was able to encounter many perspectives that I don't usually come across in my daily life.

And above all,
even though it was the first time we met,
everyone treated me very kindly.

That made me truly happy,
and I was filled with heartfelt gratitude.

Looking back, this meetup was
an experience that touched upon all three types of capital.

By meeting and connecting with people, my social capital expanded,
my human capital was polished through new knowledge and stimulation,
and as a result, it even connected to my financial capital.

That is what I felt.

To my children | A little courage expands your life

To you both,

From here on, I am sure
there will be many moments when you think, 'This is a bit scary.'

But you know,
I want you to try and find just a little bit of courage at those times.

Going to a new place.
Talking to people you don't know.
Trying things you have never done before.

Sometimes, that one step
can greatly expand your world.

There are times when taking a step forward
is far more important than doing things perfectly.

Even Dad is still, little by little,
hoping to keep taking steps like that.

And,
it is okay if that step doesn't lead to immediate results.

But that experience
will surely become your strength somewhere along the way.

That is why, even if you feel afraid,
I want you to be honest with your feelings and take just one step forward.

Using this experience as a starting point,
I want to continue visiting various places
and cultivate my three forms of capital in a balanced way.

And I would be happy
if I could continue to share those lessons with you.

That was
'What are you truly grateful for this week? | The 'value of connection' I realized after taking my first step'
.

The end.

To you,
— HondaYori Papa

※ The ideas behind this article,
and the ways of living and facing life I've learned from books,
are summarized on my blog, 'Book Letters from Dad'.

👉 Blog 'Book Letters from Dad'

※ Click here for the article that inspired this thought
👉'The Capital Theory of Happiness' Summary & Thoughts | 'The Power to Cultivate Happiness'

※ This story is part of a theme called 'Thinking about Living'.
By reading it as a connection rather than as isolated points,
you can deepen your perspective on money so you aren't swayed by anxiety.

👉 Read articles summarizing tips for living

※ The 7 themes that Dad values are also kept on the blog.

👉 Read 'The 7 Learning Maps' that Dad has studied

(Note: About tips)

I am writing this letter so that my children can read it someday,
to preserve my current feelings and lessons learned.

I believe that even a small step like this one,
is a valuable experience that connects to the future.

If you can resonate with these thoughts,
I would be happy if you could quietly support me.