Idle thoughts drifting through my mind... 120-121.

120. A charm for when you're feeling down — For those who blame themselves

Everyone has times when they lose confidence or fall into self-loathing. It's fine if you can just sleep it off, but most people can't recover that easily. They worry endlessly and keep blaming themselves.
At times like these, work doesn't go well, and even if you try doing something for a change of pace, you can't truly enjoy it. However, life is limited, and you can't just keep piling up painful days like that.
That is why, at times like these, it is important to perform a little charm and focus first on escaping your slump. This charm is actually very simple: it involves writing down bright, self-affirming words on a piece of paper. And it's even better if you read them aloud when no one is around. You can use whatever bright, affirming words suit your own personality. Let's give it a try.

I am always smiling. I have a healthy complexion and my skin is glowing. I am plump and healthy. I laugh without getting angry. I am kind. I am energetic. I am healthy. I do not panic. I am calm. I am reliable. I am sensitive and delicate. When the time comes, I have nerves of steel. I forgive others. I am lucky. I say 'thank you' more than 100 times a day. I do not say mean things. I understand how others feel. I can look people in the eye when I speak. I speak with a bright expression. I tell stories that are helpful. I speak well. I tell interesting stories. I do not impose on others. I am a good listener. I am happy. I can make others happy. I can make people enjoy themselves. I am humble. I am a good person. I am smart. I do not act arrogant. I enjoy my work. I always seem to be having fun. I am doing well. I have a good relationship with my family. I value people. I use beautiful language. I am warm. I do not pick fights. I am strong if I do get into a fight. I am liked. I have good friends. I have fans. I am youthful. I have good judgment. I am broad-minded. I am easygoing. I am generous. I have composure. I have a good expression. I have a face with character. I look good in fashionable clothes. I have a good voice. I am good at singing. I have many hobbies. I enjoy every day. I have charisma. I know how to let things go. I am unique. I understand the essence of things. I have a little money. I am a success in life. I am righteous.

The more words, the better, but let's stop here for today. These words can be things you believe or things you wish for; anything that affirms yourself is fine. Since you won't be showing or letting anyone else hear them, it doesn't matter if they are true or not, as long as you think so yourself. Don't be shy; write freely. I guarantee that if you try it, you will feel refreshed and mellow. It costs no money and takes only a little time; it is the Daifukukouen's top-recommended charm.

121. A person from Kururi in Kazusa Province — A nice little memory

More than ten years ago, I went to a castle town called Kururi in the inland part of the Boso Peninsula for work. When I stepped off the train, the cold December wind hit my cheeks. I instinctively pulled my coat collar together and ducked into a convenience store on the way to my workplace, looking for a warm drink.
The moment the automatic door opened and I stepped inside, a woman's voice from the register greeted me with, 'Welcome.' It wasn't just a phrase recited from a business manual; it was a warm voice spoken with heart.
There was only one other customer in the store, and they were in the magazine section. As I was choosing a drink, that customer left without buying anything. A heartfelt 'Thank you very much' was called out to their retreating back.
When I looked toward the register, a woman around 50 years old wearing glasses was smiling gently while looking at the customer who had just left. She had sent off the customer who bought nothing with a smile and a word of thanks.
I headed to the register with my drink and finished paying. The clerk said 'Thank you very much' pleasantly and bowed slightly. Her movements were fluid and smooth, and her expression held a calming quality that put the viewer at ease.
I replied as well.
'Thank you.'
The clerk looked at my face as if surprised for a moment, then returned to her smile and bowed again, saying, 'Thank you very much.'

A year later in winter, I had work in this town again and visited the store. When the automatic door at the entrance opened, I heard that gentle voice.
'Welcome.'
That clerk was still there. I wondered if perhaps she wasn't just a clerk, but the owner of the store, as I chose a warm drink just like the year before and headed to the register.
The clerk's demeanor as she processed the payment hadn't changed a bit from a year ago. And, as expected, that heartfelt voice after I received my item was the same.
'Thank you very much.'
To the clerk who bowed slightly, I replied again.
'Thank you.'
The clerk looked up at my face, again as if surprised, then nodded as if convinced, and with a soft smile, she said slowly this time,
'Thank you very much.'
She must have remembered me from a year ago. That day, too, I spent my time holding that warmed feeling close to my heart.

That clerk has a power. It is the power to warm people's hearts with just her words, attitude, and expression. And that is directed at everyone who visits the store. It is directed at them whether they buy something or not. That is not a simple thing that anyone can do.
That clerk must have made a decision one day after she started standing at the register. She decided to do the best job she could—even if no one praised her, that was fine—to welcome customers with all her heart, thank them, and see them off. To do that for every single customer.
As long as I am in a job that involves dealing with people, I must learn from that clerk's example. People worth learning from are not just those called teachers or leaders. There are wonderful people like this among ordinary citizens, too. She taught me that.

Many months and years have passed since then. But even now, I sometimes remember that clerk. I wonder if she is still standing at that register, continuing to offer warm words. That is something I cannot verify, as I will likely never visit Kururi again, but I sincerely hope and pray that she is living a happy life.