May this poem reach those who are hurting and unable to stand up.

On a poem that has supported my life

When I was a university student, I encountered a poem.
It is an anonymous poem said to have been
written on the wall of the New York University Rehabilitation Center.

Since then, this poem has become
something precious that I always remember
whenever I re-examine my life.

I hope that not only for me, but for those who read this article
and encounter this poem, it will serve as
at least a little bit of support.

What this poem taught me during my university days

When I first read this poem,
I was still young, carrying both hope and anxiety for the future.
At that time, I believed that my efforts and wishes
would manifest directly as results.

However, by encountering this poem,
I was made to think about the meaning of not getting what I asked for,
and the value of the gifts hidden in adversity.

Since then, there have been countless moments
when I have remembered this poem.

When I hit walls in my further education, career, family life,
or at work
—each time, the message in the poem supported me.

Hardships and trials as a working mother

Protecting a home while working—.
That is not an easy thing to do.
If you prioritize your career, time with your children is cut short,
and if you prioritize your family, you may miss out on opportunities at work.

While carrying such a dilemma,
there was a time I asked myself.

“What is truly important?”

As in this poem,
there were times I felt frustrated that I couldn't get what I wanted.
But looking back, those trials were gifts for me.

For example, the day my child got sick and I had to leave work early.
The lesson I learned then was the importance of flexible working styles.

And through that experience,
I was able to promote the creation of a system where employees can take time off with peace of mind.

Also, because I struggled,
I can give various advice to junior employees
who are about to become working mothers.

Regarding my children, too,
by making good use of various systems,
and with the cooperation of my husband and family,
I think I am able to show them [the figure of a working mother]
by balancing work and childcare.

A poem that supported me even while my career was in flux

This poem also became a great support
when I was thinking about my career.

When I decided to change jobs and took on the challenge but ended in failure,
or when I lost confidence because I couldn't produce results at work,
the words of this poem resonated in my heart.

Even if you don't get what you asked for,
this poem teaches me that it is an opportunity to gain the learning
and new perspectives necessary for yourself.

For example, from the experience of a job change that didn't go well,
I was able to realize the form of career I truly wanted.

And through failure at work,
I learned the importance of helping others,
experiencing the kindness of people I usually thought were annoying,
and the importance of looking at the process, not just the results.

Learning from this poem

What this poem teaches us is
the perspective that what seem to be adversities and hardships in life
actually enrich us.

That is why we should accept the situation we are given now
—even if it is not what we wished for—and learn from it.
Isn't that the key to living a richly blessed life?

Even if there are events that make you feel unhappy,
by changing your way of thinking,
they might look completely different.

Among those reading this article,
there may be some who are deeply hurt
and unable to stand back up right now.

At times like that,
why not try changing your perspective a little?

Perhaps,
even if just a little,
you might be able to find a positive element in your current situation.

I believe that regarding various things,
rather than comparing yourself to others
(though we inevitably do compare),
it is about how you perceive things yourself.

No matter what anyone says,
[If you think you are HAPPY and LUCKY, that is the correct answer.]

Please, try to keep the poem at the beginning in your heart.
It might make the future ahead just a little easier to live in.

Also, since the poem is (of course) originally in English,
I think there may be those who have different interpretations regarding the Japanese translation.
However, I was drawn to this sentence structure and remember it with this content.

Articles with words that light a flame in your heart, like this one, are collected here.