Small challenges bring big realizations

A friend of mine had eye surgery.
I received a LINE message from her.

Instead of the text I was used to seeing on the screen, it was a voice message.

Her voice brought her usual gentle smile to my mind.
As I carefully held my smartphone to my ear, I found myself smiling naturally as well.

Alright, I'll try replying with a voice message too.
I've been using LINE for over 10 years, but this is my first time sending a voice message.

I was nervous because it felt a bit different from a phone call, but I managed to record what I wanted to say in my own way.
After that, I listened to the recorded message again...

Until now, regarding my own voice,
I thought it sounded strong-willed, serious, and stiff.
I disliked it because I felt that the part of me I usually try to look away from was reflected in that voice.

However, when I heard my own voice for the first time in a while, the impression was completely different.

My friend's voice was so gentle that
(If she had a radio show, I'd want to listen to it)
I thought, but honestly, I wasn't losing to her either.

Hmm?
Could this be proof that I'm starting to like myself?
That's what I thought.

As I've written many times, thanks to note, I've finally been able to cherish myself over the past few years.
And I've come to like myself.

Maybe that's the reason?
Yeah!
That must be the reason.


A new realization about myself was born.
And that's a happy thing too...


Something I wouldn't have experienced if she hadn't sent me a voice LINE.
Something I wouldn't have encountered if I hadn't replied with a voice LINE.


Even a small new challenge from someone else's perspective can provide a big realization for the person themselves.


That's what I thought.

She said her surgery went well and she has been discharged.
It was the start of a happy July for both her and me.
It feels like things are going to go well for both of us this month.

Thank you for reading.
I am grateful for the connection we've made.