The Power to Connect the 'Dots' of Happiness
The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred on January 17, 1995.
As we can see from the personal stories passed down and the shocking images,
the earthquake took many lives and daily routines,
leaving behind deep sorrow and a sense of loss.
However, that is not all.
The power of mutual support shown by many people after the earthquake,
and the numerous charity activities sent from all over the country
created immeasurable hope.
Many people reached out to the disaster-stricken areas.
It was delivered not only in the form of supplies like blankets and food or donations,
but also in the form of letters and prayers.
Even without meeting in person, acts of mutual support
created warmth amidst the sorrow,
lit hope in the hearts of the victims, and became the strength to move toward the future.
So, what is 'charity'?
I believe it is 'connecting the dots of happiness,'
'connecting each person's dot with the dots of others.'
The concept of connecting the 'dots' of happiness
Our happiness does not take the same shape.
For some, quiet time is happiness.
For others, the moment of laughing with friends is happiness.
Each 'dot of happiness' is independent,
and it never draws the exact same line as someone else's.
However, by connecting each dot,
a new line is drawn.
And it creates a landscape that could not be seen
with one's own 'dot' alone.
'Charity' is
not about sacrificing oneself,
nor does it require grand efforts.
It is just a trivial action in daily life.
Quietly giving up your seat to someone in need,
or saying kind words,
is an important step in creating connections with others.
The essence of charity is 'connecting'
When many people hear 'charity',
they might think of
'acts of giving (offering something)'
such as support or volunteering.
However, isn't the true power of charity
found in 'connecting' rather than 'giving'?
'Connecting' is
a pure act that expects nothing in return.
It can be said to be the very attitude of accepting
others' feelings and showing empathy.
For example, how much comfort did a picture book given to a child at an evacuation center
bring to the parent and child?
How much did the casual conversation exchanged by a volunteer
who delivered relief supplies lighten the hearts of the victims?
These actions do not save lives themselves,
but the moment the person receiving the feelings
feels, 'Someone cares about my existence,'
'I am not alone,'
it creates a sense of security in their heart,
and a light of hope is ignited.
Even a small action has the power for each person's dot
to connect with someone else's dot.
Isn't this 'connection'
the essence of 'charity'?
A life of increasing 'dots' and drawing lines
There are people who live richly even with little money or supplies.
On the other hand, there are people who feel lonely
no matter how much they have.
I think the difference lies in whether you have found your own 'dots'
and connected them with others.
We exist in this world
as lonely 'dots'.
But when 'dots' intersect with others and draw new lines,
I believe the brilliance of life increases.
The line you draw changes the world
As we learned from the earthquake, our small actions
have the power to change someone's future.
What you did casually today becomes a 'dot' that illuminates someone's heart,
and as those dots connect,
new lines are drawn into the future.
Even if the drawn lines are invisible,
they certainly have the power to change the world.
Come on, why don't you try connecting your dot with someone?
- End -
#GuinnessRelay
I have participated in this project.
I agree with the thoughts of PJ-san and Kobayashi-san✨
The person who received the baton is
Tsuyoshi-san, an End-of-Life Advisor who is active in many fields
as a means to connect 'end-of-life planning' to a more fulfilling 'way of life'✨
Thank you for reaching out to me.
And the person who will receive the baton is
Sawa-san, whose sense of linguistic expression is outstanding
when connecting stories in '140-Character Thoughts Connecting Ways of Life',
which is organized by Tsuyoshi-san.
In '140-Character Thoughts Connecting Ways of Life',
I enjoy writing about the connections of various stories.
Introduction of Sawa-san
They weave very interesting and profound words in 'Night Tanka' and short stories, etc.✨
Thank you for accepting despite your busy schedule✨
I look forward to working with you😊