If you had to represent your year with a single kanji, what would it be? My kanji for this year is 'Change'.

Good morning. This is Takewoody.
Following up on the article I read the other day by Neko-emon, I would like to write about my kanji for this year.
It is a personal matter, but I would be happy if you could read this and find some insights or apply it to your own life.
It is a personal matter, but I would be happy if you could read this and find some insights or apply it to your own life.
It is a personal matter, but I would be happy if you could read this and find some insights or apply it to your own life.

In 2021, the third year of Reiwa, the kanji for the year was 'Gold'.
Since it was an Olympic year held in our home country, I suppose that is appropriate.

I had never thought about choosing a kanji for myself before,
but
my kanji for this year is 'Change'.
Hmm? Writing it like this makes it sound like I am 'strange'. Like I am a weird person (laughs).
Well, that is not entirely wrong, though...

Jokes aside, why 'Change'?
For me, 2021 was a year defined by words like transformation, upheaval, reform, and fluctuation.
Therefore, I chose 'Change'.

Change 1: Note has come to occupy a large part of my life.
- In 2021, I spent more time on 'Note'.
I started Note in May 2020.
At first, it was just an extension of my blog, occasionally posting book reviews.
I started posting daily 15 months later, in August 2021.
This was triggered by reducing my work as mentioned in point 3 above.
Until around July 2020 and 2021,
I was busy with work, stressed, and had no time for Note.
Now, I spend more time on Note, and daily posting has become inevitable. I am definitely not forcing it.
- I increased not only book reviews but also tweets, thoughts, and article introductions.
Starting November 22nd, when I achieved 100 consecutive days of posting,
Note posting became fun, and I started writing about things other than books.
Ideas are overflowing now, so I will continue to take on various challenges.

◆ First post (self-introduction): Roughly speaking, this is who I am.

◆ Article on achieving 100 consecutive days of posting and
being introduced and supported by [Habit Supporter] shogo.
My motivation skyrocketed from here!

Change 2: Early to bed, early to rise, morning activities became a habit.
- This is also related to 1,
starting with my 'today's progress' morning activity tweets on Twitter,
having like-minded people there
boosts my motivation.
(1) takewoody ~Life's Spice~ (@takeongo) / Twitter

- I broke away from the habit of having a nightly drink due to work stress.
Stopping my nightly drink led to earlier bedtimes,
and I was able to wake up earlier more smoothly.
It is good for my health, and above all, it is good for my mental state.

Change 3: Stepped down from management and reduced work.
- I was at my limit both mentally and physically.
I don't live to work,
and drinking every night to relieve stress was just empty.
Having reached my 50s,
I grew tired of working just for money.
I don't want to do things I dislike. I want to let go of unpleasant relationships.
It was a decision born from those thoughts. I wrote about it in this article.
It has received 52 'likes'.

- Now, I work part-time, about 30 hours a week.
In the second half of my life, not for money,
I aim for 'DIE WITH ZERO: Life is about making memories'.
Because it is my life, it is fine to color it in my own way.

◎ Conclusion
Thank you for staying with my story until the end.
What is your 'kanji for this year'?
I would be happy if you could let me know in the comments or in an article.

There is little time left this year, and to leap even further next year,
I will continue to post on 'Note' and take on new challenges.
I look forward to your continued support.
Thank you so much for your likes and comments.
Your warm likes and comments are my encouragement.

[Finally, a preview for tomorrow!!]
Tomorrow morning after 8 o'clock,'Finally able to live as my true self'
I will publish an article with this title. I would be happy if you could read it♪