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にほんブログ村
Hello, this is Mr. Yasui, a solo entrepreneur running a company primarily engaged in inspecting high-pressure gas equipment.
Today, our local community held its annual residents’ event. My eldest son and daughter helped with kite flying and managing the event, and I couldn't help but be impressed by how hardworking they are.
It seems that local events are being scaled down or discontinued. For instance, this year, our traditional "Dondo-yaki" bonfire event was canceled, leaving only food distributions and games for children.
The reason given was that ash from the bonfire might inconvenience nearby households. While this is understandable, the absence of fire-related risks also means fewer preparations for firefighting and reduced staffing needs, which significantly streamlines the process.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, don't you feel that local events are receiving renewed attention? Events that were once canceled or postponed have resumed, and even those that seemed mundane before are now drawing in crowds.
Even for events that had become quieter due to a declining number of children, elderly participants, who might have felt lonely, seem more eager to attend. The sight of so many people at these gatherings has become a refreshing norm.
If we merely attend these events as an obligation, they might lack excitement. But if we actively seek to enjoy the present moment, we can make meaningful use of the time spent there.
When life becomes a repetitive cycle of work and home, it can feel like we're living as mere "chunks of flesh"—sleeping, eating, working, and repeating the cycle without much thought or variation.
Such monotony is easy and not inherently unpleasant. It’s just living—merely existing, persisting, and nothing more.
Spending time with family is essential. Work is, of course, indispensable. But I believe there should be a third place—a "third space" outside of work and home.
This could be a gathering of people who share the same hobbies, or time spent with friends. I think we all need something outside the confines of work and family.
If life revolves solely around work and family, there’s a high chance we’ll find ourselves alone when we retire and step away from work.
If we nurture relationships earlier in life, this scenario becomes less likely. Of course, we shouldn’t cultivate relationships with the ulterior motive of preparing for such a future. But considering that the future will inevitably arrive in 10 or 20 years, preparing for it can only be beneficial.
A solitary hobby is fine, but if solitude stretches on for too long, it might become a little lonely. Humans are social creatures, wired to want to talk and connect with others. Building relationships beyond work is important.
Is your partner grumbling about your social life? Well, if you think about it, they’ll likely grumble if you’re always at home after turning 60, don’t you think? (Laughs) They’re only reacting to your current self without considering the next 10 or 20 years.
The only one who can prepare for your future is you. If you’re content with a life of merely eating and sleeping, then earning money and doing nothing else might suffice.
But I believe people unconsciously wish for more. Life can only be lived within the constraints of our physical body, and I want to resist that limitation as much as possible.
Today’s Motto:
"If you don’t want a life where you merely eat and sleep—a life as a chunk of flesh—then strive to make it better."
See you next time!
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