Who Do I Want To Be in Times of Crisis

What I found on my morning walk through Tokyo

The way communities have shown support for one another still never ceases to amaze me. I was on an early morning walk with my younger sister when we passed by one of our local stores, and they had this posted up on the window:

It’s really a small gesture, but when you think about the time, effort, and thought that went behind it, it reflects the most important parts about what it means to look out for one another. Putting aside their own needs, they didn’t just close their doors, but they thought, “Hey, what’s something within our power that we can do to bring positivity?”

Gathering supplies, making the piece, and putting the poster up — that’s easily an hour or two of work, for a few smiles and warm hearts from strangers walking by. It’s inspired me to change my daily outlook and mentality, and think about ways I can be a more positive influence.

I challenged to ask myself:

• Who do I want to be to others?
• How do I want to act in accordance with this?

I realized that the recent big changes in my life have distracted me from the time I usually reserve for self-reflection.