🇯🇵 A day spent with Yumiko’s father and his peers brought a quiet reminder of how life and aging intertwine. Their conversations about doctors, clinics, and the challenges of growing older naturally turned into a reflection on my own aches and pains.
As we walked through downtown Shizuoka, the winter wind bit sharply, and the dull ache of my arthritic knees reminded me how time leaves its marks on us all. It echoed themes from my book, Going Alone, and the #GoodLifeCreed, where I reflect on the transient nature of life and the importance of preparing to meet the inevitable with peace and dignity.
But there’s a difference between philosophizing about mortality and feeling its presence. Falling ill this evening felt like a nudge from the universe—a moment to pause and reflect. Thankfully, a good meal, a hot bath, and a night’s rest will likely set me right, but the experience serves as a humbling reminder to respect the aging process and live each healthy day earnestly.
For tonight, I’ll skip my pre-dawn hike and embrace the warmth of my futon. Sometimes, the wisest action is self-care. Tomorrow will bring new opportunities to continue this journey forward, one step at a time.
➡️ Secure your copy of Retiring in Japan here: a.co/d/eEJQpTI
🌐 Website: www.goingalone.org/
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📧 Email: dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com
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Be safe… But not too safe
#RetiredInJapan #KurtBell #LifeInJapan #GoodLifeCreed #SelfCare #MortalityMoments #AgingWell #ShizuokaLife #ExpatsInJapan #GoingAlone
CREDITS:
“Japanese Falls” image: Lane Brown | View More: lanebrownart.blogspot.com/p/portfolio.html
“Song For Kurt” theme: Nowherians | Listen Here: nowherians.bandcamp.com/
☀️softypapa