Today is November 10, 2020.
Currently, I am a scholarship student at the Asahi Shimbun, and in five months, my two-year study abroad experience in Japan will end. I’ve decided to return to my home country. It took me a while to make the decision to return home.
You must be surprised to receive this letter. Today is your 30th birthday. Happy Birthday. Do you remember me from five years ago?
Do you remember when I became a scholarship student for newspaper delivery? When I was interviewed by the Asahi Shimbun people in Vietnam, they asked me, “Is it okay even in rain or snow?” I answered, “It’s okay,” but after coming to Japan, I realized how hard newspaper delivery is.
The summers in Japan were so hot that I thought I couldn’t endure it. It was very tough, but somehow I managed to overcome it. I worked really hard.
As a child, I dreamed of growing up quickly.
I thought that as an adult, I could earn a lot of money for my family. Another reason was that I thought I wouldn’t have to study anymore once I became an adult. My teacher said that childhood is the freest and most enjoyable time, but I didn’t feel that way as a child. But now, I understand what the teacher meant. What do you think now, as a 30-year-old?
As an adult,
there are various worries, aren’t there? Family, work, money, etc. Sometimes, I feel completely worn out. At those times, I really wish I could go back to being a child. If I were a child, I wouldn’t have to worry about life.
With age, one’s way of thinking changes. At 30, you have the mindset of a 30-year-old. What do you like now? What do you want to do? What kind of person do you want to become? What’s most important?
For me now, family is the most important. How about you? Is family still important to you like it is to me?
Or do you prioritize work over family? No matter how busy you are, I hope you cherish the time with your family. They are the ones who love you unconditionally. The time you can spend with your parents is getting shorter, so please cherish it.
By the way, are you married??
If you are married, who did you marry? Someone with a beautiful heart? Are you happy? If you don’t feel happy, I hope you won’t endure an unhappy marriage. Only when you are happy can you make those around you happy.
How about your job? What are you doing? Do you have overtime every day? Do you like your job? Even if it’s not a job that earns a lot of money, I hope you are doing a job that interests you.
You might be fed up with the world, or troubled by work and relationships, but no matter how busy you are, please take care of your health. Since no one knows what the future holds, I want you to do your best every day and live brightly.
Thank you for reading this letter to the end.
From Myself in Five Years