Let's find a silver lining

Even in the darkest of times, there are silver linings. One day, for example, three bright things happened to me in quick succession. I even named it "Three Signs". There is no end to the number of dark things you can find. But if you look for something bright, you'll find it. Now, which one will you look for?

How can we switch to a positive attitude that things will get better in a tough social situation?

I dare you to consciously try to find the silver lining. The number of infected people is gradually decreasing, so the state of emergency will soon be lifted. Or that we've spent enough time preparing our work that it will bloom soon. This is a way of thinking that is almost like faith. We could call it the "things will get better" religion.

One day in February, amid the declared state of emergency, three good things happened. The online meeting went well. (I'm not very good at this sort of thing...) And one of my lecture engagements became official. In addition, the date for recording a seminar for a instructor dispatch company has been set.

When you have three things that make you happy at the same time, it makes you feel like you have a brighter outlook for the future. I called them the "Three Signs".

The same evening, I had a meeting with a designer at a cafe. He told me that he had met me after another meeting. I asked him, "How did the meeting go? He told me, "Thanks to you, I got a big job lined up.” So true! It was not just me. It was as if the world was starting to brighten up!

There is no end to the search for dark signs. There is no end to looking for bright signs. So then, you should choose the latter.

In this stay home time I’ve had, I have started to plant some new potted plants. The tulips are blooming and the hyacinths are filling the room with their beautiful fragrance. It is as if the whole of Japan is beginning to be filled with bright signs...these flowers make me feel happy and joyful.