August 2nd: The Beginning of my 5th Year in 日本

"The journey of a thousand miles starts from where one stands."
- Lao Tze

   For the past 4 years, August 2nd, has had a very special significance for me. It was on this day back in 2009 that I wrote the post - Sayonara Vancouver! My New Beginning in the Land of the Rising Sun - and boarded the plane to Tokyo for the start of a life-changing adventure. Interestingly enough, now that I look back, it amazes me to see just how sure I was at the time, that what I had decided to get myself into was indeed one of those special crossroads we encounter from time time. The kind which severely impact the way your story unfolds from that point on... 

   I had to look it up, but 4 years is the equivalence of 1, 460 days of your life. Looks like a small number in the grand scheme of things... but when I look at the extent of change that has taken place in my life since I boarded that plane... it's just... surreal. It's almost dreamlike, only I'm positive that it's real.

   It was only a few days ago when my daughter, Hikari, turned 100-days-old - an important occasion in both Japanese society and culture. Yet, it was exactly a year ago since we were boarding the London-bound EuroStar from Paris on our way to see my brother compete at the Olympic Games. Little did we know then, that little Hikari was in fact traveling along with us throughout the entirety of that once-in-a-lifetime trip; adding yet another reason to be grateful and joyful for all the blessings that the Universe has bestowed upon my entire family in the last number of years.

   Given that today marks the beginning of my 5th year living in this country, as well as the last remaining contract of my current position, I wanted to take some time tonight to sit down and really appreciate all of the things and beautiful people & friendships that the opportunity of being here has brought into my life. And as this new year begins, I look forward to all of the exciting things (including the challenges) that are yet to come. 

   So here's to marking the beginning of my 5th Year in 日本 and in many ways, the next few pages in the story of our colourful life.