Being Thankful

It’s already been a little over three months since I’ve been in Japan and time is going by faster than I thought. November was a time where I really learned to understand my hardships and where they were stemming from, and now, I am feeling better than I have in a long while. Seeing the seasons change in Japan is so breathtaking and I feel so lucky to be experiencing it as an exchange student. My daily routine stays the same, but the scenery always feels new. On my walks to school now, leaves are a bright golden yellow and brighten up the area around it, while the red maple leaves add a feeling of warmth during these colder days. The wind makes the leaves fall like confetti and it almost is surreal. I’ve never experienced anything like this in California, where I get spoiled with the nice sunny weather all year round, and it makes me wonder how perfect it’ll be it have seasons in California. Some of the trees have already shed all of their leaves and I am excited to see what the winter and spring will look like. Being in Japan has definitely given me a greater appreciation for nature and plants. When you get to see a whole street filled with golden leaves, it feels surreal. Being able to go outside and appreciate things like this has helped me be more mindful and thankful for this experience. From learning a lot about myself and regaining my confidence, seeing the growth and progress I have made in Japanese, and meeting friends that I would have never met otherwise, I am very thankful that I am able to be in Japan for a year. I feel like the time I spend exploring parts of Japan on my own is an activity that I am growing to love more and more. For some time, I told myself that I was capable of being on my own, and being in Japan forced me to really learn to depend on myself. I doubted myself and my abilities during my time here and only recently, I have been able to really be accountable for myself. I feel more in charge in who I am and how I feel and feels amazing. I am really thankful for being where I am now, and I can’t wait to see my progress throughout my time here. 

School is almost done as well (thank goodness)! Although my finals week is after winter break, I am excited to have some free time to relax. School here took some adjusting to and I am not sure if I prefer it over UCSB just yet, but I guess that’ll be for another post hehe. Until then, I hope to see you next time!