(YN from Niigata Pref./ 50s / Female / Nursing Assistant)
Looking back on this year, I am so grateful I was able to spend it with a calm and anchored kokoro. For example, when I was busy with my work, I sometimes felt it is not fair or doesn’t make sense, but thanks to the teachings of Kami, I was able to overcome it by setting the teachings as the mainstay of my life.
What has changed the most is that I was able to maintain more room in my heart. Instead of being emotionally overwhelmed by people’s actions, I was able to take a breath and think, “Why did they think that way?” So I no longer took things negatively, which was a big change I have never imagined. Without Kami’s teachings and kigan, I could never be a person with such generosity.
My relationship with my children have also changed. We are a family of three, a son, daughter, and myself.
I used to do everything on my own without relying on my children. But since they are now adults, I now count on them and ask for their help from time to time. Then, they started to tell me how work was that day or what is worrying them-relying on them, led to more communication. They have never told me these things before. I listened to them, and tried to understand their feeling by telling them, “I know it is hard, I have the same experiences.” That conversation alone seems to make them feel positive.
I feel happy to be able to have a peaceful conversations every day. I try to cherish daily conversations； even short ones, such as what’s cooking for dinner!
In 2020, I would like to live a life feeling Kami right next to me, and enjoy more encounters.