(DN from Shizuoka Prefecture/30s/Male/Independent Contractor)
A brain tumor developed at the age of 2. My parents desperately prayed to Kami for help and my life was saved. But unfortunately, the tumor kept coming back. The radiation left me with brain damage. I once collapsed at home and lost consciousness, and was bedridden for two months.
Despite all that, I was able to recover enough to be able to work, and three years ago, while receiving support to continue working, I began working as an online-sales. While I was grateful for the current situation, I had this feeling somewhere in my kokoro thinking; “I can only take care of myself.”
What People with Disabilities can Do
In Kami’s teachings, we learn the importance of relationships and involvement with people, but I’m not good at it, so I work on my own. But still, I have to ask others to fill in the parts I can’t do on my own. Is this being self-centered? This realization changed my future.
The mindset that I used to have was; “I’ll have people cover for what I can’t do.” But now I think; “I have to ask for help, but I will help others with what I can contribute.” But what can someone with a disability do? One thing that came to my mind was that when someone helps me, I point out in words about the strengths they have that I don’t have and add by saying, “That’s truly amazing.”
Changes that Kami Gave Me
It’s a small thing, but that approach towards people has made a big difference. I was able to work more collaboratively with people than ever before, and my gratitude and motivation increased. I was really happy when someone at work told me, “You’re different from other people. You and your family are so happy and positive.”
A few months ago, someone approached me and asked if I would like to try a new job. In the past, I would have been anxious and immediately said, “No thank you.” But this time, I said, “I’m nervous, but I want to try my best.” It was strange. I felt like Kami was pushing me in the back and saying, “There are other things you can do. Why don’t you try more?” In fact, people at my workplace told me, “It’s okay to fail. What’s important is to give it a try.” I felt that they had high expectations and hopes for me. “I want to be more helpful to people.”—As my kokoro changed towards that mindset, the number of people who supported me increased!
Around that time, a routine brain test revealed surprising results. The doctor said, “Everything is normal. I wonder why?” He told me, “You are one of my patients I’ll never forget. You’ve always been full of mysterious results.”
Recently, I realized through Kami’s teachings that although I have weaknesses, I also have a same amount of strengths. I am conservative, but I am able to approach things calmly. It has been 33 years since I became a shinja. I feel that Kami is making positive changes in my life year after year.
From the parents
I think that our son these days has become more aware of his surroundings and has grown to be considerate of others, even from the perspective of his parents. People at work were surprised and asked me, “Does he really have a disability?” and they said, “He doesn’t have any mood swings. He’s always so calm.” I am filled with gratitude. It is because of Kami’s teachings we are the family we are today.
Finding the Principles Behind the Story from Shinji
Make the teachings the sustain of your life and deepen the effort to be involved.
Gradually and naturally the unmei of one another will come together and complement each other, creating an environment to harmonize and live.
There, great results for work will follow; the kokoro of family, relatives, friends, and acquaintances will come together; and you will walk a life filled with joy, and meaning and purpose.
Shinji that Kami reveals are a teaching on how to live life in order to be happy. Because it is an unchanging principle that relates to all people, if you live according to the teachings, your life will definitely change for the better.