Life Worth Living
By CHRISTINE CUNANAN-NOMURA
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価値ある人生
価値ある人生
筆者は数年に一度、人生を振り返って
よりよい生き方を模索している。
今回はSTへの最後のコラムとして
これまで自分で体験して学んだことや、
人から教わった教訓を読者に伝える
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This is my last column for Shukan ST. I have had an
extremely enjoyable four years sharing my personal
opinions with you as we watch Japan — and the world —
change. Thank you for reading my writings, as well as for
your support and letters over the years.
Lately I have been reflecting on and reviewing my life
as part of a constant self-improvement process I
undertake every few years. I would like to share with you an assortment of advice and ideas — some passed on
by those much wiser than me, others I learned from
experience.
Have a goal in life, whether big or small — but
preferably big. We all get so caught up in school,
jobs and everyday living that we often lose sight of
the big picture (meaning the real purpose) of our lives.
It's important to know what is most valuable to you or
what major task or achievement you would really like to
do.
Know yourself. Take time out regularly to reflect
on your thoughts, actions and motivations; and learn
from your successes and failures. Such wisdom will
enable you to grow further as a person, as well as to
communi
cate better with others.
Never lose enthusiasm for, or interest in, the world
around you. People who are forever curious and genki have
a special energy that keeps them active no matter how old
or young they are.
Cultivate passion. Feel deeply about worthwhile
people, ideas or activities; and do something
constructive with these feelings. Join an organization,
write letters, attend meetings, volunteer for projects —
in other words, be involved in something outside of
your own life.
Live simply to feel truly free. Remove the clutter
in your mind, heart and house so that you can think and
decide clearly. Unnecessary baggage — whether material
or mental — weighs people down more than you think.
Live beneath your means today and start saving for
later on instead. Everyone should put enough money away
for a "rainy day" fund or a "future life" fund
because the time will certainly come when you will need
some money — whether for an emergency, or because you
want to quit your job, or even perhaps to finally
pursue your dream of studying to become a flamenco
dancer.
Help save the environment. We all can do small things
such as using less water, recycling, separating trash,
asking for simpler packaging at department stores and
-- yes — sending e-mails or making telephone calls instead
of mailing out New Year's postcards (or Christmas
cards!). Too many trees are cut down unnecessarily just
so people can continue this tradition.
Help remove prejudice from our society. The world
has come a long way in making all people equal, but
racial and gender discrimination still exists. Make
friends with foreigners in Japan, travel and learn more
about various cultures, and share what you have learned
with those around you to enlighten them too.
Become technologically literate by learning how to
use computers and the Internet. Allowing technology into
our lives has both advantages and disadvantages — but
more advantages, I believe. No other tool has ever
allowed so many people to have the same opportunities —
don't pass this chance up!
In fact, don't pass any of life's chances up!
Shukan ST: March 2, 2001
(C) All rights reserved
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