Disclosure: This article contains affiliate advertising.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are all different, and each of us is good.\u201d<\/p>Misuzu Kaneko, \u201c\u79c1\u3068\u5c0f\u9ce5\u3068\u9234\u3068\u201d (\u201cMe, the Little Bird, and the Bell,\u201d title translated for this article).<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n
The quotation is translated here from the Japanese text published in the Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum director\u2019s column on Nagato City\u2019s website; this is not an official English translation.<\/p>\n
Someone else\u2019s strengths can make us suddenly notice everything we think we lack.<\/p>\n
They speak confidently. Work quickly. Feel at ease with people they have just met.<\/p>\n
Once we begin comparing, our own strengths seem remarkably good at hiding.<\/p>\n
On days like that, I want to return to Misuzu Kaneko\u2019s words.<\/p>\n
Her poem brings together a little bird, a bell, and the speaker, describing things each can and cannot do.<\/p>\n
What follows is my personal reflection on everyday life.<\/p>\n
Do not turn someone\u2019s strength into your shortcoming<\/h2>\n
We hear someone explain something well and immediately think, \u201cI am too slow when I speak.\u201d<\/p>\n
But appreciating them and judging ourselves are separate acts.<\/p>\n
We can stop at \u201cThat was clear.\u201d We can think, \u201cThere is something I could learn from that.\u201d<\/p>\n
We do not have to lower ourselves every time we praise someone else.<\/p>\n
Their strength does not reduce our worth.<\/p>\n
Some contributions are quieter<\/h2>\n
One person offers an idea immediately. Another notices something missing after listening carefully.<\/p>\n
One person gets a project moving. Another makes it easier to sustain.<\/p>\n
Different situations make different contributions more visible.<\/p>\n
When reflecting on your day, ask not only, \u201cDid I stand out?\u201d but also, \u201cWhat did I help support?\u201d<\/p>\n
You checked a detail. Organized someone\u2019s thoughts. Left a note so the next person would not struggle.<\/p>\n
Those contributions do not have to disappear because they were quiet.<\/p>\n
Being different and choosing to grow can coexist<\/h2>\n
I do not want to narrow this quotation into \u201cNothing ever needs to change.\u201d<\/p>\n
We can practice a difficult skill or reconsider a troublesome habit.<\/p>\n
But we do not have to begin with the belief that our present selves are worthless.<\/p>\n
We can change without rejecting ourselves. Respecting differences also does not mean ignoring someone\u2019s needs or accepting harmful behavior.<\/p>\n
If someone seems especially impressive today, acknowledge one good thing about them.<\/p>\n
Then notice one thing you did, too.<\/p>\n
Being different does not automatically mean being deficient. I would like to keep that thought close, like a small note at the corner of a desk.<\/p>\n
Quotation and poem source: Nagato City: Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum director Setsuo Yazaki\u2019s column, \u201c\u79c1\u3068\u5c0f\u9ce5\u3068\u9234\u3068\u201d (Japanese)<\/a>.<\/p>\n