Small Accomplishments

When you're faced with a new home, a new job, a new set of friends, and a new language, sometimes you have to stop and appreciate the small things.  Moving to Tokyo has brought about more change than I ever could have imagined.  While most of it has been an amazing experience, I have noticed myself fading away a bit.  It's hard to communicate, so most days I just go about my routine as usual.  It's so much easier to just do what I know, you know?

  
Last week, I came out of my shell- ever so slightly.  I was sent to another school to teach that morning, and I had a short break between lessons.  As usual, I was hungry.  Normally, I would pick up something from a convenience store, and sit in the teachers' lounge while I ate.  But for some reason, I was a little more adventurous that day.  I found myself outside Bagel and Bagel.  I knew the bagels would be awful, but I felt like taking a risk.  So I went up to the counter and ordered a whole meal- with coffee and everything.  I didn't speak Japanese, and the guy didn't speak English, but we made it work.  And then I sat there, in the restaurant for a whole 30 minutes- by myself.  The "BLT" was shameful, but I enjoyed it just the same.

My breakfast alone- with my e reader in the background

It was a tiny feat, but it felt huge.  I couldn't have been more pleased with myself that morning.  And sometimes, that's just the sort of little confidence boost a girl needs.  Especially so far from home.  Now, I can do anything!