A Prescription for Your Next Phase : How To Stay You While Raising Your Child

Introduction: Who Are You?

In today's Tik-Tok-paced world, it becomes easy to lose sight of ourselves amidst our responsibilities and obligations. Many parents focus on understanding their children's interests, abilities, and personalities, often at the expense of their own self-discovery. Have you ever paused to consider how much of your own personality you remember? As life's chapters change, we can find ourselves at a loss when asked, 'Do you know who you are?'

Lost Mom in Tokyo

For instance, when my daughter transitioned into university life, I found myself in a familiar yet foreign place: Shinjuku, Japan. Although I was excited to explore the area during my free time, I was overwhelmed with choices, struggling to select a café to enter. I had spent countless hours understanding my daughter's tastes, yet I realized that I couldn't remember my preferences, and I was not even aware of the current café trends. This experience prompted me to reflect on how easy it is to forget about our own likes and dislikes as we prioritize those close to us.

Reclaiming Your Identity : My Regrets

This experience made me realize the importance of taking time for self-exploration, even during the busiest phases of parenthood.

Looking back, when I moved to the U.S. after my daughter graduated from university, I wasted a couple of years before fully immersing myself in music composition. I had lost my sense of ‘who I am.’

So, for anyone eager to start fresh—whether entering college, beginning a new job, or moving to a new city—finding just 20 minutes to explore a café or shop can be surprisingly enriching. Instead of getting lost in screen time and relying on web algorithms, I recommend you to step into an unfamiliar environment. It can spark self-rediscovery.

How can you begin this exploration? Start by asking yourself, ‘Would you like to give this place a try?’ It could be anything that intrigues you—perhaps a quaint café, an art gallery, or even a serene park that invites reflection. Each visit creates a chance to remind yourself of who you are, reigniting forgotten passions or interests that have been overshadowed by the complexities of daily life.

Building a Future Aligned with Your True Self

Although we have discussed the joy of learning in this blog, the fruitful results of learning won’t be in practical use without knowing who you are. In engaging in self-explorative moments, we not only remind ourselves of our past pleasures but also lay the groundwork for our future. Embracing who you are will pave the way for a fulfilling ideal life. By uncovering your essence, you gain insights that will influence your decisions, aspirations, and how you approach new endeavors.

To put it simply, your identity matters, and it can often be found in the simple treats of everyday life. So, next time you find yourself in an unfamiliar place, take a moment to indulge in your own interests and preferences. You may discover that reconnecting with your true self is exactly what you need to thrive.