Currently, tears are starting to escape my eyes. Sitting on this flight to Japan has put me in a position to pause and reflect on everything that I have accomplished this year. Including all the growth that has occurred in the past 5 years. Talk about an emotional roller coaster I have been through! Though, now this ride is coming to an end. If the version of me and my papa 5 years ago could see me right now… we both would be proud.
Though, a small part of me wonders how coincidentally everything came full circle in Japan.
What an Airplane Thought: Japan Edition
2017 was the year I decided to start traveling. I’ve been to the Mainland and outer islands with my family, but I have never been on an international trip. That idea definitely did not sit well with my parents; for good reasons to be concerned about my safety. However, out of all my family members, my papa encouraged me to go on my trip.
My grandparents went to Japan multiple times when I was growing up. They would always tell me stories of their adventures when they got back. Sakura Season, ice festival, and all the food they ate; their stories had me in constant awe that fueled me to visit Japan.
There was one story that stood out from them all though.
Papa would always tell me how they were lucky to visit an area where they could see Mt. Fuji. He explained how it was such a clear, sunny day; we’re talking about no clouds in the blue skies above. The sight that he saw, he would never forget, and he hoped that I would experience that for myself one day. The conversation went on to a point where they met people who had gone multiple times to see that view and had not been able to see it on a clear day. He reminded me how lucky he was.
On February 4th, I booked my ticket to Japan and was set to fly out on February 28th, 2017.
Rock Bottom
February 13th, 2017: I watched my papa take his last breath.
A part of me went numb that day, and it took me a while to come to terms with everything. At that point, this trip turned into an escape. I don’t even remember the days leading up to his funeral. Let alone the days leading up to my flight.
But the days passed by. Next thing I knew I was landing in Japan and I was determined to see Mt. Fuji.
I was able to find my way over to Fujikawaguchiko area. In the middle of the night, we arrive in cold weather. I stayed until sunrise to see what view would meet me that day.
Understand that at this very moment, I had no idea who I was or what I even wanted for myself. If you asked me that day where I would see myself in 5 years, I would have laughed in your face and smirked. All the emotions that flooded me drowned any sense of direction. I had no clue which way was up. I didn’t know how to deal with the hurt, anger, and frustration that came with death. I just wanted to be happy again. However, there were two things I was sure of… I needed to see Mt Fuji and that Papa was there that day.
The sun rose, turning the sky into this baby pink with hints of purple. Not one cloud in the sky. And there Mt. Fuji was in all her beauty staring back at me. The warmth of his embrace wrapped around me as I sank into the frozen ground in silence. I remember being cold.
Well… Look At The Climb
Back to reality.
I had no idea what I wanted to do with myself. I was working in the food & beverage industry at the time, and I decided to see where this would take me.
2018 was a recovery year after the chaos I went through in 2017. Then, in January 2019, I found a job with a Japanese company in a restaurant. Doing my research, I told myself I would find a way back to Japan through work.
If you haven’t established a recurring pattern of mine, I don’t know what I am doing. I set goals with no building blocks, just the results. Then I run with it till I get to the end. I did not know what to do to get sent to Japan. I was working for a restaurant, so there wasn’t a need to travel. Though, I never let it go.
I moved up the ranks quickly, going from server to supervisor and then manager in the first year. Then COVID came, and I will forever be grateful for them keeping us on through that rough patch. I stayed in my manager position for two years before things went through another turn of events. During all these growing pains, people always asked me what I wanted for myself with my job, and my default answer always went back to: I want them to send me to Japan.
Hanging Off the Side For Dear Life
However, I stopped believing in myself. With the stressors of COVID and the environment I was in with my relationship at the time and the people I was working under, I was ready to throw all of it away. Exactly one year ago I was deciding my exit plan and where I would go next.
Though, it’s funny how the universe recorrects itself at times.
Things fell apart soon after. Going through a breakup during the holiday season in the industry is probably the worst timing ever. I also lost my GM at the time. Trying to keep myself together and the restaurant, I didn’t know what the new year would do to me.
Last Stretch 5 Years Later: I’m Almost At The Top
2022 came around, and I was offered the AGM position. Without hesitation, and not even realizing what I was getting myself into I said yes.
From that moment on, everything slowly started to fall back into place.
I started to travel again personally, and I also started to travel for work. Another thing I dreamed of accomplishing was turning into reality.
Something we will celebrate casually that few know about. I am now the General Manager of the restaurant where I started as a server. Also, I am returning to the place that holds such a huge piece of my heart: Japan.
In 5 years I accomplished a good chunk of the things I dreamed of and wanted for myself if you knew the tough times and saw me at my lowest moments. Any normal person who has never thought I could pull any of this off. I’m finally at the top of my 5-year goal. This is what five years later looks like for me.
- Managing a restaurant I got to be a part of from the start and seeing where we are now.
- Traveling for work. I was able to visit New York, Miami, and Japan with my company this year.
The View From The Top
Life throws any obstacle it can get its hands on at you. Tries to steer you off paths you thought were the right ones. I have learned so many lessons over the past 5 years, but at this moment I cannot express how grateful I am. This trip to Japan showed me that I can do what I put my mind to, and there is no turning back.
