Sometimes it’s not the big things, like actually moving, buying and assembling furniture and so on, that make you realize you really are in a new place. For me it was just a few minutes ago when I officially got my very first mail here in Japan!

And not only any boring official letters or something but an awesome letter package from my penpal JJkun.

© Sakura_Fujiko

I don’t know if I mentioned it before, but I took up penpaling a while ago to get into writing again and meet new people. Though the last part worked and I got to know some really great people, I have to admit that I can’t say I’m a particularly good penpal. I get so excited when I get mail and I loved the colorful letters in my mailbox, but… it took me forever to write back. And I don’t mean “Oh no, it took me three weeks to answer”, more like “Oh §%”/@ has it really been six months?!?”…

Though in the last year(s) work stress and work and stress have been my go to excuse and I just always felt so tired and without energy, I wish I would have taken it up more. Actually, it’s the same feeling I have right now. The difference (hopefully) is, that this time I will force myself to do it properly. Yes, that sounds awful, but fact is, that I really enjoy the whole writing process. I just didn’t allow myself to take the time, to take some “Me” time, because there were always so many things that needed to be done.

I noticed the same thing here as well, that I don’t seem to be able to relax (yet) and feel so under pressure although I can’t exactly say from whom or what. So I clean the house and try to do everything perfect and as always I get exhausted. No more! …well, actually I will have to do more house cleaning, but never mind that ^^

As I still don’t have my visa (yes, I’m starting to get worried and stressed out even though I can’t do anything to speed the process up) I’m not yet allowed to work. Which is a thing I advertised to everyone that wanted to hear it or couldn’t avoid me as absolutely great, because it gives me opportunity to 1. relax and 2. think about what I really want to do in my life. How often does one get the chance, right?

As it turns out, I’m really not good at relaxing and doing nothing (though I stress myself out so much I end up getting nothing done) but the last few days I finally feel like I’m getting calmer and my mood is rapidly improving, so I think I’m on a good way. I know that there are some things I want to do, or better, there are things I want to try but might be too scared to actually do. So now is the time to make some plans and get going!

Did I just turn my first mail into a self-motivational post with new year apartment resolutions? Absolutely and I even feel good about it, too.