“If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere,” goes the famous song about New York City. Is there a place — a city, a school, a company — about which you think (or thought) the same? Tell us why, and if you ever tried to prove that claim.

There are a few places in mind where I would like to take my chances and see what’s in store for me but the one that stands out is Japan. Since I was a child I’ve always wondered about the day-to-day life in Japan. I’m fascinated with its history, culture and its people. I’ve been fortunate to have had the chance to visit the country several times but I have yet to explore it to my heart’s content. I want to really experience the culture and enrich my knowledge of what makes that country tick. I’ve watched stories about it on the History Channel and visited a few significant places in the country but living there and fully immersing myself in the culture would be a completely different story.

One more reason I have why I want to experience living in Japan is to get close to my mother as she resides there. I think if I were to move to Japan we would have the chance to catch up on all the years we have lost. I want us to have the chance to really get to know one another and build a stronger relationship. As a friend of mine shared in Facebook today, “You hear about quality time a lot but I really think that quantity time with a person is really what strengthens a relationship. That’s when you really get to know somebody. You get to know their strengths and their weaknesses and that brings you closer. That’s what ‘Time Is Love’ is all about,” ….. and that’s exactly what I want for my mother and I to have :).

I’ve thought about the idea a lot but haven’t really put anything into action. I’m still trying to figure out what steps I need to take in order to accomplish that. I’ve actually taken the first step eleven years ago which is learning the Japanese language. I took classes at the community college to learn how to read and write Katakana and Hiragana. Too bad I never really practiced what I learned and have forgotten most of it. So if I were to put my thoughts into action, the first thing I’d do is to brush up on my Japanese 🙂 . I know that would make my stepfather happy too as he mentioned about it when I was visiting them last time.

Now, do I think I can make it there? I believe so. I believe anyone can make it anywhere as long as they have the determination, courage, patience, perseverance, faith and trust in themselves. And of course, prayers – asking guidance from Him keeps us on course. 🙂

*DP