three bicycles parked in front of building

Every conversation holds the potential to be a portal into a world of new understandings: we talk about new environments, living alone, making friends. Living overseas, with its unique tapestry of customs and communication, has been a rich tapestry of experiences that have stretched the limits of my understanding.

Cultural Adaptability in New Environments

illustration by cindychristella
Honestly, learning to be by myself, enjoying my own company has helped me listen more to myself.

One early morning in a travel bus, I met a man whose story echoed the cultural dissonance I once felt. He shared his struggle with Japan's indirect communication style—so starkly different from the straightforwardness of his native culture. This difference left him feeling as if he were fading into the background, a stark contrast to the vibrant personality he was back home.

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Conversation:
Man: "In my home country, people are direct and critical. But here, everyone is indirect and overly concerned with others' opinions. It makes me feel monotonous, yet it affects me deeply."
Me: "I completely understand. When I first arrived, I faced the same struggle. But then I shifted my mindset."
Man: "What do you mean?"
Me: "I started thinking about living outwardly versus inwardly. I realized I didn't need to be influenced by external judgments. I chose to live inwardly, focusing on my own values and being less concerned with others' opinions. Honestly, learning to be by myself, enjoying my own company has helped me listen more to myself."
Man: "That sounds liberating."
Me: "It truly is. This mindset shift has made navigating these cultural differences much more manageable for me."

Reflecting on his words, I remembered my early days of navigating a new cultural environment. I found peace by shifting my mindset from seeking outward approval to embracing inward affirmation. This mental shift was not just a coping mechanism but a liberating way to redefine myself within a foreign culture.

The Power of Mindset Shift

illustration by cindychristella

Across a steaming cup of coffee, my friend Yoko expressed a sense of isolation.

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Conversation :
Yoko: "Living in a foreign country can be so isolating, don’t you think?"
Sam: "It can be, but I’ve actually thrived here. I've never had an issue connecting with my friends, even with the cultural differences between Japan and home."
Yoko: "Really? That’s impressive. The cultural differences have been a big challenge for me."
Sam: "I guess I’ve always been pretty adaptable. Or maybe I just don’t let the differences bother me too much."
Yoko: (reflective) "You know, I’ve struggled to reconnect with my old friends since moving here. I thought it was just me."
Sam: "Maybe it’s about being open to new experiences. I try not to let cultural barriers hinder my connections."
Yoko: (nodding) "That makes sense. I think I need to shift my mindset and be more open-minded and adaptable."
Sam: "Exactly. No matter where life takes us, being adaptable and open-minded is key. It’s a lesson worth learning."
Yoko: "Thanks, Sam. I’ll definitely keep that in mind."

🤔 Sam's resilience made me ponder my own fluctuating connections. Was Yoko's struggle due to cultural barriers, or was it my approach to them? This dialogue opened a new perspective: perhaps adaptability isn’t just about adjusting to new environments but also about redefining our responses to them. A simple mindset shift can bridge cultural gaps and foster deeper connections.

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Embracing Diversity for Growth: A Key Element in Entrepreneurship Too
As I traveled, I understood that true growth comes from embracing these differences rather than trying to fit in.
The same with experiences as an entrepreneur reinforced this lesson. In the business world, diversity is celebrated because it brings fresh perspectives and pushes growth. The same applies to cultural diversity - instead of trying to conform, we should embrace our differences.

Finding Friends When You’re Ready

illustration by cindychristella

In the quiet corner of a bustling Osaka café, a recent acquaintance messaged me sharing his loneliness.

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Conversation:
Joni: (nervously) "I'm really struggling to make friends here. How did you manage it when you first arrived?"
Me: (smiling) "You'll find friends when you're ready. For now, focus on yourself. Learn to enjoy your own company, work on self-improvement, and practice Japanese."
Joni: (thoughtfully) "Living alone is tough. Sometimes I feel really lonely."
Me: "Living alone doesn't mean feeling lonely. The worst feeling is being surrounded by people yet still feeling alone."
Joni: (nodding) "So, what should I do?"
Me: "Focus on self-care and personal growth. When you're ready to explore and your Japanese improves, you'll meet people naturally."
Joni: (smiling) "That sounds like a good plan. It makes the process of making friends feel more organic and fulfilling."
Me: "Exactly. Just take your time and be kind to yourself. Everything will fall into place."

Living alone doesn't mean you have to feel lonely; the worst feeling is being surrounded by people yet still feeling isolated. By focusing on self-care and personal growth, I've found that making friends becomes more natural and fulfilling. When you're ready to explore and your Japanese improves, you'll connect with locals more easily.

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Remember: Friends will come when the time is right. For now, prioritize yourself. Embrace solitude, focus on self-improvement, and practice Japanese. Feel confident and content with who you are because what truly matters is you and your self-perception.

Do I Need Friends?
The Balance Between Independence and Social Interaction

Not because they lack time, but because they are emotionally unavailable.

A friend once told me, "Cindy, it's good to be alone, but it's not healthy in the long term." I somewhat agree and had never deeply considered it before. I feel very comfortable on my own and wonder if this is why I don't think about others as much. Do I travel alone to avoid dealing with others? Could this lead to selfishness?

Yet, I'm not entirely convinced. I feel like I've invested my care into my work and clients. The concept of emotional limits seems real to me. That's likely why I can only focus on work and myself. I don't mind if that's the priority for now. Maybe I'm starting to understand why people are reluctant to be too socialise—not because they lack time, but because they are emotionally unavailable. Is that me too?

The Practice of Gratitude in Daily Life

Me

By consistently practicing gratitude, you begin to genuinely feel it.

Japan has taught me the immense value of gratitude. Despite their busy lives, people always take the time to say thank you. Whether genuine or habitual, this practice is powerful. The saying "fake it until you feel it" holds true; by consistently practicing gratitude, you begin to genuinely feel it.

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Conversation:
Me: "You know, Japan has taught me the immense value of gratitude."
Joni: "Really? How so?"
Me: "Despite their busy lives, people always take the time to say thank you. It's a powerful practice, whether genuine or habitual."
Joni "Interesting. Like the saying 'fake it until you feel it'?"
Me: "Exactly. By consistently practicing gratitude, you begin to genuinely feel it. Expressions like 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you very much), 'goutsusama deshita' (thank you for the meal), and 'otsukaresama deshita' (thank you for your hard work) have become a natural part of my daily life."
Joni: "That sounds wonderful. How has it impacted you?"
Me: "This practice has made me more mindful and appreciative of the little things, fostering a more positive outlook."

Conclusion

Living alone and interacting with diverse individuals have taught me invaluable lessons about cultural adaptability, mindset shifts, and the power of gratitude. These experiences have not only enriched my personal life but also provided insights that I can apply to my entrepreneurial journey.

As we navigate our own cultural journeys, let's share the lessons we've gathered. What have your own experiences taught you about adapting and thriving in new environments?

fountain pen next to red Thank You journal

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