A Look Forward, Not Back

Sometimes you need a second chance, because you weren't quite ready for the first.

Life is a series of unexpected twists and turns, with some moments feeling like fresh starts while true opportunities for genuine do-overs are rare. Instead of fixating on the past, our focus should be on crafting the future we desire, where growth and fulfillment thrives.

Navigating second chances with individuals can be a complex journey. Reintroducing someone we've hurt in the past into our lives can feel daunting, even undeserving bordering on wishful thinking. Whether it involves reconciling with family, rekindling friendships, or reigniting old flames, such decisions are fraught with emotional weight, particularly for those who bear the burden of guilt.

Granting someone the chance to repeat past mistakes is unwise; some individuals simply don't warrant such forgiveness, especially when trust has been shattered due to our own actions. However, what about instances where circumstances, timing, or personal healing processes hindered the initial connection? What about those fragile bonds that barely withstood the turbulence of past conflicts?

Perhaps our intuition holds the answer. If we find ourselves emotionally guarded, perhaps it's best to let it go. But if a glimmer of hope remains, if there's a lingering spark of sincerity, perhaps it's worth exploring.

As the years pass, perspective unfolds. Those significant individuals may still occupy a space in our hearts, a testament to the enduring impact they've had. Both parties have evolved, matured, and embraced their authentic selves. Validation and self-sacrifice no longer dictate our actions; instead, we embrace vulnerability and express our emotions openly. We are not the same people we once were, and neither are they. These newfound versions of ourselves hold the potential for a more harmonious connection.

Throughout life's journey, we encounter a myriad of individuals, but some connections are undeniably rare. We find ourselves reminiscing about the effortless communication, shared laughter, and undeniable chemistry of those cherished bonds. Often, it takes experiencing incompatible connections to truly appreciate what we once had.

This is the essence of second chances: the opportunity to rediscover someone, to discern if the spark still ignites, and to forge a connection devoid of past baggage. It's about gaining a deeper understanding and finding peace, whether the bond is fleeting or destined to endure. When the universe presents us with a second chance with someone unforgettable, perhaps it's a sign to trust in that feeling once more.

Baby keep your fire burning - Mao Abe

溢れた虚しさ抱く日も

Good night, good night, good night

忘れないで

重ねたすべては育つから

Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight

君の中に必ず

Baby, keep your fire burning

積み上げた日々は消えず

君の力になる

誰かの栄光のようにはいかなくても

君の速さで飛べるはず

その火を絶やさねば

誰もが深く眠る夜も

止まることなく進む君

いつしか皆が驚くだろう

見違える姿

磨き続けたから

Baby, keep your fire burning

これまでの夢が今君の中に光る

掲げた成功のようにはいかなくても

君だけのステージで輝いて

その火が守るから

Baby, keep your fire burning

積み上げた日々は消えず

君の力になる

誰かの栄光のようにはいかなくても

君の速さで飛べるはず

その火を絶やさねば

その火を絶やさねば