What is more to life than being happy?

DeepL Translator (English to Japanese)

1. Meaning in my own imagined life

A writer, Emily Esfahani Smith says, “Happiness comes and goes. But when life is really good and when things are really bad, having meaning gives you something to hold on to."

When I had an opportunity to re-watch her TED talk, There's more to life than being happy, I remember the following question.

Q: What would be the essential foundations of happiness and meaning in your own imagined life?

That was the very first question, given by a professor at one of the courses I took at the Stanford LEAD program.

I took out a note (6/21/'21) from a box in a closet and re-read it. I've written:

• ”Life is not a snapshot but it is more like a movie.” When I completed an MBA program at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Kenan-Flagler Business School over 10 years ago, my mentor sent me a congratulatory message from Japan and shared with me a lifelong lesson, quoting the word of wisdom by John C. Maxwell. He implicitly suggested that there be a lot of ups and downs in my upcoming life. I imagined he meant good things won’t last forever as well as bad things either. Since then, I’ve tried to get used to having a broader and long term perspective and not being too overconfident nor optimistic.
• Thus, if asked what a life of consequence means to me personally, at the end of the last day in my life, I wish (i) to have a happy ending with no regret in my whole life, (ii) to feel that I’ve left some marks to my families, friends, communities, and countries I love, and (iii) to be proud of myself by lifting others because motivating people is what brings me joy and passion.
• It says people will live for 100 years. In that, I’m just a half way through. When I look back on my past life, what mattered to me the most in my life has changed from time to time. (Please refer to this video link here.)? ??
• My own experience taught me that life is sometimes a harsh school master but I can make it happen if I schedule it. 13 yrs ago when I graduated from UNC and got a job in Japan, I dreamed about coming back to the US with my family. 6 yrs ago, I declared my dream in public. 3 yrs ago, we moved back to the US.
• My wish came true. Although it eventually took 10 years, I'm proud of having kept my word. Because it was what mattered to me the most.
• And now, when I imagine my on-going journey 10, 20, 30, and 50 years from now, I remind myself that I need to start where I am. Not where I wish I were. Not where I hope I am but right where I am. Because I learned that I won’t know where I am going until I know where I am.
• 1) Health, 2) Work, 3) Play, and 4) Love are the foundations to fulfill a meaningful life. As everyone’s life is unique, I don’t think there is an ultimate balance for those 4 foundations which apply to all.
• What I think is important is to know where I am today for each foundation so that I understand what I am missing and which needs to be prioritized and improved.
• Pandemic has changed my life in many ways. What I am going to do next is how my balance of 4 foundations have changed before, during, and nearly after COVID-19 has changed.

2. Something that gives me to hold on to

2 years ago, it wasn't clear enough about how I would distinguish having a meaningful life from having a happy life.

What's became clearer since then is a sense of my purpose.

Recently, the summer quarter at the LEAD program ended and the teaching team received the course evaluation report. That is the most nerve-wracking moment.

When I found written comments from participants (so called, students), addressing me as a Course Facilitator (CF). Those comments were:

"Kane was always available should I have any questions or follow ups. He was willing to share his own experience with this project but also relate to my capstone and encourage me to think deeper and in a more meaningful way to expose the multiple facets of my project. Fantastic, supportive, and informative CF, Kane!"

"Timely feedback with very critical and open minded comments, showing new ways of thinking and acting, guiding through the process any time required. Can’t imagine anyone more dedicated and involved than Kane and his approach."

"Kane was very helpful in answering my questions, and providing with me insightful evaluation. I'm very thankful for him for everything."

"Kane has been great and helpful during this course! Thanks to his detailed and patient feedback."

"Very constructive and clear feedback was provided. Thanks for being Awesome, Kane!"

"Kane provides helpful and clear feedback and his engagement was excellent. He was also always supportive and provided swift responses."

Such a series of uplifting and fulfilling words. This is the moment I truly feel when we're so connected.

3. Our relations to others

My respectful human being as well as a prominent professor at the Stanford University, Dr. Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu describes in his book, "From Mindfulness to Heartfulness", 8 “heartfulness” principles that help us realize that the deepest expression of enlightened mind is found in our relation to others.

Encountering him and his book in my life journey has meant so much to me, which guided me to feel certain of my meaning in life.

My meaning in my life:

It is to be a lightworker who elevates people to a higher level of consciousness, improves people's lives, and makes the world a better place eventually.

It is not about whether I can or can't go on. I do move on no matter what.

That is what his book has taught me. I can't thank you enough, Shigematsu-sensei. I'd also would like to note about Atsuko-san who connected me with Shigematsu-sensei. We have talked and shared so many things past years from leadership to human intelligence. You've always inspired me and motivated me. So, thank you.

Relations with you mean so much to me. I look forward to our long lasting friendship.