A Walk To Remember (Atami)
A Stroll Day in Atami, Shizuoka.
"Work smart, not work hard." "Work-Life Balance" and "Work hard, play hard" are a few of the phrases I hear from seniors advising young hirelings when they start to work in an industry they choose to grow.
"How to Know? Are there any signs and timing?" I will tell you my view later in this blog.
As you see in most of my blogs, I often visit Shizuoka for a quick work break. Let me bring you there once more to shed some calories as I walk in the beautiful streets of Atami.
Atami is notable for its beautiful overlooking beach view.
Here is a house built circularly.
That is the view from our affordable yet excellent accommodation.
Then, I went to Atami Castle. I had so much fun here. I learned a lot.
Look at that view!
Here is The Box for Gold Coins. It's dead heavy.
It is a traditional Japanese wooden pillow wrapped with a hand towel.
The elevation is presumably four to six inches.
I rode a "kago," or Japanese Palanquin. It was how they transported non-samurai class people in feudal Japan until the Meiji period.
I went to the "Shunga Ukiyoe Museum." It's strictly for adults.
I lifted a samurai sword as well that weighs roughly 1 kilogram. In that room, I saw many kinds of samurai attires and the weapons and shields they used during their battles.
After that, I had a quick stroll at Atami Ginza. There are a lot of shops here.
This shop caught my attention because the house structure seemed built decades ago. They have been doing business for quite some time.
Along the way, I saw this foot sauna. It amazed me since it is along the road and is readily accessible to anyone's worn-out feet.
My last stop was the famous Sun Beach. At first, I found it unwelcome to see, but the spot proved me wrong. It was stunning from where I was idling.
Checking the beach as the sun set was the best activity ender.
Why? It made me realize something that I had never thought of.
I went there on a weekday, but surprisingly, a bunch of people of all ages took their time there.
A moment of silence as I wondered, "What brought us concurrently to this place? Do they have slogans such as "Work smart, not work hard," "Work-Life Balance," and "Work hard, play hard"?
Working in Kanto wasn't in my plans, nor a goal I must attain. It was more of a judgment I had to take based on past circumstances.
After my transfer, I learned and adapted actively, taking risks, focusing on things I lacked, and honing my skills as I started my new journey knowing no one.
I was surprised to understand that it was already my choice of growth. I wasn't aware that was the start of knowing myself.
I had to be on par with the busy life in Tokyo and Yokohama. I only cease when I reach a sense of satisfaction and burnout.
I find gladness when I feel tired at the end of the day. It means I endured the challenges and made the time worthwhile.
For some, burnout is not a sign of healthy work life, but my concern is that it depends on how one perceives the work.
I enjoy my vacation carrying my work as education gives me pleasure. I love discovering new things spontaneously, just like my quick trip to Atami.
So, to answer the question of how to balance work and life?
Knowing when to stop based on your pace is far more essential.
Work-life balance should be something you should mind actively and done fairly, and not be dictated by anyone.
(Tokyo Station)
That's all for now, folks!
Please find your Work-Life Balance and rock it on!
Mei