The darkness falls earlier each day. The temperature has dropped sharply. Running in the mornings has become harder.

I’ve reconnected with old friends. I’ve enjoyed more hot pot meals. I’ve found myself looking forward to evening baths.

During this past week, when the quality of my sleep somehow took a downturn, many things happened.

This was my week 1,508.

1. From Milestones to 100 Albums

I went back to my parents’ house to celebrate my dad’s birthday and took a family photo during the occasion. Wanting to share and preserve the moment, as I always do when getting together with my family, I decided to create a photo album in our family group chat on LINE.

However, when I tried to add the album, an error message appeared:

“You can only create up to 100 albums in a chat.”

It turned out that the chat could only hold up to 100 albums. To add more albums, I had to create a new group chat and migrate my family there.

I was taken aback when I saw that we’d already created 100 albums. It made me pause and reflect on just how many memories we’d gathered along the way.

2. From Distance to Closer Bonds: A Follow-Up Lesson from Week 1503

“I may not have the emotional space for this right now.” (See: 2. From Missing Someone)

Before the countdown on my phone hit zero, a message popped up on my screen:

“How are ya?”

I was surprised, and then I smiled. It was from the person I had been waiting to hear from.

Over the past month, I’d been focused on how to re-initiate the conversation without making things awkward, never once imagining that they would reach out first.

From the message, I got the impression that the person had become more open about what they had been going through on their end. Through our exchanges, I realized that during the time we hadn’t been talking, I had been working on myself — and so had they. It was reassuring to know that we had both taken the time to grow individually.

This experience taught me a lesson: the power of giving people the space they need.

When things aren’t working between you and someone else — especially when it feels like neither of you are taking care of yourselves — it’s okay to take a step back and focus on personal growth.

Sometimes,

distance can actually bring you closer. Space, when used wisely, can work in your favor.

I tested it, and I learned it.

3. From Being Part of the Arch of Blessings

After completing a two-year mission at the Japan branch, a colleague was about to transfer back to the Amsterdam headquarters. Yesterday marked his final day at the office before his departure.

Although we had already held a farewell party for him on a previous week, we gathered around 6 p.m. in a corner of the office to see him off before he left for his journey.

At some point, someone suggested that we send him off by forming an “Arch of Blessings.”

This is a common celebratory gesture in Japan, often seen when the guest of honor enters or exits a room: guests line up in two rows and create an arch with their arms, allowing the guest of honor to pass through it.

As I became part of the arch he passed through, I felt a warm sensation in my heart. It reminded me how lucky I am to work in a place where everyone respects each other’s space and individuality.

It made me appreciate my workplace even more.

Although I’m not someone who often joins in on lively office gatherings, I do not feel excluded or uncomfortable coming to work.

I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not.

I’m accepted for who I am.

I’m grateful to be in a workplace surrounded by kind, welcoming people who embrace others naturally.

Hope you had a great week too.

Catch you next week!