The quiet joy of having something to look forward to
As October begins, I find myself looking forward to a trip that brings together many of the things I value most: learning, reconnecting, meaningful work, and friendship.
From 10 to 20 October, I'll be back in Japan, a country that has shaped so much of my personal and professional journey. Even though I no longer live there full-time, every visit feels a bit like coming home.
What excites me most about this trip is the opportunity to reconnect with communities that have had a lasting impact on my life. I'll be attending the GLOBIS International Alumni Reunion and participating in the US-Japan Council Member Days in Tokyo. Both gatherings bring together people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, united by a shared interest in leadership, cross-cultural understanding, and creating positive impact.
Networking often gets framed as exchanging business cards or expanding professional circles. But the most meaningful networking experiences are rarely about transactions. They are about relationships. They are opportunities to listen, learn, share ideas, and sometimes discover unexpected connections that lead to new friendships, collaborations, or insights. Some of the people I hope to see are individuals I've known for years, while others may become new additions to my network. Either way, I always leave these events energized by the conversations.
Alongside the reunions and member days, I'll also be working with a client on a new HR project. One of the things I enjoy most about consulting is the chance to help organizations navigate change while learning from their unique cultures and challenges. Human Resources sits at the intersection of business and people, and I continue to be fascinated by how organizations can create environments where individuals and teams thrive.
Of course, this trip is not only about work and professional development.
There will also be a friend’s birthday celebration along the way, another reminder to pause and appreciate the passing of time. Birthdays can sometimes feel like milestones to evaluate achievements, but they can also be moments to reflect on relationships, experiences, and the many people who enrich our lives.
And perhaps most importantly, there will be time with friends.
Living internationally teaches you that friendship can span continents and time zones. Japan remains home to many people who have played important roles in different chapters of my life. Catching up over coffee, sharing a meal, or simply walking through familiar neighborhoods often provides as much inspiration as any conference session or business meeting.
As I prepare for this journey, I am reminded of a simple mindfulness practice: anticipation itself can be a source of joy. We often focus on being present in the moment, and rightly so. But taking time to appreciate something positive that lies ahead can also cultivate gratitude and optimism.
So this week, I am embracing that feeling of anticipation. I am looking forward to reconnecting with old friends, meeting new people, contributing to meaningful work, celebrating another year of life, and spending time in a place that continues to inspire me.
Sometimes the journey begins long before the flight takes off.
