Until I was about 10 years old, I couldn't tell my left from my right. I could however, tell north, south, east and west. If I wanted to know which side was left and right, I had to imagine the crossroads in the centre of my village, remember which way the traffic moved on the side of the road in the relevant cardinal direction to the direction I was currently facing, and from that figure out my left and right. People would get frustrated at me for not immediately knowing my left and right. However, I'm always aware of my cardinal direction orientation, and therefore pretty much never get lost — that's my superpower!
I have heard (I don't know if it's true) that some nomadic tribes have no words for left and right and everything is oriented by cardinal direction.
Thank you for sharing this—it’s such a great story! I love how your sense of direction turned into a real-life superpower. The way you used the crossroads in your village to figure out left and right? 👏😄 It’s a great reminder that what makes us different is often where our strength lies. I appreciate you sharing this insight; it really makes me think about how we all have hidden superpowers waiting to be appreciated. I hope more people take a moment to reflect on their own “hidden” superpowers, just like you did. Looking forward to hearing more about your journey!
I really enjoyed reading your article. What I find it interesting is that your superpowers as well as peoples unique superpowers from amazing people are symptoms of having purpose in life. Many are believed that we’re just here to go with the motion going to work and make money having families; all those generic phases that society has put into our mind. And having superpowers like to mention the article as well knowing oneself is what gives you purpose it gives you clarity on what you want to do in life.
Miki, thank you very much for writing this article. Many doors will open for you to thrive. Happy 2025.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and kind wishes! I’m glad the article resonated with you. You’ve touched on something so profound—the connection between knowing our superpowers and discovering our purpose in life. It’s true that society often nudges us toward predefined paths, but embracing our unique strengths can really bring clarity and make life feel more intentional and fulfilling.
Until I was about 10 years old, I couldn't tell my left from my right. I could however, tell north, south, east and west. If I wanted to know which side was left and right, I had to imagine the crossroads in the centre of my village, remember which way the traffic moved on the side of the road in the relevant cardinal direction to the direction I was currently facing, and from that figure out my left and right. People would get frustrated at me for not immediately knowing my left and right. However, I'm always aware of my cardinal direction orientation, and therefore pretty much never get lost — that's my superpower!
I have heard (I don't know if it's true) that some nomadic tribes have no words for left and right and everything is oriented by cardinal direction.
Thank you for sharing this—it’s such a great story! I love how your sense of direction turned into a real-life superpower. The way you used the crossroads in your village to figure out left and right? 👏😄 It’s a great reminder that what makes us different is often where our strength lies. I appreciate you sharing this insight; it really makes me think about how we all have hidden superpowers waiting to be appreciated. I hope more people take a moment to reflect on their own “hidden” superpowers, just like you did. Looking forward to hearing more about your journey!
I really enjoyed reading your article. What I find it interesting is that your superpowers as well as peoples unique superpowers from amazing people are symptoms of having purpose in life. Many are believed that we’re just here to go with the motion going to work and make money having families; all those generic phases that society has put into our mind. And having superpowers like to mention the article as well knowing oneself is what gives you purpose it gives you clarity on what you want to do in life.
Miki, thank you very much for writing this article. Many doors will open for you to thrive. Happy 2025.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and kind wishes! I’m glad the article resonated with you. You’ve touched on something so profound—the connection between knowing our superpowers and discovering our purpose in life. It’s true that society often nudges us toward predefined paths, but embracing our unique strengths can really bring clarity and make life feel more intentional and fulfilling.
Wishing you an inspiring and joyful 2025!
Inspiring story and looking forward to reading more 😀
I appreciate your kind words, Francis! I’ve got more reflections coming soon, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on them too!
Of course and anytime! Your reflections always make others (and myself!) reflect. So they’re always welcome!
Congratulations on starting your Substack. Keep it up!
Thank you so much for the encouragement! I'm a fan of your writing on Japan as well – “Real Gaijin.” Wishing you good writing vibes in 2025!
Thanks for this article - inspiring and ecouraging for all of those, who do not fit into the classic grid that society or business expects of us...
On to new shores in 2025!