I recently had the privilege of speaking with a wonderful woman named Ms. Kazuko Tanaka. At 90 years old, she lives a happy and fulfilling life in Tokyo, despite being blind. She shared with me a unique perspective on overcoming difficult circumstances and finding happiness.
In this blog post, I will share the way of thinking that transformed her life trajectory.
“I can do everything on my own except walking by myself. I don’t walk by myself because my late husband told me not to walk alone. He said it could cause trouble for drivers,” said Kazuko Tanaka.
Ms. Tanaka lost her eyesight at the age of 48 and initially struggled with feelings of despair and even considered taking her own life. However, she ultimately found a new way of thinking that transformed her life for the better.
Now she says “I have a lot of friends. I join a lot of events. I enjoy my life.”
She began to believe that her blindness was a sacrifice she made for her children so that they would not have to suffer.
“I got to believe that I lost my eyesight as a substitute for my children... Then my suffering disappeared.”
“If this adversity came to my children, they would suffer. But this happened to me. I can take it. I believed God gave me this suffering to save my children, then I overcame the suffering,” Tanaka said.
I was amazed by her deep love as a mother who wished for her children’s happiness from the bottom of her heart.
I don’t know if this idea could be proven scientifically, but as long as this idea has transformed her life in a good direction, whether it is scientifically correct or not doesn’t matter at all.
“Now I can do everything whatever I want to do, preparing meals, laundry etc. I clean my room every day,” she said.
A mother is so strong.
Lesson for us
Ms. Tanaka's story is a powerful reminder that our mindset and perspective can greatly impact our happiness and well-being. Even if a belief could not be proven scientifically, it can still be meaningful and beneficial as long as it resonates with us.
When we face hardship, if we can think that we are experiencing it for our loved ones, to save them, or for a bigger purpose, we are able to overcome it.
We can all learn from her experience and her positive outlook on life.
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