reflecting on 2014

2014 is coming to an end, and all too quickly 2015 is right around the corner. I don't think I'm ever fully prepared for the new year, but I've been thinking of what I have or haven't accomplished this past year, my New Year's resolutions, and how I can become a better, more mature person not just for next year, but for the years to come. 2014 was another year of big changes for me, internally and externally. Lot's of tumultuous events, as well as exciting adventures, and meeting great people during my travels. And spending the last 2 weeks of my year in my beautiful hometown of Huntington Beach has given me chance to reflect and plan, spend time with my family and friends which always helps me to ease myself from the hectic life in Tokyo. But all in all, I just wish for the health and happiness for the people that I love and care about most. When it really comes down to it, that's always the most important thing to me.


I'm going to keep this nice and short this time, and wish you all a Happy New Year & a fantastic 2015. I have another blogger meet-up post and a New Year's resolution post coming up next year, so stay tuned! Thank you all so much for your support and love - this little blog wouldn't be here without you :)


また来年もどうぞよろしくお願いいたします！



Love,

Samantha

DIARY | moving forward to year 3 in Japan

The beginning of September marks the beginning of my 3rd year in Japan. Some of you may know that I moved to Japan from Southern California exactly 2 years ago to start a professional modeling career in Tokyo. And wow, has time flown by! 

There has, and will be many changes from here on forward. I don't think I've felt so many emotions at one given moment in a while - feelings of excitement, fear, anxiety... the list goes on. Excitement because, of course, things should start picking up for me in my career; fear because of the unknown; anxiety because I want to accomplish so much and there never seems to be enough time. As I am writing this, I don't want to sound like I am ranting and focusing on any negative feelings. But in all honestly, there were so many instances in the last two years where I doubted my decision of coming to Japan because things weren't going the way I was hoping or imagining. I felt like giving up countless times.

But somehow, each time I found myself sticking to my original decision of making it through until I accomplish something that I am truly proud of. My friends and family have told me that I've accomplished a lot until now, but the (sort-of) overachiever that I am is not quite satisfied. Whether it's my modeling, music, my blog, teaching, translating, in all fields I want to achieve so much more and I know that this city of opportunity will help me get there. It is overwhelming sometimes, especially now that I am trying to cram all sorts of things, and put other things on the wayside until I have the time and energy for them again.

I think the main reason why I can't leave is because of the people here. I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities I've had thus far. I never thought I would meet so many amazing, important people here, and I cannot even put into words how much encouragement I've received these last two years. I couldn't have come this far without these people. It's easy to be upset over the things you don't have, or the things that go wrong in life, but I'm starting to realize, wow, I am a pretty lucky girl. I'm young and I have the opportunity to chase my dreams in a place I've always wanted to live and work in. I can't take this life, this time for granted.

Oh, and I'm not only talking about the people I've met in real life - you, my readers are all such a huge inspiration and encouragement to me. Reading your comments, following each other on Instagram/Twitter - small things like that make my day and motivate me to publish more (quality) content on my little blog here. So thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.


I usually don't write much in my posts, but I might start doing this once in a while as a sort of diary on my blog.



Many thanks and much love x


Love,

Samantha Mariko