Back in Japan After Four Months—And It’s Freezing! 🥶
Before leaving the U.S. for this trip, I felt a bit uneasy. It was strange because this was a journey I had chosen to take on my own. I’ve always been a seasoned traveler—even back when I used to travel abroad alone with my child. And let’s be honest, Japan is incredibly convenient, with everything running like clockwork, and it is the country I came from. So why was I feeling this sense of unease?
When I shared my concerns with others, their reaction was pretty much, "What could you possibly be worried about?" But I had my own reasons.
In the end, though, everything unfolded so smoothly that I couldn’t be more grateful.
Especially when it came to transportation—honestly, from the moment I left my home in the U.S. to checking into my place in Japan, I barely had to lift my suitcase! My train transfers were seamless, and as soon as I stepped out of the station using the escalator, a taxi was right there waiting. And not just any taxi—it was a GO taxi, my favorite! That made handling my luggage effortless.
When I arrived at my destination, there were no stairs or obstacles in front of the building, and I could take the elevator straight up to my room. Perfect!
These little conveniences might seem like everyday things, but in reality, they’re not something to take for granted. Moments like these remind me how much I appreciate the ease and flow of travel when everything aligns just right. ✨
ou see, when I travel in Europe, I usually leave all the train navigation to my husband because I find the system confusing. Even when I ask station staff about which platform to use or where a train will stop, the answer is often something like, “We won’t know until it arrives.”
Then there are towns where cars aren’t allowed, meaning I have to drag my suitcase over uneven, centuries-old cobblestone streets—an experience that nearly drives me insane. Even in high-end hotels, unexpected steps and awkwardly placed elevations are common.
On out last trip to Berlin, we rented an apartment and spent way too long just trying to figure out how to unlock the door. To make matters worse, it was on the fifth floor—with no elevator. And don’t get me started on the impossibly steep staircases in Italian fishing villages or Amsterdam.(Though I love them so much) I’ve shed more than a few tears over those.
So, at this point, my standards for smooth travel logistics have become pretty low. If I can get from point A to point B without unnecessary hassle, I’m happy!
If everything goes smoothly and comfortably without any issues, that alone is enough to make me incredibly grateful. I find myself thinking, Thank you, thank you!
Of course, even in Japan, there are places where stairs or uneven paths can be a challenge. In the past, many stations and buildings lacked elevators, which made things difficult. But Tokyo has made significant progress in becoming more accessible, and in so many ways, the level of convenience here is simply unmatched. It’s truly impressive.
When I started feeling a bit uneasy about the journey from the U.S. to Japan, I turned to a practice Abraham-Hicks calls pre-paving. It’s the idea of deliberately setting the tone for future experiences—aligning your vibration in advance.
This time, I was especially mindful about setting my energy beforehand, and I’m sure that played a big part in how smoothly everything unfolded. (To be honest, there were a few other worries on my mind as well… and I’m already a little nervous about the return trip. But I’ll keep going—you got this, self! 🙌)
So why don’t I pre-pave before my trips to Europe?
Well… probably because I leave everything to my husband and don’t really think about it much. On top of that, I already expect things to be inconvenient—so of course, that’s exactly how it plays out!
There have been exceptions, but for most of my past trips, the inconvenience was practically a given. So for my next journey, I’ve decided to be more mindful and shift my mindset in advance. Let’s see how that changes things!
From an Abraham-Hicks Workshop
A man was selected for the hot seat and said:
“I’m a music teacher. Recently, I’ve been trying something new when I talk to my students—I’ve started mimicking the way you speak.”
He continued,
“When you share something with us, you help us align our vibration and prepare us to receive it. You’re always pre-paving for us. You say things like, ‘What I’m about to share—you’ll be able to understand it with ease.’ That kind of phrasing helps us shift into a more receptive mindset.”
“So I started doing the same with my students. I’m pretty sure they don’t know who Abraham is,” he said with a laugh, “but I know that when people are about to hear something new, they often tense up a little. So I’ve been borrowing some of your pre-paving language. And the result? It’s been amazing.”
Abraham replied:
“Yesterday, Esther was on her way here from the airport with a very talkative and funny driver.
During the ride, he shared a dream of his—to create a family-run facility that would offer care and support to troubled teens. His heart was clearly in the right place, and Esther was deeply moved by the conversation. She asked him if he had a name in mind for this facility. He replied, ‘Last hope’
In that moment, Esther pulled back—completely taken aback.” (Laughter from the audience)
“She suggested names like ‘First Hope’ or ‘New Beginnings’ instead. Because if a teacher or mentor is interacting with students from the mindset of, ‘Well, this is their last chance,’ then honestly… they might as well go fishing.” (Audience laughs)
“But if a teacher can see potential, hold hope, and expect things to go well for their students—then that teacher is truly doing something wonderful.”
The man nodded:
“Exactly. That’s what I’ve learned from you.”
A teacher who can see their students through the eyes of Source—that’s the kind of teacher who can truly guide and uplift them. Someone who can gently pre-pave around the resistance that may be starting to grow in their students’ hearts.
When I look back on it, I realize that in my own life, my husband and my son have been exactly that kind of presence for me.
They’ve helped ease my worries—especially the ones I felt before this trip.
And for that, I’m deeply grateful. Truly. ♡