Thank you never sounded so good!
In this issue, I have chosen to express my appreciation for everyone’s hard work: those of you who are using your skills and passions to benefit others, those on staff at Grandparents Day Magazine who, issue after issue, assemble and publish this post and every bit of content in this delightful online magazine, and let’s not forget all those unsung, unseen heroes that exist everywhere in the world.
In Japan, there is a type of greeting that literally translated means “You are tired” but whose actual meaning is “I have an appreciation of your hard work.” That word is:
Otsukaresema
First, it is important to understand that the foundational thinking of Japanese culture founded in the Buddhist way of thinking is: always be appreciative. What a generous way in which to direct ones’ life, isn’t it?
The Japanese word for “thank you”, arigatou, means “be thankful for it is hard to come along.” In the same vein, recognizing someone as tired, otsukaresema, can be read, “You are tired because you have worked so hard, so thank you.”
Imagine if our own greetings carried this meaning each and every time we said them. Whether said to a store clerk, a fellow employee, or a loved one, how thoroughly appreciated each of us would feel being on the receiving end of such an honest verbal expression. No one wants to feel invisible or ignored – each of us wants to feel as though our existence has somehow warranted the space we take up on this planet and the resources we consume therein.
Here’s something else to ponder: when all heck is breaking loose – as it has been for quite some time as of late – isn’t it more important than ever to acknowledge each other’s personhood with all its frailties, imperfections, and worries? In the past GDM issue, my In Your Corner emphasized the importance of community and the sharing of talents; I encouraged each of us to find a community in which to thrive and share. Right now seems like an opportune time in which to locate such a community if we have yet to do so – keeping in mind any personal-space restrictions currently in effect as of this writing. But even if such restrictions are in place, we all know that community isn’t limited to in-person contact – as Grandparents Day Magazine successfully demonstrates.
I won’t have the opportunity to meet most of you, but may I just say right now that I acknowledge you, I appreciate you, and I wish the best for you and your household. And I give you one more Japanese expression that encourages us to experience each moment we’re given, because each moment is unique and precious:
Kotsu kotsu!
Literal translation: one try, one chance.
I certainly hope this chance to show and experience appreciation doesn’t pass you by!
In Japan, there is a type of greeting that literally translated means “You are tired” but whose actual meaning is “I have an appreciation of your hard work.” That word is:
Otsukaresema
First, it is important to understand that the foundational thinking of Japanese culture founded in the Buddhist way of thinking is: always be appreciative. What a generous way in which to direct ones’ life, isn’t it?
The Japanese word for “thank you”, arigatou, means “be thankful for it is hard to come along.” In the same vein, recognizing someone as tired, otsukaresema, can be read, “You are tired because you have worked so hard, so thank you.”
Imagine if our own greetings carried this meaning each and every time we said them. Whether said to a store clerk, a fellow employee, or a loved one, how thoroughly appreciated each of us would feel being on the receiving end of such an honest verbal expression. No one wants to feel invisible or ignored – each of us wants to feel as though our existence has somehow warranted the space we take up on this planet and the resources we consume therein.
Here’s something else to ponder: when all heck is breaking loose – as it has been for quite some time as of late – isn’t it more important than ever to acknowledge each other’s personhood with all its frailties, imperfections, and worries? In the past GDM issue, my In Your Corner emphasized the importance of community and the sharing of talents; I encouraged each of us to find a community in which to thrive and share. Right now seems like an opportune time in which to locate such a community if we have yet to do so – keeping in mind any personal-space restrictions currently in effect as of this writing. But even if such restrictions are in place, we all know that community isn’t limited to in-person contact – as Grandparents Day Magazine successfully demonstrates.
I won’t have the opportunity to meet most of you, but may I just say right now that I acknowledge you, I appreciate you, and I wish the best for you and your household. And I give you one more Japanese expression that encourages us to experience each moment we’re given, because each moment is unique and precious:
Kotsu kotsu!
Literal translation: one try, one chance.
I certainly hope this chance to show and experience appreciation doesn’t pass you by!
|
Irene Frances Olson
Author of Requiem for the status quo, a novel that celebrates and encourages family caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. You can find that book HERE. Ms. Olson is a member of AlzAuthors, www.alzauthors.com, a compendium of authors who have all been affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. These authors share their experiences to bring knowledge, comfort and understanding to those on a similar journey. AlzAuthors was recently recognized as a United States tax-exempt organization. |
