Misfortune Is Your Asset

“Hey, you—

Stop lamenting your misfortune.

It only makes you feel miserable.

Look toward the light and move forward.

Suffering will strengthen your soul.

Sadness will enrich your heart.

Misfortune is your asset.

Now go, young people.

Live—there is tomorrow.”

(From the foreword of “Live Because There Is Tomorrow,” published in 1971)

This passage appeared on the front page of issue No. 193 of NEW Ashinaga Family, published by Ashinaga. It was part of a memorial article honoring Yoshiomi Tamai, the founder of the Ashinaga movement, who recently passed away. The words come from the foreword to his 1971 publication Live Because There Is Tomorrow.

What a profoundly moving message. I believe each reader will feel and interpret it in their own way.

Turning suffering, sadness, and misfortune into the strength to live.

I was deeply, deeply moved by this short passage. It gave me hope, relief, and the courage to move forward.

There is no longer any need to lament. Everything can become a source of strength. All we need to do is relax and do our best with what lies before us. The power of words is truly remarkable.

I may never be able to contribute to the world or help as many people as Mr. Tamai did, but through my work in the web and design fields, I want to be of service to others and to society.

With hands together in prayer.