lifestream | garion.geek.nz

Today marks 1 year in Japan.

As I reflect on the past 12 months, with all of the experiences I've had, I see both growth and stagnation in my character. Whilst I've managed to explore more parts of Japan, and in more detail, there are some key milestones I haven't hit yet, and I've missed some good opportunities. Taking up cycling has been a refreshing and healthy way to travel, and I've laid some fledgling roots with friends and folks here in Osaka. Conversely, it's much easier to hole up in the reclusive side of my personality here than it was in New Zealand, and more than ever I find myself having to make a conscious effort to be out in the world connecting with people.

12 months ago, moving here was an experiment. What does living in a foreign country feel like? How will I fare with near-zero language ability? Is the grass really greener on the other side? I've found mixed answers to these questions, but broadly it has been a positive change for me, and I feel less adrift than before.

Now, with a plan in motion to stick around and open a business, living here is... still an experiment! But it's one I'm now making consciously, and that I want to be purposeful about in the year ahead.

Sharing more of myself and my activities online has been a mixed bag. It's a great way to keep the folks back home informed on my vital signs (hi! 👋), but as someone who has become a pretty private person in recent years, I've definitely struggled to share in detail, and as a lazy person since forever, my posts have slowed to a trickle (sorry fam.) Livestreaming has been a cool medium to trial, and I want to do more with it next year. I've been developing a native companion app called Slipstream to both make it easier to manage the streams, and as a method of professional development.

That's enough rambling for 2024! I'd like to express sincere gratitude to everyone who has kept in touch, and a quiet 'sumimasen' to those I've lost contact with. I hope you all have a joyful and relaxing break. See you in 2025.

-G