There is certainly a great deal to be learnt from every culture and this week, I include an article someone handed to me recently. It certainly contains some beautiful thoughts and concepts.

#1: Oubaitori

• Never compare yourself.
• Everyone blossoms in their own time in different ways.
• Don't judge yourself by someone else's path.

#2: Kaizen

• Continuously improve.
• Constantly strive to improve across all areas of your life.
• Small changes accumulate and make all the difference.

#3: Wabi-sabi

• Embrace imperfection.
• Nothing lasts, nothing is complete.
• Accept your own flaws and those of others.
• Find beauty in imperfection.

#4: Mottainai

• Don't be wasteful.
• Everything deserves respect and gratitude.
• Recognize the value in what's around you and don't waste it.

• #5: Gaman

• Have dignity during duress.
• Hard times need to be met with emotional maturity and self-control.
• We need patience, perseverance, and tolerance.

#6: Yuugen

• Appreciate mysterious beauty.
• Often we FEEL the beauty in an object without it being stunning to look at.
• Discover subtle beauty beyond aesthetics. Experience something words cannot describe.

#7: Ikigai

• Know your reason for being.
• Define the reason you get up in the morning.
• Make it something you are good at, passionate about, and that the world needs.
• This is meaning.

#8: Shikita ga nai

• Accept and let go.
• Some things simply aren't within our control.
• Accept what you cannot change and move on.

#9: Kintsugi

• Repair cracks with gold.
• Imperfections are a thing of beauty.
• The journeys we all take are golden.
• Our flaws are embellishments that make us more beautiful.

• #10: Omoiyari

• Show consideration for others
• Life is better when we care for others
• Be thoughtful. Build compassion.