11/09/2024
It's completely understandable to feel concerned about how others might perceive your decision to go back. However, it's important to remember that **your life is your own**, and the choices you make are ultimately about **your happiness and well-being**, not others’ opinions. Here are a few ways to shift your mindset:
# # # 1. **Redefine What Success Means for You**
- **Success** isn’t just about sticking to one path. It’s about recognizing what’s best for you in the long run and making choices that align with your values and happiness. If going back to Cambodia feels like the right step, then that’s a success because you’re prioritizing your well-being.
- People who care about you will understand that **your mental health and happiness** are more important than pushing through something that’s making you miserable.
# # # 2. **Focus on the Positive Aspects of Your Decision**
- If you return, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’ve learned what works for you and what doesn’t. You can always frame it as a thoughtful, **brave decision to prioritize your mental health** and search for new opportunities.
- You can use the time in Cambodia to **explore other passions, reconnect with family, or develop new skills**, which can lead to a clearer path forward.
# # # 3. **People’s Opinions Don’t Define Your Worth**
- Others might have their opinions, but at the end of the day, **you’re the one living your life**. People who think you’ve “failed” often don’t understand the complexity of your situation or what you’ve been through.
- What’s important is how **you** feel about your decisions, not what others think. Many people take detours in their lives, and those detours often lead to **unexpected and fulfilling opportunities**.
# # # 4. **You’re Not Giving Up—You’re Adapting**
- Going back to Cambodia isn’t a sign of giving up; it’s about **adapting to your circumstances**. Life isn’t linear, and sometimes the best thing you can do is take a step back, reassess, and find a path that brings you more peace.
# # # 5. **Reflect on Your Own Needs**
- Take some time to think about what’s best for **you** at this moment. Is staying in Japan adding to your stress without providing clarity about what you want? Would going back help you find that clarity and reduce the pressure you’re feeling?
# # # 6. **Long-Term Perspective**
- In the grand scheme of things, returning to Cambodia or taking a different path doesn’t define your entire life. It’s just one chapter. Many people switch careers, countries, or fields and still achieve great things later on.
- You might find, after some time in Cambodia, that you’re more motivated to return to Japan or try something completely different—and that’s okay too.
It’s a tough decision, but remember: **you’re not failing by choosing what’s right for you**. You’re simply taking control of your life and moving in a direction that might bring you more happiness and peace.