There is a Japanese proverb that, despite only being 4 characters long, has a profound meaning: 一期一会 (Ichi-go Ichi-e). Though often translated as “one time, one meeting,” or “once in a lifetime,” my personal favorite is its literal translation: “one chance, one encounter.”

May is nationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month – a deeply meaningful
time dedicated to renewing our commitment to understanding, destigmatizing, and promoting
well-being. But once May ends, it’s all too easy to slip back into our usual bad habits and
routines, gradually forgetting that the practices we pursue for our own well-being have the
power to ripple outward, impacting the lives of those around us in truly profound ways.

How many of us have fallen victim to the idea that it’s too late? Too late to start new hobbies, too late to follow dreams and accomplish long-standing goals. Every year, by the time March arrives, resolutions are long abandoned. Overzealous promises to finally make those pesky commitments are quickly overshadowed by the reality that life is difficult, exhausting, and continually passing too fast. However, this month of March, let us take time to acknowledge that it is never too late to start something new.

Perspective. How often do we stop and re-evaluate the way we see the world? In the month of June, it may be time for us to pause and take some time to look at those in the world around us in a new light.