As a kid, my favorite show was about this kid who explored the world, made friends everywhere, met people in need throughout his journey and helped them with whatever they were struggling with.

It’s childish and dumb and excruciatingly naive. But I want that. 

Like, I really, really want that.

For the past 10 weeks, that was something top of mind for me. 
How can I be a good human to the people around me today?

Some days, it was simply just giving up my seat on the subway to someone who looked like they needed it.
Some days, it was helping other tourists with their photography, or offering to write a glowing online review for local business owners that have been kind to me.

Other days were a bit more personal, 

Like comforting two girls who freaked out going up an observation deck because they were afraid of heights in Osaka;
Helping a student push items from her cart because it was too heavy to handle by herself at the streets of Sapporo;
Playing translator for a clueless tourist and a struggling obaa-san in Onomichi;

And one thing was clear. 
The days where I found opportunities to be more helpful to the people I meet, were my happier days during my journey.

I devoted my entire career into trying to make a world a better place, and my analytics show that I’ve reached and touched millions of people with what I do

But nothing compares with the instant gratification of seeing the impact of your actions in person. 

When I was younger, I worked and fought really hard to earn respect.
I fought to earn a comfortable income.
I fought to climb the corporate ladder, because I was taught to believe that is how I should measure success.

But climbing that ladder? My god, I’ve seen what people do to folks around them to achieve that.
And I never want to be that person. 

During my time away, I’ve reaffirmed what I really want in life and work.

I just want to be a good human being.

To spread joy, kindness, care, safety, and support to the people around me;
To raise up and cheerlead the people I manage or spend time with;
To be helpful when I see opportunities to do so;
To listen and emphasize when people need it.

With the influence and confidence I have today, I know I can create environments that embody all the above.

And achieving that will make the world a better place not just for the people our work touches, but the network of people I regularly connect with.