Yhem Speaks

On the morning of January 1st, staying at home just didn’t feel right.
The year was too new for that.
I woke up with a strong urge to step out and begin the year outside my home. When my husband suggested, “Let’s go somewhere we’ve never been before,” I immediately agreed.
I flipped through my notepad, a growing list of places I’d always planned to visit but never quite did, thanks to work, time, and life happening. As my eyes moved down the page, they stopped at Ueno Zoo. Instantly, it felt right. I had heard so much about it and wanted to experience it for myself.

I had already done my usual research. The ticket prices, free attractions, and must-see spots. What I forgot to check was whether these places were open on public holidays. I simply assumed they would be.
After getting dressed, I checked the distance from home and that’s when reality hit. The zoo was closed for the holiday.

The museums too.

Only the park remained open.

For a moment, I thought, Just walking around a park on the first day of the year? How boring could that be? 😞
Disappointment settled in quickly. When I told my husband, his face mirrored exactly how I felt.

After a little thought, we decided to go anyway. And that decision changed everything.

Ueno Park was alive. Tourists and locals filled the space, the park felt endless, and there was so much to see. We walked, explored different attractions, took countless pictures, passed food stands, and quietly watched locals praying at the shrine. What I assumed would be uneventful turned into a refreshing and memorable adventure.
It wasn’t boring at all.
As we walked, my thoughts drifted back to 2025; a year where some things didn’t turn out the way I hoped. Plans shifted. Expectations changed. But standing there, I realized the unexpected directions weren’t as bad as they once felt.
Time really does help.
It brings clarity. It softens disappointment.

That day reminded me to look for the good even in situations that first feel unpleasant. And as I step into this new year, I’m choosing to remain open to beauty, to detours, and to lessons hidden in delays.

Here’s to seeing the good in all situations.
Have a wonderful 2026! ✨

With Stories Always,

Yhem 💞