Hi Reader

Welcome to September! Was it me or did August feel like a looooong month?

As we step into this new month, I want to share a quote that has been helping me through a challenging time: "The temporary struggle is worth the end result." This reminder has been especially meaningful for me recently, and I hope it resonates with you too.

To keep this powerful message close to me and you, I've created a special wallpaper for your devices featuring this quote. Download it now and let it encourage you through your own temporary struggles, knowing that the end result will be worth it.

Recently, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which, to be honest, hit me hard.

At first, I was confused- I had no symptoms and I have been eating well and exercising the last few months.

Second, I felt a wave of guilt, thinking my lifestyle was to blame. I wondered if my diet and lack of exercise in the tough first trimester had caused this. I cried the whole afternoon. How could I do this to myself, and more importantly, to my baby?

But after talking with my doctor, I learned that gestational diabetes is all about the placenta, hormones, and genetics—not necessarily my actions. Still, a proper diet and exercise routine can make a difference in managing it.

Now, I’m pricking my fingers four times a day to check my blood sugar and following a diabetes-friendly diet with a strict schedule. While the routine is simple, it’s far from easy. But I keep reminding myself that this is only temporary, and the end result—a healthy baby boy—is all that matters.

This experience has shown me the importance of pushing through challenges, even when they feel overwhelming. If you’re facing a struggle of your own, remember that it’s temporary, and the end result will be worth every effort.

Here’s to a September filled with the foresight that our temporary struggles can lead to something beautiful.

New video: What to Do, See & Eat in Obihiro, Japan

If you’re looking for a laid-back city that offers a unique blend of peaceful parks, delicious regional cuisine, and a slower, more local side of Japan, you’ve found your destination! Obihiro is perfect for a relaxing Japanese city experience that values local agriculture. Imagine a countryside city surrounded by serene landscapes that look like a scene out of a Studio Ghibli movie! Watch my video to check out why you should add Obihiro to your Japan bucketlist.

My slice of life

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Those are the small delights I've been enjoying lately. I hope you've been enjoying your small delights on the daily too, Reader!

Have a great weekend!

Best,

Jojo 🍍