The word “innocent” has become a frequent part of my vocabulary. It is not just something I say; it is something I experience.
Leaving Tokyo after 22 years and starting fresh in Hawaii has given me the opportunity to embrace innocence and not-knowing in ways I never expected.
The Costco Experience: A Lesson in Innocence
On a recent trip to Costco, I set out by bus with a backpack and two canvas Trader Joe’s bags. Getting there was easy, but I quickly realized that Costco Honolulu—known as the busiest Costco in the world—was already packed at 9 AM. Since I only had three bags, I had to be selective with my purchases, keeping in mind that weight would be a factor for my 14-minute walk to the bus stop.
When it was time to leave, Google Maps directed me to a bus stop that wasn’t there. Confused, I wandered around and asked a couple at another stop for directions. With warm smiles, they kindly guided me, genuinely concerned for my welfare. As it turned out, my original stop was correct—I had just missed the small sign posted above my head on a telephone pole. I laughed, just as a child would giggle at a simple mistake.
Now I know.
Navigating Address Challenges with Curiosity
Since January 2, 2024, I have been “address-less,” staying in Airbnbs and hotels while simultaneously setting up my business, Alaha LLC. Establishing a business without a physical address requires patience and persistence. To receive payments, I needed my EIN (Employer Identification Number), business formation documents, a business bank account, and a Wise account—all with an updated address. This process has been a learning curve, especially after 22 years in Japan, where business setup felt much simpler due to already having an established life.
The innocence in this experience lies in accepting what is, rather than resisting with judgments like, “This should be easier.” Instead, I take each step as it comes. If setting up my business takes a month, so be it. There is no rush to completion.
This mindset extends to my coaching business. Rather than feeling embarrassed that my clients had to wait for payment systems to be in place, I embraced patience. Instead of thinking, “This should be faster,” I chose to simply say, “Thank you for your patience.”
The Joy of a First-Time Job Interview
Today, I had a job interview in Japanese on Zoom—the first real interview I’ve ever had in Japanese and my first Zoom interview all in one. It was for a customer service position assisting Japanese visitors in Waikiki. I dressed in interview attire, felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, and embraced the experience as something entirely new. I haven’t had an interview since August of 2002.
Innocence removes the weight of seriousness from life and replaces it with excitement and fun.
Embracing Life with Childlike Wonder
Living with innocence means letting go of rigid expectations. There is no “supposed to” or “should.” Life simply unfolds, and I meet each moment with curiosity and openness.
From missing a bus stop to navigating business logistics to stepping into an unfamiliar job interview, innocence transforms every experience into an adventure—one where mistakes are met with laughter, challenges with patience, and new experiences with joy.
And that, to me, is living life with the innocence of a child.