Dots, Like Moments

There is a Japanese saying:
After rain, the ground hardens.

It means that after difficulties,
things often become stronger than before.

I’ve always felt that sayings like this
carry something more than just words—
they hold small lessons about how life moves.

If I had been able to choose my life before being born,
I think I would have chosen one with many ups and downs.

Not a flat, perfect line,
but something uneven—
with mistakes, failures,
and just as many moments of joy and fullness.

A life where I keep choosing,
and keep moving.

I often talk about this with my husband.

We were in a long-distance relationship,
then got married across cultures,
and started our life together in a country
that was not originally home for either of us.

Later, we moved again, together.

There were many moments of uncertainty,
and times that felt fragile.

But in a way,
we share the same instinct—
a quiet willingness to step into the unknown.

He is my husband,
but also my partner in life.

Sometimes it feels like
two small shells found in the ocean,
fitting together perfectly.

This piece, with its dot pattern,
reminds me of that.

Each dot, like a moment.
Scattered, imperfect,
but forming something whole when seen together.

Not a straight line,
but a collection of points.

And somehow,
that feels more real.