When I was a Japanese teacher at a university and ALL of the evaluation cards said "we want more of him", "he really listens to his students" and so on. I was complete.

When I volunteered for a week at a shelter for children in Japan after the 3/11 earthquake and this one kid - perhaps 5 or 6 yrs old - and I became really good friends. Every smile, laughter and every other sign of joy of theirs made me feel like life was worth living.

When my Japanese ex wife told me that she's grateful for me freeing her of the oppressive and toxic femininity norms that the Japanese countryside had indoctrinated her with since childhood. It felt like there is still hope.

When one of my clients (I'm a parole officer) started crying uncontrollably and told me that they never imagined that they would be met with kindness and compassion from the justice system. That felt like I actually could be the change I want to see in an otherwise increasingly inhumane justice system.

Also, good question. Thanks.