Shiawase No Monosashi

Mariya Takeuchi's song 'Shiawase No Monosashi' is a heartfelt reminder to appreciate what we have rather than focusing on what we lack. The lyrics encourage listeners to count their blessings and recognize the abundance in their lives. This message is particularly poignant in a world where people often feel pressured to achieve more and acquire more, leading to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.

The song opens with a simple yet profound directive: 'Count what you have now, don't count what you don't have.' This sets the tone for the entire piece, urging a shift in perspective. The lyrics describe moments of vulnerability, such as crying in the bathroom late at night, feeling overwhelmed by the pursuit of unattained happiness. Takeuchi suggests that this sense of urgency and anxiety might be a result of aging, as people often feel the pressure to achieve certain milestones by a certain age.

Takeuchi also touches on the duality of freedom and loneliness, noting that a carefree life often comes with its own set of challenges. The metaphor of the grass being greener on the other side is used to illustrate how people tend to idealize others' lives while overlooking the beauty in their own. The song encourages planting flowers in one's own garden, symbolizing the act of nurturing and appreciating one's own life.

The lyrics further explore the idea that everyone, even adults, struggles with desires and uncertainties. However, by noticing the small, beautiful things around us, like flowers blooming at our feet, we can find joy. The song suggests that true happiness comes from within and that the key to finding it lies in understanding our own priorities and values. Ultimately, 'Shiawase No Monosashi' is a call to measure happiness with our own internal yardstick, rather than external standards, and to find contentment in the present moment.