She had three children, but her marriage didn’t work out.  She was mentally and physically exhausted.  It was under such circumstances that she unexpectedly saw a doctor because of her son’s injury.  She happened to ask if there was any better treatment for her but the doctor bluntly said, “No, way.”  She thought how rude he was but the doctor continued as follows, “Because your heart is dead, what I am saying is that a “live heart”, is a heart that has a dream, ambition and eagerness to live its own unique life.  When people believe in themselves and focus on what they can do at this very moment, a true “live heart” will be turned on.”

Ms. Natsuki said, “I used to blame my environment for my unhappiness in life or my difficult situation.  But I could notice that my focus was 180 degree redirected from the outside world to my inner self when I heard his words.”  She succeeded to the third generation in the family business  “Natsuya”, a kimono maker of 69-years standing.  Then she rebuilt the building and expanded its business.  Her life was transformed to a positive and constructive one: She involved herself in charitable activities, and supported Annna Saeki’s charity concerts.

Since then, Ms. Natsuki has been going on lecture tours for 16 years.  She speaks on “Be myself” twenty times a month, not only within Japan, but also in 10 countries around the world such as England, France, Switzerland, Italy and Holland.  She would go anywhere if she was asked and needed there.

In 1994, she launched a non-profit organization in France and then in New York & Hawaii, respectively in 1998.  About 10 years ago, she put her money into founding a training center for the youth in Hawaii Island.  She is enthusiastic about the planning and establishing of a free-standing hospice hospital in Japan.  One of the reasons for her visit to New York, other than her giving a lecture this time, was to visit Bronx Calvary Hospital.  This hospital was started by some women who were inspired by the work of a group in Paris, who established a hospice care in 1842.  She, as a president of Shining Women Foundation, which is supported primarily by women volunteers, strongly feels that only volunteers can support hospice care or Palliative Care institutes considering Japan’s anticipation of a future aging society.

Ms. Natsuki said, “ I feel like I’ve lived my whole life for those past 16 years.”   Dr. Funaki, she fatefully met, was the single important person who altered the course of her whole life.  But it is a fact that nobody but Ms. Natsuki herself has changed her life.

To live my own life, “Be myself” 

Every unexpected encounter with people in your life is a “fateful encounter” which may lead to either a good outcome or worse.  Those people could be your spouse, your former teacher or your boss.  Ms. Natsuki grasped an opportunity to transform her way of life by these words from a doctor 16 years ago.

She was diagnosed with tuberculosis when she was 19 years old.  By mistake, she was given 300 streptomycin injections instead of 50.    As a result, she hovered between life and death and suffered the side effects from taking strong medicine for a long time.

Harmony of Shining Women Foundation (HSWF)

English

 

Japanese