Taking Tokyo is both my story and the ongoing story of each person I help who is taking on an adventure to reach their dreams. It’s a resource and a community–a gathering place for people who share in common the desire to wipe out fear and anxiety.
The blog follows my adventure as I try to go abroad to Japan for 6 months from spring to fall in 2013 to fulfill my dream, and I share everything I learn on the way.
My Story
My name’s Annie. From a young age, I was sickly and depressed. I didn’t have a terminal illness or anything–my stomach issues, chronic depression, and a smattering of other problems were just insignificant enough to leave me with stunted growth, barely able to attend school most of the time.
After years of bullying by my father and fellow students in school, I finally snapped when I was molested by another student in high school. The school faculty’s reaction was what did it.
“He said he didn’t do it.”
Realizing a Dream
Throughout my time as a teenager, I’d always been fascinated by Japanese culture. I started learning the language when I was ten years old, so it was only natural. After I quit high school, I was lost. I wasn’t sure what to do with my life, so I turned to online business.
I decided I wanted to go to Japan someday for a trip. “With all of my friends, you know?” I’d say. “We’d go down to Harajuku and sample dessert crepes.” I always thought it was just a fantasy.
In my online business endeavors, though, I met some mentors who said “Why not?”
And so, I realized how possible it was for me to actually go abroad. I started Taking Tokyo to document my progress in doing so, and to help other people realize that they, too, could realize their dreams.
The Perfect Storm
Of course, there were roadblocks.
I was still sickly. I couldn’t even walk down the street without having to gasp for breath, I was so out of shape. My Japanese wasn’t nearly as good as it should have been. I was a shut-in–I couldn’t do laundry, I could only slightly cook, and I certainly didn’t know how to navigate an airport.
That’s when I realized that this dream was the perfect coming-of-age ceremony.
I didn’t want to be unable to function in society–I wanted to learn and grow and challenge myself. I wanted to go on an adventure that would bring change to my life, that would allow me to turn a new leaf!
And the trip to Japan was that adventure.
It was effectively the perfect storm.
I would become fit, I would learn the language, I would become independent, I would grow fearless… and a thousand other things!
I planned to leave in 2012, but a seizure and consequent concussion in the airport on March 3, 2012 left me devastated. I picked myself up, brushed myself off, and, after a few months of healing, got back to business!
Today, I’m 18 years old and hoping to leave for Japan in the spring of 2013.
Your Turn
But now it’s time for you to create your legacy, for you to chase your dream.
Taking Tokyo is a resource and a community, a hub for dreamers and adventurers like you to focus around so you can combat fear. I’m always posting information and resources to help you in that endeavor through the site’s blog and Mailing List.
Fear and anxiety are constantly-looming enemies of dreams–they keep us from pursuing our dreams, constantly making us ask ourselves “should I?” or “could I?”
Constantly strive to become your own hero.
Become resilient.
Destroy fear.
Chase your dream.
If you’re ready to destroy fear and chase your dream with adventure,
get access to the Taking Tokyo Mailing List below:
