The Invisible Hands of Support
The following speech won 1st place in the JHS Prefectural Speech Contest 2013. It was written by Mio Sakamoto from Kisakata Junior High School.
The Invisible Hands of Support
Have you ever thought that you could live perfectly fine on your own? In books and all around, we often hear people say, "I'm living all on my own," but that's completely mistaken. There is no single person who can live entirely on their own. We mustn't forget the invisible hands supporting us in our lives.
I, too, was like those people you find in books and all around who believe, "I'm living by my own strength." I decided things at my own convenience without listening to the advice of people around me. There were also times when I was warned by my parents, "Open your eyes to what's around you and be considerate of what else is there." But I thought to myself, "Whatever. Eventually, I'll be living on my own anyway." It was just like my parents had said. I was not looking, nor was I considering everything around me. Now that I think about it, I can't help but feel ashamed.
It was the summer of my second year in junior high school when my thinking began to change. With club activities in full swing and a heavy load of school work on top of that, my summer vacation became very busy. After talking to my mother about my schedule, she told me angrily, "You need to think more about the people around you. I can't just leave in the middle of work to accommodate you! You are not just living by yourself! You are receiving the support and cooperation of the people around you!" My mother taught me a very important lesson that day. It was the first time I realized that I wasn't living under my own power, but with the help of those around me. If she hadn't said anything to me, I might still be deluding myself even now.
Just like I have been, you all are being supported by invisible hands, whether it be friends, family, or acquaintances. You are able to live because you have those invisible hands to support you. You may not realize, but someone is watching over you and supporting you from the shadows. I hope you all realize this fact sooner rather than later.
Louise Hay once said, "All around you, there is nothing but people who will love you and give you strength." If you change your perspective a little, you will see that those words are true. There are many wonderful people who love you out there. When you feel lost and need a helping hand, reach out to those people. Don't think that you can do everything on your own. Don't think that you don't need anyone else to live. Now, I can feel those hands of support. Even though they cannot be seen, I am always saved by those hands. Be supported by those hands, but also become those hands yourself. Feel the love of all those around you and never forget that those "invisible hands" are there for you when you need them.
