~~Sylvia Mathews Burwell~~
My Grandmother in Her Town:
Men were away at war. Teenagers were required to work at their local factories run by the government. Mothers are just barely managing to make the ends meet. Food was rationed. The people were afraid of occasional air raids by the Allied Forces. This was before my time during the W.W. II. This story began when My Grandmother started a knitting circle.
My parents came from Toyama Prefecture, by the Sea of Japan, approximately 250 miles northwest of Tokyo. My maternal Grandfather was a whole seller of coals and transported on a small boat that sailed onto the backdoor of his house by a canal. His business activities were reduced as the war waged on.
My Grandmother with her seven children decided that she must encourage and help other women in her town. One day she began a knitting circle, inviting other mothers for tea and sweet treats. (Rare precious commodities.) She told them wonderful stories of inspiration and humor.
Soon many women came to join, as they are getting so empowered.
My Grandmother had an insight and began to form a kitting business
coop. She took orders for sweaters, mittens, leggings, etc. Assigned these orders to her circle. They began to earn good money.
Her Smiles:
My Grandmother will not be in a history book. Will not be remembered posthumously.
In a peaceful time after the war ended, she sat in her tea room in front of a Buddhist alter. People came to talk to her, just to be inspired, to get advice. She sipped tea with her visitors. Always with a smile on her face. Visitors always left with a smile.
She never charged for her consultation. She became very affluent with her business of knitting and fashion design school. Taken over by her third daughter.
It’s wonderful to smile but my Grandmother was a great entrepreneur who began to do business to help and support others. When you help others, you get amazing rewards.
She shared sweet pastries generously during the time of war, when somethings were kept for your immediate family only. She shared her profits from knitting fairly.
In her town, she was known as a live Buddha!
Grandmother’s Legacy:
In my teaching on the topic of ‘loving yourself’ I emphasize for people to love their culture and heritage.
I always see my Grandmother’s face and hear her voice. My friends often say to me, “Yukiko, how can you keep smiling at a time like this.”
This ordinary woman from a small town by the Sea of Japan impacted who I am.
I’ve always wanted to help people to achieve their happiness and peace. One year ago, I began to study and learn Internet Marketing.
I am so happy to discover this powerful tool. People can transform their financial lives. But we have tools to inspire people to grow as great human beings along with becoming rich financially.
Every ordinary person can be an extraordinary person by following this Simple 3 Step System.
To Your Happiness and Abundant Life,
Yukiko Iino
References:
Loving Yourself 301: Love Your Place and Space