MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON -- It was a beautiful spring morning in Iwakuni, Japan. Hanami, cherry blossom festival, was in full swing. I strolled along the shores of the Nishiki River near the Kintai Bridge with my camera in hand. White cherry blossoms filled the trees surrounding the area.
Some people traveled from around the world to enjoy the beauty of this scene. After speaking with a British poster photographer from China, I realized how fortunate I was to be there at that time.
For maybe the first time in my life, the grass was greener on my side. There wasn't any other place I wanted to be.
Until that realization, I was always just waiting to move on, or wishing I were still where I just came from. Since I joined the Marine Corps, I was looking forward to spending time over seas. I was excited when I first arrived in Iwakuni.
It was fun and challenging to learn a new language and understand a different culture. Before long, I began to resent the things I once found so attractive and interesting. Mostly, I was just thinking about what I wanted to do when I got back to the United States. With that attitude I missed out on a lot of fun and new experiences.
I could hardly contain myself when I received orders for Camp Pendleton, California. Just days before I left the island, one of my friends, and morning disc jockey for the American Forces Network, played California Dreamin' in honor of my departure. I thought I'd be able to leave all my problems in Japan, and start fresh in California. I was sure the sun wouldn't stop shining on me.
From the beginning, Camp Pendleton was far from what I imagined. I was just a little disappointed, but mostly interested in learning about this new place. I compared everything to "how it was in Japan".
Before I knew it, I was longing to be back in Japan. I regretted wasting so much time there. Then one day it struck me - all the time I spend regretting the wasted time, is more time wasted, and more opportunities missed.
From that time on, I've tried to enjoy this place as much as possible. Now I get excited when I look for things to do.
Some weekends I camp or hike. Some days I run at the beach and watch the sun set. Sometimes it's nice to take a moment to just be thankful.
However, now that I'm thrilled to be stationed at Camp Pendleton, my struggle is to stay excited about going to work every day!
I have watched a good friend, and fellow journalist, grow to become an excellent Marine, photographer and writer. He has risen above many of his peers in professionalism and skill - largely because he believes the grass is greener on his side.
Some days are better than others - but keeping a positive attitude and staying excited about my job makes my life so much more fun. I'm willing to bet it would work for you too.