Like other anime fans all over the world, my heart broke when I heard about the Kyoto arson attack. So I am glad that even in a small way, I can show my love and support for the studio thanks to this month’s topic, Belive.
Kyoto Animation. We all have that one anime we enjoyed from Kyoto Animation. Whether it is pain or joy, Kyoto Animation has brought to life stories that can touch our emotions. For the month of August, we will be honoring Kyoto Animation and all it has done for art, storytelling, and popular culture by discussing some of our favorite Kyoto Animation series. We will discuss what we love about these series and what they taught us.
The fire that happened at the studio is indeed a tragedy. We pray for the lives that were lost in this tragedy and the families that are suffering at this time. Fires may be dangerous, but there are flames that burn within us that spark passion, hope, and belief in ourselves.
Something that caught my eye with this prompt was “belief in ourselves”. Being honest I have no belief in myself at all. Most of the time when I talk about myself, it’s either somewhat cynical or full-on self-deprecation.
However, there is someone who does believe in me. In fact, for six years she was the only non-family member who did.
Over the years she has been there for me like no other, continues to put up with my rants about some new thing I have gotten obsessed over and has helped me grow into a half-decent person. My dearest friend, Shiloh.
Something I have learned over the years is those true friends in your life pretty much become like adopted family.
I honestly see her as my sister, which I suppose makes her partner my brother in law? Jokes aside he is a great bloke who helped me with my first Gaming PC. Heck, he built it!
Small chance encounters can lead to something special down the road. For me, it was running up to another first-year student all excited because I liked her bag. Needless to say, that girl was Shiloh.
Or it’s getting completely smashed, helping out a dragon, getting even drunker with said dragon and inviting her to stay at your place. Don’t think that is normally how it goes but it sure worked out for Kobayashi and Tohru. In fact, they went one step further, becoming mothers to Kanna and forming their own family unit.
While I know it’s important to believe in your self, having someone in your corner who also has faith in you goes a long way. No one does that more than family, either the family you grew up with or the family you chose. Whether it’s your mum, best friend or that cute dragon maid you met that one time.
Back in High School, Shiloh was the only one who believed in me. While I now have more friends, she is still the biggest source of support in my life. I hope I play a similar role in hers. We both believe in each other and in doing so support each other’s growth.
Tohru and Kobayashi are a prime example of this. Over the course of the show, we see them believing in one another more and more, in turn, they grow not only closer but as people. Tohru learns new skills and about herself while Kobayashi opens up and become a nurturing mother to Kanna. Rather impressive considering her cold and analytical approach to life at the beginning.
On the note of believing in each other, that final episode. Wow. No spoilers but… wow.
In life, it’s the small things that really make a difference. That text congratulating you on your personal achievement, that phone call of reassurance or even just them telling you that you are doing fine.
Let others close to you know that you believe that things will get better on those darker days, that they can do better and you will be right there by their side as they start that journey.
Believe in better, for yourself and others.
Thank you so much for reading! If you haven’t go check out Kat’s post over at GrimmGirl and be sure to check out Fred‘s post tomorrow!
Nerd Rambles 
I really liked your post , it really is nice how you put together believe and friendship or similiar kind of bond 😊
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It really is the small things that make the difference. Thanks for this post. I needed it today.
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This is nice. Sometimes whenever we feel sad or not optimistic, it’s best to find someone who sees something great in you. I can relate to this.
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Shiloh is a beautiful name. Wonder if you’ve ever heard this song:
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