A famous Japanese proverb says: "The nail that sticks out gets hammered down." Yet after years of travelling through Japan's remote communities and researching healthy aging, I've come to a different conclusion. The healthiest communities I've encountered are not those that suppress individuality. They're the ones that create space for it within a strong culture of belonging. I've explored this paradox more fully in my latest Japan Solo article on Substack. https://open.substack.com/pub/japansolo/p/the-nail-that-sticks-out-gets-hammered I'd love to hear your thoughts. About me: I'm Lowell Sheppard, author, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Founder of the Never Too Late Academy, and Special Advisor to the International Academic Forum (IAFOR). Through Japan Solo Field Notes, I explore longevity, community, purpose, and healthy aging across Japan. Learn more: Never Too Late Academy https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/ #Japan #Community #Longevity #HealthyAging #JapaneseCulture #Leadership #Individuality #Belonging #JapanSolo #Purpose

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Don’t miss out on the Excess Factory Tour! ⛵ Check out what goes on behind the scenes in the catamaran building process and enjoy a unique experience at the heart of the Excess world Join us on March 20 & 21, 2026 in Le Poiré-sur-Vie, France. A unique and unmissable event! 🌊

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Securing our luck with an ingot before stepping the mast—a cherished sailing ritual! Our friend Harold, gave us this ingot for good luck. We placed it under the mast. We are new sailors and if you dig the journey, we would love you to join us on our blog: https://gypseaexplorer.com/ Thank you for being here! Cheers From Me & The Kiwi--Heather & Chris!

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