From Sakura to Self: Exploring the Roots of My Being Through DNA

As spring blossoms in Japan, marking the onset of a fresh year in schools and workplaces, I find myself in a contemplative mood, perfectly aligned with the cherry blossoms season. It's a time to realign and reassess my aspirations. I've decided to schedule some quality time with the most crucial person in my life: me. And what better way to do that than exploring the very blueprint of my being? So, I've embarked on a journey of self-discovery with a DNA analysis kit, a modern marvel I stumbled upon online.

The process was surprisingly simple: just a small sample of saliva sent off to a laboratory. The wait was a month-long, but then again, understanding oneself is a timeless pursuit. When the results arrived, they were a mixed bag of enlightenment and amusement. They suggested a penchant for shopping, a low pain threshold, and a potential for cognitive challenges as I age. Flipping through the pages, I learned about my below-average muscular build and mental processing speed. So, perhaps a career in athletics or medicine isn't in my stars.

The results were not shy in highlighting some less-than-ideal traits: my skin type's vulnerability to wrinkles and oxidative stress, for example. Yet, there was a small victory - I’m not susceptible to photic sneezing. But overall, the health insights were a bit disheartening.

The kit categorized disease risks from low to high, indicating heightened risks for various conditions, yet strangely suggesting a low likelihood of type 2 diabetes. It felt contradictory, considering diabetes' connection to other metabolic diseases. This made me reflect on the Dunning-Kruger effect - our tendency to overestimate our knowledge or ability in areas where we are, in fact, quite uninformed.

Despite not finding life-altering revelations in the kit, there was a certain charm in discovering minor traits like my umami sensitivity and a not-so-strong sweet tooth. It didn't reshape my life's path, but it brought me into a state of reflection, accepting my vulnerabilities. As 23andMe aptly says, DNA isn’t destiny. Our lives are what we choose to make of them.

So, I see DNA much like the contents of a grocery store. My genetic 'store' thankfully lacks certain 'items' like celiac disease or PTSD. I'm not compelled to 'pick up' certain traits just because they're 'in stock.' Life is about making choices, and with the knowledge from the DNA kit, I'm more equipped to make informed ones. Just as the cherry blossoms remind us of the beauty and transience of life, this DNA journey underscores the importance of exploring and crafting our own unique path, making the most of the ingredients we have.