2025/08/18 A Heart Swaying on the Morning After a Long Weekend ~Starting the Week Gently~

2025/08/18

3:39 AM. I woke up a little earlier than usual.
The morning after a long weekend always brings a unique sense of tension, no matter how many times I experience it.

Or rather than tension, maybe it's more about bracing myself,a feeling of giving myself a little pep talk.

In the quiet time before sunrise, while drinking coffee, I thought that this subtle sense of tension wasn't so bad.

Even without a special reason, when the rhythm of life shifts, both the body and mind tend to brace themselves a little.

My family woke up early just like I did.

The Hectic Lunch Packing and the Family Morning

My husband said, "I'm leaving for work30 minutes early today."
My hands were rushed while packing the lunch, but I managed to finish in time.

"You should have told me that beforehand" I complained. I understand that everyone needs to adjust after a long weekend, but I have my own schedule too.

In the past, I would have swallowed these words, so being able to say them feels like growth to me.

I put salmon flakes in her rice balls as requested.
When there's a bit of a gap, it takes a little more effort to get back into the swing of things.

But for me, making lunch is like animportant ritual to return to daily life.

The sound of the knife echoing in the morning kitchen, the scent of freshly cooked rice.
And I pack the lunch box with the wish that we all have a safe day today.

The Mindset That Just Showing Up to Work Is 100 Points

When I arrived at work, I told myself,"Just showing up to work is 100 points." After a long weekend, I don't seek perfection; I start working slowly to get used to it.

The atmosphere around me is also quite relaxed.
Knowing that everyone feels the same way makes me feel a little relieved. As the day passed without any issues, I felt once again the importance of"not overdoing it".

The special tension after a long weekend is actually proof that your heart and body are trying to get used to a new rhythm. Thinking of it that way, this restless feeling seems natural.

It's not about trying hard to force things, butgiving yourself a small passing grade. Even on a 60-point day, that accumulation is what keeps life in order.

The Adaptability That Children Teach Us

My eldest daughter told me with a shy smile that her teacher and friends said, "You got really tan!"

My second daughter was the calmest even after the long weekend; she told her teacher a lot about what happened during our visit home and showed everyone what she had made.

I am once again impressed by the children's adaptability.

Encouraged by their presence, I am also gradually regaining my daily pace.

I felt that the subtle tension after a long weekend is something we all overcome together.

What is your "mental preparation" for the morning after a long weekend?

If you don't seek perfection and can just think, "I got 100 points just by showing up to work today," your heart will surely feel lighter.

＼ If you'd like, please take a look at these too ／
▶︎ 6 episodes that remain in my heart
　from the life of a mom who wakes up at 4 AM.

▶︎ To think that a chance encounter
　could make my heart feel this light──.

▶︎ Flowing water and laughter wrap up the whole summer.

Please start with whatever catches your interest♪

Thank you so much
for reading until the end!
I am always grateful for your warm likes and comments.

Let's relax a little and give ourselves a small 100 points✧︎*。
May your new week have a gentle start.

Without overdoing it, little by little.
Let's find small happiness again tomorrow.
See you later!