note de Noël Letter | Day 28 'A Breather'

Today is—the day after Shichi-Go-San.
Even though we parents are still a bit exhausted,
my daughter has energy to spare, dashing through the house with feints.
With her continuous combo of 'Mom, look!' and 'One more time!',
every time I feel like I'm about to collapse, I remember.

I place my hands on the kitchen sink, take a deep breath in, and exhale slowly.
I create a rhythm by saying, 'Let's have a drink after three jumps.'
Once the sound of her landing from the jumps settles into a steady thud, thud, thud,
we have a little toast and I guide her to the table.
With just that, the air in the room softens a little.

In the evening, before we say 'Itadakimasu,' there is a moment of silence.
The sound of cutlery stops, and our eyes meet across the steam.
The breath we share in that moment
feels like a signal we hand to each other, saying, 'Thanks for your hard work today.'

Another small window on the advent calendar opens.
Even if things are a bit hectic,
with this one moment of pause, I'm sure it will be okay.

May you find abreatherthat suits you today, too.
May a light be gently lit from the place where you let out a sigh.

🎁 Today's Light Word Fortune: 'A Breather'
Why not write something with the theme of 'a breather'?
Hashtag: #noteDeNoelLetter
and share your light of 'a breather' 💌

🕯 What is note de Noël?

Reading is fine, writing is fine.
Take a little time to notice the light within yourself through words.
Thank you for reading today as well.
I will deliver a new 'light word' tomorrow morning too 🕯