True peace of mind is found in quiet relationships

Even though you spent time with someone, have you ever felt
the moment you were alone on your way home
suddenly your heart felt heavy?

When the feeling of "I want to see you again" and the feeling of "I'm a little tired"
are
coexisting in your heart, and you can't even

sort them out yourself.

At times like that, Soraoto thinks.

We are warmed by being with people, but
there are also times when we
grow cold by being with people.

When you are trying hard to "be proper" in front of someone,
…that may be kindness, but…
you may unconsciously shallow your breathing.

The tone of your voice.
The way you choose your words.
The way you fill in the little silences.

When you pack yourself into all those little things,
the "true self" deep in your heart
gets hidden.

Even though you are smiling,
your smile feels just a little distant.

Even though you intend to be at ease,
somewhere in your heart you keep your back straight.

That is not because you are bad,
it is surely just that the relationship
has not yet grown into “peace of mind.”

And,
perhaps because you are
a very thoughtful person.

But you know.
What if there were a relationship like this in the world—

Even if you are silent, it doesn't get awkward.

Even if you are absent-minded, you won't be left behind.

You can say what comes to mind just as it is. A tired face, a sulky voice, everything is fine

just as it is.

If you could meet someone you feel that way about,
it would surely be a time when
your soul unravels.

Someone who smiles even when you let your guard down.

Someone who matches their pace to yours even if you are clumsy.

Someone who stays by your side even if you don't stretch yourself.

In front of that person,
your heart
softly breathes.

But you know, that kind of relationship
is not something that is prepared from the start.

Trust slowly grows over time.

Sometimes passing each other by, sometimes getting lost, but each time talking to each other,

exchanging "it's okay."

So, you don't need to rush.

And please, I want you to remember this.

The reason you "worry too much about others" is because you possess the
kindness to care for people.

However, that kindness only becomes

true kindness when you direct it toward yourself as well.

You don't have to be perfect.

You don't have to be a good talker.

You don't need to fear silence or force yourself to act cheerful;
it is okay to whisper, "I'm tired today."

When you become able to forgive yourself like that,
people who
will accept you will gather around you.

People whose hearts share a similar temperature
will surely notice when you begin to live as your true self,
and they will come to be by your side.

There is no need to pay attention to everything in the world.

Just one person is enough.

With someone you can feel at ease with,
nurture a warm time together.

Because that will become the
quietest and
gentlest light for your soul.