2021: Breathe in presence, breathe out truth

Dear me,

This is a letter that passes through space and time. You are at the end of 2021 and I’m at the start. I don’t know how the year has been for you, what unthinkable things may have happened, all that is now closing for you is all open for me, all that’s behind you is in front of me, like a blank canvas, an improv script, an empty track, with only some guiding prompts from the lessons-learnt during the year that’s just passed.

As you know and remember, the world let out a sigh of relief at the turning point between 2020 and 2021, with the great hope that we all may see better days. Everyone around you was celebrating, and you, at that very moment that the clock struck midnight were holding your baby in your arms, soothing him from the outside crackling fireworks, in inner silence and stillness, full of motherly love, sharing words of kindness with your partner who came to hold you both. This is what I hope has underlined your year.

I dare to see you as you receive this letter, moving mindfully through the rooms of the new and spacious home you’ve bought for your growing family. It’s a December 2021 evening, a red candle and a rose incense are burning and there is a refreshing home scent of Sicilian orange blossoms. You see a clear sky from the balcony, and while closing the window shutters a little chilly whiff comes through. An energetic, healthy, beautiful blond toddler in Snoopy pyjamas enters the room running around exploring all the corners, touching all the furniture and opening all the drawers, followed suit by D. with a marvellous smile making sure that the explorations are somehow contained. Your heart smiles, because you remember writing about this moment in your letter.

There have been many of these loving moments in 2020. Your son was born and in becoming a mother you left a lot of your old maiden self behind you. All of a sudden your baby’s wellbeing and happiness are your brightest guiding stars. The value of being present, has taken on a whole new meaning, because it’s been paramount to take in every movement, every sound, every gesture, every adorable look, every small achievement, without missing a thing. Just like the night he was born, despite the weariness of labour, you didn’t want to close your eyes so that you could continue looking at a delicate being holding a shiny soul who had just landed in the world. Pure magnificence. 2021 will be the second year of your motherhood journey and I know you have kept this feeling alive, the value of seeing beyond the apparent, of seeing the magnificence of life unfolding in all its surprising aspects, in your child and more.

The words to describe your relationship with D. in 2021 are fulfilling beyond measure, mutually supportive, intimate to the core as you can exchange looks and know what the other is thinking and feeling. There are times of misunderstandings, but the connection you have doesn’t allow them to last long; your love encourages you to overcome any obstacle. Since you’ve met you’ve spent a lot of time with each other, and with the lockdowns in 2020 you’ve reached a new record of being always in each other’s company. Your baby’s arrival has brought you closer and closer, and the shared interest of choosing always what’s best for him, has inspired you ever more in 2021 to exchange profound and sincere conversations about your feelings, fears, hopes, aspirations and preoccupations so as to never stop getting to know each other and to continue creating a space where your child can also feel totally free to share about himself as he grows, transforms and evolves.

You have a stable and abundant financial base and the work you do fulfils you. Your work allows you to keep learning, keep challenging yourself, keep expanding your mind and spirit and you have kept up the practice of journaling and writing articles on Vocal and other platforms. It's about time, I'd add! As in the past you’ve mostly written on pieces of paper, notebooks, and word documents that stay in your drawer and computer, but it’s about time that you share your love of writing with those who may find you articles, essays and poems interesting. And it makes me so happy that 2021 is the year that you’ve let yourself free and opened the drawers!

Finally, a tender thought to your family and friendships. The limits to social life and travelling in 2020 are familiar to all. I don’t know how much you’ve been able to meet people in 2021, but I know you’ve made time to those who are most important and dearest to your heart. Through whatever means, whether a message, a call, a rare meet-up, or sending out a prayer to them in front of your candle, you haven’t spared the words to remind them how important they are, that you appreciate them being there for you and you have reaffirmed your support for them. The ultimate reason why you take good care of yourself and your wellbeing is because you want to be light for the people you love, and I love you for choosing this path.

2021 will have been a year of finding stability, of growing your roots, of expanding the heart, of strengthening relationships, and evolving and sharing generously your meditations, reflections and values. Your baby and D. are your pillars of strength, the bellows that revive the fire in your soul, so keep being the same for them, that is the best version of you. This is the truth.