Did I even breathe?

On Saturday I was sitting in a cafe’ in Tokyo, looking out the door watching the first snowfall of the year. It was cold and I was grateful to have the sanctuary of the coffee shop to warm my body and a latte to warm my thoughts.

Skipping town for even a short period of time acted as the buffer I needed to better digest my long to-do list. It has been busy and for the past few months, I haven't been the kindest to my mind, consistently adding and taking away layers of unnecessary pressure.

You would think that Tokyo would be a bad remedy for a crowded head, but it was exactly the kind of stimulation I needed. Not only did I spend a good chunk of time people-watching and wandering around, but the friends I met over the weekend reminded me that you have to constantly be re-introduced to beauty to learn how to savor the world. Because it does get bumpy at times.

The month of February will soon bid us all goodbye, and thinking that it was just New Years makes me wonder if I even took the time to breathe these past few months. Oh, what a fast month. Did I even breathe? Despite what trials may await in the future, I want to be able to create a cushion fashioned from love that will support me no matter what I face. I have to remember that before a beautiful painting, painting a beautiful life must always come first.