*My Light, My Joy. (12.06.2025)* This morning when I was making a paratha for Alizey and chai for myself, I had this warm feeling of being blessed with such a bright light in my life - yes, that's what Alizey means to me. Before I became a mother, I feared I would probably lose myself, and would never have the time and energy for the things I loved. Luckily, it turned out just the opposite. Alizey, with her positive energy, has made me more of myself. I have been able to connect with nature much more deeply, and my micro-joys have increased tenfold. I still do all the things I loved - but way more than I did before. It somehow happened that I started reading, writing, and making art with much more fervour than I ever did before. When I sit down to paint, she paints with me. She loves our houseplants and waters them. She has befriended the trees outside our window. When we are in the car, I am so excited to show her the moon, stars, trees, sunset, and animals. I am so glad to share this joy with her. Sometimes, we play with water. Sometimes we laugh for no reason. My sense of humour has emerged out of nowhere, and I love laughing with her, and making her laugh. We have the quirkiest conversations ever, and sometimes I totally forget I am her mother. Our nature walks in spring filled our hearts with such joy, but I love to have her around indoors. Now in summer vacations, we have slow mornings with lots of cuddles, and she wakes up smiling and ready to seize the day. It almost feels as if a part of my childhood and my summer vacations have been returned to me - with a lot more presence, a lot more joy.