*The Most Beautiful Moment of the Day**safe-artistic-growth*

I was early this morning. I got up at quarter to eight, hurried to the scale, and then took the cat downstairs to let Messy out; Messy always wants to go out as soon as I wake up. Only if it's raining is he less keen on going outside. But today was a glorious sunny day in September. The workmen were already there but had yet to start. I quickly made my cup of tea and dashed to the shed. I jumped on my bike with my yoga mat. It was the first time the gym class, Pilates, was so early. I rode out of the garden, navigating around vans parked here and there on the sidewalk. But there they were on the sidewalk, waiting for Mom or Dad, the neighbour kids getting ready to go to school. I greeted them with a smile. And off I went.

Waking up so early is already beautiful—the light is lovely, the calm, the cool morning air, but also suddenly finding myself in the routine of the schoolchildren, that was, until now ;), the most beautiful thing that happened to me today. Feelings of the safe harbour, care, cosiness, connection, and empathy surfaced. Excellent. I was never a school fan, and I preferred to be free. Still, this summer atmosphere of "back to school," of sweet children and trustworthy parents, securing growth, as well safe-artistic-growth, is superb.

Safe Gate, Erica Fraaije 2024