One of my big intentions for coming to Japan was to visit Mount Kurama, which is just outside of Kyoto.

Mikao Usui meditated for twenty-one days on Mount Kurama and discovered the healing modality we call Reiki. And so, I went.

We have been here in Hokkaido for a week now, and I've been wanting to write to you since we landed.

This is the beginning of a long, full summer of travel for our family — Japan first, then the mainland for Aspen's yo-yo competition, then Pittsburgh to be with family, and then Germany — and I thought, what a beautiful opportunity to stay connected with you along the way and share what I'm learning and experiencing as we go.

My hope is that something in these letters lands for you, maybe opens something up, even if your life looks nothing like mine right now.

It struck a chord because so many of us have felt that tension—of wanting to be accepted, but not wanting to lose ourselves in the process.

Do I give you the idea that my life is perfect?

Pretty pictures of me smiling with my sweet, beautiful family. I do indeed live a charmed life.