For me, Easter is not only a temple, candles, a service at dawn. It is something much closer. You know, as if something clicks inside, and suddenly you want to live a little cleaner, breathe deeper, love kinder. This is the moment when even the air is different. When the morning is truly bright, and for some reason you again believe that everything has a meaning. And even if not everything in life is perfect - you know that the path is still right.

When I was little, Easter was associated with the smell of Easter cakes, a noisy kitchen, painted eggs and dad, who, as always, joked loudly during the process. And then we went to the service with the whole family, and there was some special feeling - as if this day was more important than usual. Over time, traditions have changed a little, but the inner feeling remained. Now Easter for me is an opportunity to stop a little and think: what am I bringing into this world?

We often spin like squirrels in a wheel. Work, worries, people come and go... And at some point you catch yourself thinking that you want something real. Warm. Simple. And here Easter is like a breath of fresh air. Like a reminder: hey, do you even remember what is most important?

It's not just about faith - although it is, of course, a part of all this. It's about how important it is to be able to forgive. Yourself first of all. To give yourself a chance. And others. Not to dwell on the past, not to live with grudges. We've all made mistakes at some point, said the wrong thing, lost something important. But life goes on. And this, perhaps, is the whole point of Easter - that everything can start over. From a clean slate. Without unnecessary burden.

I try to be closer to those who are dear to me on such days. Even if it’s just a call or a short message. Not because “I have to”, but because I want to. Because such days remind me that we have each other. And also that even if there is no one physically nearby, there is still a connection inside. Sometimes warm memories are also part of love.

You know what’s most amazing? Even if everything around is noisy, running and screaming, it’s on Easter that silence can suddenly fall. You know, not oppressive, but calming. You’re just sitting, maybe by the window, maybe in church, or maybe just in the park… And you understand that everything will be fine. Just because you exist. Because someone loves you – maybe not the way you imagined, but loves you. Because the light is still stronger than the darkness. Always.

I don’t know what you’re going through now. Maybe you’re happy, and then it’s wonderful. Or maybe something in life is not going well - then I just want to say: hold on. Everything will pass. Everything will definitely get better. The main thing is not to close yourself off. Allow yourself to be alive. Real. Even in your vulnerability.

Let this Easter bring you what is missing now. Warmth. True words. Or maybe just the feeling that you are not alone in this world. That there is light, even if you do not see it yet. It is already on its way to you.

Mentally hugging. And let there be light.

Lana Banana