The film A Mouthful of Air delicately illustrates how early trauma shapes a person’s life. The protagonist, Julie, seems to be a loving mother, yet deep inside, she struggles with psychological wounds rooted in her childhood. Her past—marked by emotional detachment and a lack of safety—creates silent yet powerful inner barriers that hinder her ability to fully embrace motherhood and see herself as “enough” or “worthy.” In today’s world, where perfection and exponential self-improvement are often glorified, not everyone can bear the weight of these expectations.
As the holidays approach, I wish for you to give yourself and your loved ones the gift of safety rather than tirelessly striving to impress with material things or their fancy packaging. You won’t surprise anyone with a purchase, but you will with your ability to make those around you feel truly wanted, interesting, and valued. Be the person who asks more than they talk, who genuinely listens instead of merely waiting for their turn to speak. Be the one with whom others can feel imperfect yet deeply loved. Love your children.
This film doesn’t sugarcoat its message; while not everything is stated directly, its most important themes are conveyed “between the lines.” For me, this movie strongly connects with the insights from Bessel van der Kolk’s book The Body Keeps the Score. According to Bessel, “Trauma lives in our bodies and affects our ability to form connections with ourselves and others.” He further emphasizes that parental responsiveness—their ability to react sensitively and with understanding—is the cornerstone of a child’s sense of safety. If a child experiences neglect or rejection, they may grow up to be profoundly vulnerable.
Comments