Pets and the Journey to Your Inner Child

It was the second week of July. I slowly rolled out of bed, ready to start my day. First, I greeted my cats – they'd spent the whole night by my side because it was thundering and lightning outside, and they felt safe and calm next to me.

I started my morning slowly, sipping my smoothie. I glanced out the window, thinking, "Oh, it's raining again." I tidied up a bit and then went to feed my beloved pets. Outside, I put out food for my loyal dog, Tory. After eating, she stood by the door with her toy, silently inviting me to come out and play.

As the "adult" me, I went out onto the terrace to do a bit of tidying. After all, it was raining; I wasn't going to play outside in that! I stood under the roof on the terrace, calling Tory to come to me, but she kept calling me to come out onto the grass and romp in the rain. And then it hit me: kids don't have bad weather! They find joy in any kind of weather!

In that moment, I invited my inner child out. Thanks to her, I was romping barefoot on the grass with Tory. I threw sticks and her toy, running through puddles like I did when I was a kid! What an amazing feeling to remember my childhood and experience true, childlike joy that morning, when everything I had was enough, and the rain with its puddles brought pure bliss.

Does your inner child visit you often? Do you let it lead you to joy and spontaneity?