#Unsettled

My cousin was visiting this past summer, and she brought two little reminders of everything we’ve lost: her daughters. Watching them—especially the younger one, barely a year old—was like watching a fireworks show of pure joy. Everything was new, everything was exciting, and the hilarious, unfiltered belly laughs  that could fix any bad mood.

That innocent, unbridled light got me thinking: When did we lose that spark? When did we become so focused on being serious ,  on adulting, that we forgot how to simply have fun?

Somewhere between paying bills and juggling responsibilities, many of us fell victim to the “Serious Adult” trap. For some, the weight of the world settles on their shoulders early. For me, it meant missing that girl who once lived without a care.

I remember that girl best on the swingset. I loved the feeling of being in motion—the wind whipping through my hair, pushing higher and higher, aiming for the sky. Back then, there were no consequences, no self-consciousness, and zero worry about who was watching. As an adult, I still crave motion—I walk and swim daily. But it took watching my little cousin to realize I wasn’t just missing the movement; I was missing the mindset.

We need to give ourselves a break. We need to actively channel that inner child and just laugh—even if not everyone else thinks it’s funny. So what if you’re being “silly?” The joy is yours.  You don’t need a vacation or a total life overhaul to flip the switch. That’s the brilliance of a child’s mind: for one minute, they’re crying, and the next, they’re laughing. The pivot is effortless.

This isn’t just about “taking time to breathe.” It’s about finding five minutes of unfiltered, unbridled happiness every day.  How do we accomplish this?

• The Swingset Test: Next time you see a quiet playground, sit on a swing. No one is ever too old to take a swing. Let the wind hit your face and just go.
• The Walk-and-Stare: Take a five-minute walk outside and stop obsessing about your destination. Notice the sunshine on a leaf, the breeze on your skin, or the specific blue of the sky.  Stop and take a breath.
• The Belly Laugh: Watch a genuinely ridiculous cat video. Allow yourself the full, snorting, embarrassing laugh. Don’t hold back because others are in the next room.

Your inner child is still there, ready to embrace life with open arms and zero fear of judgment. Whatever it is that brings you that brief, unapologetic joy—take it, embrace it, and let your inner child out.

What was your favorite thing to do as a kid that you’ve completely forgotten about?

What is the first “silly” or joyful thing you are going to do today or this weekend to honor your inner child? Tag a friend who needs this reminder!

#InnerChild #SelfCare #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #Inspiration #ChildhoodJoy #UnfilteredHappiness #Recharge