The sounds I’ve been cherishing lately are my children’s laughter — the joyful squeals as they play in the backyard, digging through the dirt pile for the hundredth time this week. Those giggles and bursts of wonder will stay with me forever.

Ever since my kids were born, I’ve made it a point to join them in their world of play. I love watching how naturally they follow their curiosity and how easily they find joy in the simplest things. It’s such a beautiful reminder of what being alive is really about.

I’ve always believed in giving them space to explore and wonder, to imagine, create, and simply be. I’ve read a lot about how essential play is for children’s development, but it took me a while to realize something important:

✨Play isn’t just for children.

We never truly outgrow the need to play. We just start to forget how. Somewhere along the way, we trade play for productivity and begin to believe that being an adult means staying serious all the time.

But play isn’t the opposite of responsibility. It’s the spark that keeps our creativity, curiosity, and confidence alive. When we make space for play, we reconnect with the truest version of ourselves.

Here's the truth: we are meant to shine.

Just like a redwood grows tall or a sunflower turns toward the sun, we are designed to express the light within us.

When we allow ourselves to play, explore, and find joy again, we reconnect with our true selves and remember what we really want.

This kind of playful curiosity opens the door to our biggest dreams and reminds us that we are capable of more than we often give ourselves credit for.

So this week, I’m leaning into the belief that I am worthy of my dream life—not someday or when everything is perfect, but right now, exactly as I am.

And I think Ms. Hamletta feels the same way.

This week’s comic captures that feeling perfectly: Ms. Hamletta floating confidently in space, surrounded by stars, reminding us all that we are worthy of our dream life.

Play gently leads us home to the most joyful version of ourselves. When we follow its call, we bloom into who we were always meant to be.

"Through play and joy, I open the door to my dreams and step into my brightest self."

Love to Learn?

Lately, I’ve been carving out small moments in my day to keep learning and growing. One thing that’s been surprisingly helpful is the Headway app, which gives 15-minute audio summaries of popular nonfiction books on creativity, goal-setting, and personal growth.

I’ve been listening to a summary or two while having my breakfast or when I wind down before bed, and it’s become such a fun little ritual.

If you love learning but don’t always have time to sit down with a full book, you might enjoy Headway too. It’s full of bite-sized lessons that feel doable and inspiring, especially on those days when you just want a spark of motivation.

👉Try Headway Here*

Go out and PLAY!

You never know what magic you’ll discover about yourself. ✨

Keep dreaming big, creating joy, and growing every step of the way. 💖

Thank you, , for being with me this week. I hope you have a marvelous week ahead.