For proof it pays to nurture your inner child, you only have to look at 88 year old Cousin Penny!

Not the best day for a drive!

The cold, brisk wind practically blew the car door off its hinges as we struggled to transfer Cousin Penny from our tiny car safely to her wheel chair and into the bank.

She insisted we go now, regardless of weather or how she felt. She looked old and weary as the bank clerk guided us toward the elevators.

Independent doesn’t begin to describe her!

Without warning or asking for help. Penny made a quick U-turn in her motorized chair and headed across the lobby full speed.

The inner child had a need!

“Popcorn! Popcorn! Popcorn!”  Her giggly voice and broad smile let us know why she insisted on the bank today: Popcorn Friday! The inner child was getting fed and all was well.

We spent better part of an hour going from floor-to-floor tending to her business. She never once lost her smile or shared her popcorn! She looked and most likely felt 20 years younger than when we left home!

This was survival technique for her.

Spending years with Cousin Penny, I learned first hand how to nurture your inner child early. Often, in the most stressful times, she stopped everything for a short walk, silliness and giggles or an unplanned treat. What a difference a few minutes would make in the day.

For some great quotes to bring out the child in you, click here.

This week I have felt weary, stressful, and far from meeting any goals. A few sleepless nights; unproductive days; and a calendar turning too fast was taking its toll on my spirit. Faithfully seeking God, meditating on Scripture, praying all  helped.  Yet I found myself somehow not connected. Ever feel that way?

Perhaps my inner child needed nurturing.

“Honey, are you busy right now?” I knew whatever Hubby was doing, he would always stop if I needed or wanted something.

“Let’s go to McD’s for an ice cream cone.”

His look was predictable.

“Now?” It had to seem quite a foolish suggestion. We’ve had days of single digit temperatures, and today , though warmer, was cloudy. He knew, too, that I was struggling to finish my project on time.

I smiled. Did I really think I should take time to wander off to town for an ice cream cone? No. And, truthfully, did I really need ice cream? (We are not going there!)

“Grab your jacket; I’ll warm the car.”

We’re home now, and I cannot believe how much work I have done in the past two hours.  The work I have accomplished on our return is proof it pays to nurture your inner child.

A challenge for you. When things get heavy at home and everyone is on overload, pause, pray, and consider some little surprise something to nurture your inner child, and the your entire families’ as well. It pays big dividends!

By the way, “Cousin Penny” is Trudi Prichard, is my partner in creating Patches the Turtle.  Click here to see the first book; 2nd one is coming out this summer.