This is Purrmione. She is very curious, playful, and communicative. But she wasn’t this way when I first received her. But I gave her space to let her be. Little by little, she started to come out of her hiding place more often. It is so heart-warming seeing her feel safe to open up to me. Because now she gets to be the curious, sweet, and playful cat she was meant to be. And I have the privilege to witness and get to know her real self that she’s now showing to me.

Like animals, the most young and tender part of ourselves that may have closed up needs our gentle attention and care before it feels ready to open up and be curious to come out and play again. Holding space in this way is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and one another. Because we bloom when we are treated with the utmost gentleness, patience, encouragement, and warmth. It is also the best gift you can give to yourself.

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