You Don’t Have to Earn Joy — Healing the Inner Child Through Play, Presence, and Partnership

Have you ever been told you’re too serious… and it hit a little too close to home?

In this episode of The Wolverine Lifestyle Podcast, I’m getting real about a conversation that shook me — and the hidden emotional pattern it exposed. One that a lot of high-achievers, overthinkers, and emotionally guarded go-getters will relate to.

What if joy doesn’t have to be earned?

What if that constant “I'll relax when…” mindset is actually a trauma response?

If you’ve ever:

Felt guilty for resting or having fun

Attracted emotionally expressive partners, only to feel discomfort around their presence

Found yourself over-functioning while others seem to move with ease and joy

Treated fun like a reward instead of a human right...

Then this episode is your invitation to remember joy. Not as something frivolous — but as something foundational.

We’re unpacking:

-The inner child wounds that create emotional rigidity in high performers

-How trauma conditions us to mistrust pleasure and spontaneity

-Why “being serious all the time” isn’t strength — it’s self-protection

-The role of emotionally safe partners as mirrors, not saviors

And how we can start re-learning play, lightness, and ease in real time (yes, even while being successful and driven)

You’ll walk away from this one with new language for what you’re feeling, fresh compassion for your past, and practical insight for creating a life where joy isn’t postponed — it’s practiced.

💡 Whether you’re a high-performing man who’s tired of carrying it all alone, or a strong woman who’s always in control but secretly exhausted — this one’s for you.

The younger you didn’t need more discipline. They needed permission to play.

If you're ready to go deeper into understanding your relationship with yourself, grab my FREE eBook, 30 Days to Know Yourself,

HERE 👉 https://itstimeto.live/30-Days-to-Know-Yourself

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