Kailee did.  But she didn’t used to.  Why?  Because she never learned how.

Lest you think I have gone off the deep end, Kailee is my dog, and “poodle” is the first toy she’s ever played with.  She was a rescue dog and for whatever reason, never knew how to play.

Recently when I was going through a closet and came across a small stuffed animal that an ex boyfriend gave me, it seemed somehow deliciously appropriate to ’send it to the dogs.’    So it became Kailee’s chew toy.

Sometimes as I have found myself being an entrepreneur and sitting in front of my computer most of the day – I see Kaillee and her new toy, and I realize that very often as a business owner – I too forget to play!

She reminds me to get up, get moving, and get playing!  Since I have a home office, in between my work with clients, she and I play tug-of-war with ‘poodle’ and I find myself laughing with the deep, belly laugh that is sometimes missing in my crazy-driven days

Why is play so important?  Because it keeps us in touch with that creative, youthful, innocent, expressive part of ourselves.  Too often we think pushing and driving and “more is better” is the way, but actually you will find that taking a ten minute break every couple of hours and doing something like play will give you more juice.  You’ll feel refreshed, your clients will be served better, and if you have a dog…they’ll love you even more!

My request to you – play!!!!  Whatever that would look like to you.  Make sure you take time and give your brain, your heart, and your soul a break and let it play.  Now, go chew your own poodle….