Prioritizing Connection

gentle weaning, self-observation, impermanence as inspiration towards unity, questioning safety

Babe has become quite the social butterfly, as they say. She has upgraded her hiiiiiiii! to Hehwoe! Her self-confidence allows her to engage with many. Occasionally, her conversations will continue with comments on how fluffy her hair is or how her eyes sparkle. Other times, conversation will progress into unexpected insight. For instance, she’s walking down a long corridor opposite a man she doesn’t know. She shares her preferred greeting, to which he responds with his, “Hey! How’re you doing?” Her clever response effortlessly spills out, “Doing.” Taken aback, the man giggles and says, “Same.” Kids not only connect themselves to individuals, but those individuals to others. On days that I feel less brazen, my introverted tendencies have a difficult time accepting this need for connection. Having her around forces me to acknowledge this bare minimum human need.