The Bathtub Moment: Reclaiming Play

This photo was taken during a mini trip with friends in Taiwan.

We stayed at a funky hotel clearly designed for young people—playful, trendy, full of Instagram-perfect corners.

Then we saw it.

🛁 A bathtub in the middle of a public lounge area, lit perfectly, ready for photos.

At first, I hesitated.

“I’m too old for this,” I thought.

My friend felt the same.

But deep down, a part of me really wanted to jump in.

Before I could overthink it, my partner walked up and slid right in.

No hesitation. No shame. Just joy.

I grabbed my phone and took a picture of her. The lighting was perfect.

And then I thought—

Why not me?

Before I knew it, I was in the tub too.

Laughing.

Playful.

Completely present.

And I was happy I did.

It was light. It was silly. It was fun.

And it made me wonder—

How many fun moments have I missed in my life just because I told myself:

  • I’m too old for that.
  • People might laugh at me.
  • That’s not what a grown-up should do.

But what if play doesn’t need a reason?

What if joy doesn’t need permission?

That moment in the bathtub reminded me:

There’s always a part of us—childlike, creative, spontaneous—that’s waiting for a chance to come out and play.

And maybe, just maybe, we don’t need to keep her waiting.

Loving you,

Wen

Scroll to top