Have you located your inner child recently? You might ask, “What is my inner child?” Your inner child is about having fun, enjoying life, and relaxing with others that make you laugh. My daughter and I were talking about this topic. She’s taking some classes, and that subject was brought up. What a great question both of us had never asked ourselves.
Dr. Diana Raab, a research psychologist and author, says “Each one of us has an inner child, or way of being. Getting in touch with your inner child can help foster well-being and bring a lightness to life.” In other words, many of us take life too seriously and find ourselves depressed or not enjoying the small stuff.
Your inner child has also been described as an expression of your child self and your experiences found in all stages of life. These early experiences can be a source of strength. Dr. Raab also explains, “A healthy inner child may seem playful, child-like, and fun, while an injured or traumatized inner child might face challenges as an adult, particularly when triggered by events that bring up memories of past wounds.” At times, it is difficult to work through those challenging events we face.
If you would like to reach out to your inner child, below are strategies that might prove to be beneficial to you.
- Retain an open mind. You might feel uncertain about the idea of an inner child, but you don’t need to look at this “child” as a different person or personality. Consider the child a representation of past experiences. The past can contain a mix of both positive and negative events. These events form your character; as we age, they guide our choices and goals.
- Children can teach us a lot about life. From finding joy in the small things to living in the moment. If it’s hard to remember enjoyable childhood experiences, participating in creative play with children can rekindle the memories and help you get in touch with the simpler days. We can benefit from all types of play, like playing hide-and-seek or tag, as they help us get moving and feel free. Making time to play with our children or grandchildren helps to increase our playfulness as well as having a positive impact on their well-being. Contributing to the development of their inner self. Children can teach us a lot about ourselves, especially finding joy in the small things - learning to live in the moment.
- Revisiting Childhood Memories. Photos and mementos can stimulate your memory to enjoy the fun times and gatherings of the past. Paging through photo albums, scrapbooks, or school yearbooks can rekindle those memories. Also, reminiscing with school friends, family, and friends can help capture those fun memories and laugh at our younger selves.
- Spend time doing things that you used to find fun. Enjoy the activities you found invigorating when you were younger. I enjoyed tennis in high school and college. Several years ago, when our subdivision installed a pickleball court, several couples we met at the lessons class started to play a couple of times per week. We had so much fun, but as I got better, my mind relapsed to my younger years of playing tennis. I would think I could handle a shot, but in reality, my body found the cement. Not a pleasant outcome. I still have scars on my knees to remind me that I’m not 19 anymore!
- Journaling - as a means to explore experiences in your past and work through the issues you have. You can also write a letter to yourself or someone close.
This year has been a challenging one for me – with two major surgeries and one for my husband. It has involved months of physical therapy and a persistent attitude that I will feel better. I want to thank all those who have prayed for us and graciously supplied us with encouragement and delicious food. I have a few pounds to focus on losing now.
All my best,
Julie
Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti