Inner Child Work
It is your duty as an adult to evaluate your childhood and make peace with your inner child.
Think of a time when you were young and couldn’t speak up for yourself. What was holding you back from saying something? Surely you knew right from wrong because you felt something was off in that moment. Maybe you discovered an unhealed wound. Or maybe you couldn’t remember anything at all.
So many grown adults are disconnected from their inner child and/or childhood. Though, your inner child will always be a part of you whether you acknowledge it or not. The things you were taught and the ways you coped as a child are reflected in your adult self.
Believe it or not, your inner child is intuitive as fuck. Being disconnected from that part of you is detrimental to your growth as an adult, not only spiritually but mentally. Once you acknowledge this part of you, it will be difficult and maybe painful but it will propel you forward to be much kinder to yourself. Remember that it is not anyone else’s job to repair your wounds.
When I was younger, I often dissociated from loud or stressful situations as a coping mechanism. I could never enjoy the moment because my anxiety was through the roof. I had trouble connecting with the emotions I so badly wanted to feel but couldn't due to years of trauma and emotional abuse.
A year ago, whenever my friends showed me old pictures of myself, I felt embarrassed about how I looked and acted. Since then, I have realized that I need to love the kid I was. I was surviving in an unsafe environment. I had to do what I had to do to survive. I am not a victim but a survivor of an abusive household with a narcissistic mother. I admire my perseverance and dedication to myself and my destiny. I knew that better was out there for me even though I felt stuck and defeated at times.
I think the worst part of growing up is having to look back and solve the moments you felt small.
Here are some practices I have used to connect with my inner child.
Photos/videos:
Break out the yearbooks and the photo albums and try to imagine what life for you was like at that time. Try to reconnect with your feelings and emotions. Spend time doing this and try to remember who you were.
Hobbies:
You could watch cartoons, listen to old songs, or do something you liked to do as a child. While doing these options, pay attention to your responses. Do you still enjoy this activity? If not, why and why do you think you enjoyed it as a child?
Visiting:
If you feel safe and comfortable visiting family, it can be helpful when trying to connect with your inner child. If you do not feel safe visiting family, you could visit the places you often went to as a child.
Please be wary of your emotions. If you visit let's say a park and you get cold feet as you arrive you can stay in the car rather than get out and explore. Take it slow. Getting in touch with your inner child is a process. It does not happen overnight.
Scripting:
Sometimes you may need to sit in silence and reflect. Make time for yourself at the very least once a week but if you're able to set aside more time, try it daily for an hour. No cell phones, laptops, or tv’s only you and your thoughts. You could also journal during this time to fully release.
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