The Forgotten Playground: Rediscovering Your Inner Child

Dear readers, how about a little game to start with? Let's test how flexible your imagination really is. Can you read the next few lines in a baby voice? That high-pitched voice you talk to kittens with! Now, read it with an old man’s voice! One in his late 60s, who yells at children for being a bit too loud and messy.

Were you able to play along? Did you feel silly and uncomfortable doing it? Take a moment and think: When was the last time you connected to that part of you, the part holding childlike memories and emotions?

Welcome to the forgotten playground! Today's blog will venture into an unknown, yet familiar territory. It is one that might be comforting for some and challenging for others. Today, we will be rediscovering our inner child.

The Game’s Afoot!

I can define the “inner child” in so many ways; some scientific, others concise. However, all words lead to the same conclusion. Simply put, the inner child is the sense of wonder you feel when you stare up at the stars, and it is the warmth that overwhelms you as you eat the most unhealthy, yet savory snack you loved in the past. It is the pain you experience when you feel misunderstood and the joy sprouting from silly jokes and laughter. 

Can you feel it? All the genuine emotions you carry within. The inner child is the metaphorical reference for the way early childhood experiences unconsciously shape our perception of the world and the way we react to it. It is a connection to our past selves. 

Setting Our Game Rules.

Ready to begin our game of tag? But, wait! We don’t want anyone to cheat, do we? So before we begin, let’s set the record straight and debunk some of the misconceptions surrounding the notion of “inner child.” 

Myth #1: Only people who had difficult childhoods have an inner child.

As mentioned, an inner child is simply a metaphor for the way our childhood holds memories and emotions that seep into our adult life. In that sense, everyone has an inner child. For all individuals, those with happy childhoods and those without, it can be tremendously helpful to connect with their younger self. It allows them to foster greater self-awareness, creativity, and emotional well-being.

Myth #2: Focusing on the inner child is a form of regression or escapism.

Connecting with your past and younger self is not about regressing to childhood nor is it an excuse to be stuck in the past. Rediscovering your inner child is a liberating process, one that allows you to be mindful of your needs and guide yourself towards healthier and more fulfilling life patterns. It is also about reclaiming your playful and authentic energy without abandoning the wisdom and responsibilities of adulthood.

Myth #3: Addressing your inner child is only for those in therapy.

Connecting with your inner child allows you to cultivate growth and emotional intelligence. Coincidently, therapy works on healing one’s unresolved issues and fostering better mental well-being. Therefore, therapy can be a powerful tool for healing childhood wounds and reconnecting with your inner child. However, there are many ways to embark on this journey independently. Creative expression, self-reflection, and playful activities can all be valuable avenues for exploration.

Tag! You’re It!

It’s finally time! Tie your shoelaces because it’s time to tag your inner child! As we grow older and get distracted by the world of responsibilities and adulting, our past gets blurred, leaving behind traces of childhood wounds and dreams. Hence, many might find it difficult to connect with the child within, especially those of us who have suppressed that connection for long. Hope is not lost, however! Here are simple steps that can help you chase that little one inside.

Ready? Set. Go! 

• Embrace Vulnerability: While children are naturally expressive, adults often learn to suppress and control their emotions. This can create a separation between our adult selves and our inner children. For many of us, childhood memories may carry emotional baggage that can be daunting to confront. Repressing our feelings may make them surge unexpectedly, leaving us confused about their origins and patterns. By practicing mindfulness and embracing vulnerability, we can bridge this gap. Give yourself permission to feel and express your emotions authentically, without judgment. Allow yourself to cry, laugh, and simply be yourself, just as your inner child would.

• Practice Creative Self-Expression: Whether through dancing, singing or writing, provide yourself the space to express all the genuine emotions you have. Remember that childlike curiosity? As we grow older, we might lose touch with that creative side, replacing it with productivity and logic. Reclaim your youthful energy! Not only would engaging in creative activities help you reduce stress and anxiety, but it can also enhance your emotional well-being. By tapping into our creativity, we can reconnect with our inner child and experience the positive impact on our overall mental health.

• Seek Professional Help: Sometimes, connecting with our past is hurtful. It can flare up wounds we have tried years to numb. While there are many ways one can independently rediscover their inner child, having a support system to uplift you during these challenging times is necessary and beneficial. If you’re struggling with deep-seated emotional pain,consult a mental health professional to guide you safely towards your journey of self-discovery. We can provide you with a compassionate space to process these emotions, helping you heal and integrate your inner child into your adult life. 

We Have A Winner!

Whether you are in-tune with your inner child or you find it difficult to tag them, nurturing that connection with your younger self is a lifelong adventure. By embracing self-compassion and vulnerability, the road towards self-discovery is one that you set the pace for. With dedication and commitment in hand, you are already a winner! At the end of the day, rediscovering your inner child is all about fostering your playful spirit, boundless imagination, and innate capacity for love and joy.

Remember, you are not alone on this path. Many of us have forgotten the way back to the playground, but with courage and a willingness to explore, we can all find our way back.

So, take a deep breath, step onto the swings of self-expression, and believe in yourself.