Unlocking Your Best Self: A Journey Back to Your Inner Child

Every single person has experienced their childhood differently. Some of us might feel we never experienced being a child, because we had to mature quickly for various reasons. Others might feel their childhood was stolen from them due to one or more traumatizing experiences, which is also considered to be an inner child wound. To begin addressing your current emotional and psychological needs, reflecting on your inner child is a significant first step.

As adults, we might often attempt to relive the childhoods we never got to experience. Even though it can be difficult, reflecting on your childhood and how it has shaped your views of life can improve your ability to shape your life as it is now.

When I’ve experienced heightened anxiety or depression in the last few years, I’ve found myself going back to the outlets that allowed me to manage my emotions as a kid. I journal often, especially when I am stressed and don't want to speak with anyone about my personal issues. Creating art allows me to express myself creatively in ways that words couldn’t. I revisit my favorite music that I haven’t listened to in a while. Reminding myself of what made me happy and enthusiastic for life as a child helps bring me to a place of healing during dark times.

Unfortunately, we can’t go back in time to warn ourselves or prevent certain events from occurring. What we can do with the tools we have now is address the childhood traumas that could be holding us back mentally and emotionally. As adults, we have more power to control our lives and what affects us. Here are some questions you might want to address to help you navigate your life and reflect on your childhood.

• What memories from your childhood do you cherish?

• What are your personal triggers, and how do you respond to them?

• At what times in your childhood did you feel safe? When did you not feel safe?

• If you ever felt unsafe, what did you retreat to? Was it a person, a place, or an activity?

• What did you wish the adults in your life had told you when you were a kid?

• What did you dream about as a child? Are you living that dream now?

• If you met yourself as a child at this moment, what would you say to them?

  
  

When I find myself interacting with children, I remind myself of how I would have wanted adults to treat me when I was a child. Why? When I was a child, there were many times adults berated me or made me uncomfortable, especially over the smallest of mistakes. I don’t want to live my life having a negative impact on others, especially before they’ve even had the chance to define who they are.

If you want your influence on others to be positive, start by acknowledging your own feelings and the interactions that have led you to gain this perspective. Without addressing your inner child, you can’t move forward to become the person you’re meant to be as an adult.