How to Talk to Your Inner Child: Importance, Benefits, and Inner YOulationship
Do you remember the days when you were a carefree child, playing and laughing without a care in the world? As children, we could care less about smelling like “outside”. Funny how as an adult, I can pick up on that scent just by being outside for a few minutes and returning indoors, but never noticed it as a child. YOU know what I’m talking about LOL?! Remember the saying “you smell like outside!” Ok, ok I’m getting off track here, let’s bring it back!
As we grow older, we tend to forget the innocence and joy we had as a child. However, that inner child still exists within us, and it is important to connect with it so we can heal from our past wounds and find joy in the present moment. In this YOUlationship blog post, we will explore how to talk to your inner child, why it is important, the benefits, and how it is a huge part of your journey.
Why is it important to talk to your inner child?
Our inner child is the part of us that holds our deepest emotions, beliefs, and fears. It is the part of us that remembers our past experiences, both positive and negative, and it influences our behavior and choices in the present. Yep, believe it or not, that little girl be calling the shots! If we ignore or suppress our inner child, we may experience emotional pain, anxiety, and low self-esteem. However, if we learn to connect with our inner child, we can heal from our past wounds, find self-love and acceptance, which is important for a healthy YOUlationship!
A few years ago, I took the step to begin therapy. It wasn’t an easy decision. I really thought that the things I’ve experienced, I could get over them on my own. Truth be told, I thought that my past experiences were normal and it’s just a part of life that everyone goes through. Well, it is not normal, and I think that was just another way of me minimizing my experiences and not dealing with the trauma that came with it. It was my way of avoiding the burden that I thought I would be placing on people if I made a big deal of my experiences/pain. Can you relate? My therapist suggested I talk to that “little girl” inside of me. I thought it was a ridiculous suggestion so needless to say, I did not take her advice. Here I am paying for advice and guidance that I refuse to take. So of course, the next time I saw my therapist, she asked “how did it go? Did you talk to her?” I told her yes, but I think she knew I was not being truthful. The next few sessions went the same way, my therapist asking and I telling her yes. I did feel like some of my anxiety was improving and growth was taking place in my personal healing journey BUT there was something that still felt heavy for me, I didn’t understand why. Here I was going to therapy, eating better, exercising, journaling, meditating, praying, doing all the things I thought I needed to get past my pain and trauma. One day I gave it a try, during my quiet time with myself, I started talking to her, telling her it was ok, my heart started racing and my anxiety was rising, so I quickly stopped. The next week, during my time of journaling, I started writing down all of what I have experienced (what I could remember that is), then I started reading back what I wrote, and I proceeded to say, “it’s ok, you made it, you are here, it wasn’t your fault, I got YOU!” The tears started rolling, I had to catch my breath, I closed my eyes and visualized the little girl sitting with me and started repeating the same thing, “it’s ok, you made it, you are here, it wasn’t your fault, I got YOU?” I believe in that moment; I felt some weight lifted off me. It was an emotionally draining experience but a necessary one.
I wish I could tell you that after that, everything was ok, and I am healed and have a healthy YOUlationship with my inner child but that is not how it went down. It is a practice, and it is getting better. Every day I try to be more intentional in doing something that will help heal my younger self and help me grow. I must meet myself where I am every day, and some days “we” (self and younger self) are not at a place or space we desire so we work through it. How? By sitting in silence, breathing or resting. Somedays you will not have the capacity to talk with your younger self and that is ok. She is always available but know that if you keep her in the corner too long, she will show up in other areas of your life and not in a healthy way. So, take your time and acknowledge her and nurture her.
What are the benefits of talking to your inner child?
- Healing past wounds: Our inner child holds the memories of our childhood experiences, both positive and negative. By talking to our inner child, we can acknowledge and heal from past traumas, allowing us to move forward and live a happier life.
- Increased self-awareness: When we connect with our inner child, we gain insight into our deepest emotions, beliefs, and fears. This self-awareness can help us understand why we react in certain ways and make more conscious choices in our lives. It also allows us to call ourselves out on our own mess! Yeah, that can be hard to admit. Let’s give it up one time for awareness!
- Greater self-love and acceptance: By nurturing our inner child, we can develop a deeper sense of self-love and acceptance. This can lead to increased self-confidence and improved relationships with others.
How to talk to your inner child
- Create a safe and comfortable space: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can connect with your inner child without distractions. You may want to light candles, play soothing music, or use essential oils to create a calming atmosphere.
- Imagine your inner child: Imagine yourself as a child, and try to visualize what you looked like, what you were wearing, and how you felt.
- Talk to your inner child: Speak to your inner child in a loving and compassionate voice. You may want to say things like, “I love you,” “I am here for you,” or “I am sorry for any pain you have experienced.”
- Listen to your inner child: Pay attention to any emotions, sensations, or memories that arise as you talk to your inner child. Acknowledge and validate these feelings and offer support and comfort.
- Practice regularly: Talking to your inner child is a process that takes time and practice. Try to make it a regular part of your self-care routine and be patient and kind with yourself as you navigate your YOUlationship journey.
The Inner child of YOUlationship
In the journey of talking to your inner child, you are embarking on a profound path to healing and wholeness. By nurturing your inner child, you can reclaim your joy, creativity, and innocence. Remember, it’s never too late to reconnect with that playful and carefree part of yourself.
I’ll end with this:
As you continue your journey of talking to your inner child, be patient and compassionate with yourself. A healthy YOUlationship with the inner child takes time, but with each interaction, you are taking important steps toward emotional well-being and self-discovery. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and know that you are on the path to a more connected life.
So, go ahead and embrace your inner child. Talk to her, listen to her, and let her wisdom guide you as YOU reassure her with your courage! Allow the healing power of reconnecting with your inner child to transform your life. Remember, YOU have the capacity to heal, to grow, and to live a life filled with love, joy, and self-acceptance. Now, take a deep breath, smile at your inner child, and step forward into a future where you embrace all parts of yourself, unlocking the limitless possibilities that lie within. Girl let go, be young and smell like outside freely!
With Love,
Your YOUlationship Mentor,
Lesley