Inner child work is tough.
It takes a while to learn how to separate yourself from the persona and voice of your subconscious. But if you struggle with negative or harmful thoughts that guide your narrative and have a tendency to sabotage your decision-making process, then it’s important to make a distinction between the two.
If you’re anything like me, the differentiation needs to be visual in order to be effective. So today I’m suggesting four exercises to help you connect with your inner child.
Watch a nostalgic movie or tv show from your upbringing
Some of my favorite throwbacks include Sailor Moon, Aladdin, Spirited Away, Martin, Girlfriends, Sex & The City, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Oh and KUWTK, of course.
Do something you used to love when you were a kid
Memories of doing dexterous activities or ones that allowed me to express my creativity like arts and crafts, karaoke, storytelling with friends and family, or playing with my hair and makeup are usually what surfaces when I try to recall warm and fuzzy times from my childhood. Other reflective remembrances are tied to specific experiences, like going to get boba with my grandfather or going to “the pink ice cream store” (what I called Baskin Robbins when I was a kid) with my dad.
Revisiting these activities now as an adult makes me feel like I’m on a playdate with my inner child, and helps me paint a visual distinction between her and I.
Recreate a scene or look from one of your core memories
Maybe there was a certain celebration or event that stuck with you from your childhood that makes you feel good whenever it pops back up in your mind. This might be a birthday party, a special adventure with a beloved caregiver, or the first time you met a favorite pet or younger sibling. Identify one then try to recreate a visual representation of the scene in your head, even if it’s just the outfit you were wearing.
It always brings me comfort to bake my grandma’s signature Christmas cookie recipes or make my mom’s famous mac and cheese.
Visit a place that brings you back to your childhood
If you’re lucky you still have access to your childhood home. If you don’t, even just driving by/around the neighborhood can do the trick. Imagine the sequence of your day back then, and visualize yourself as a child playing on the sidewalk or running across the front yard again.
If your childhood home doesn’t bring up pleasant memories, think of somewhere else that does, like a school, church, or extracurricular activity you enjoyed.
Remember, this is all about visualization! All of these exercises require you to use your imagination, so have fun with it. I also implore you to use different names when crafting a narrative between you and your inner child. Happy playing!
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