Our Younger Self

The Best Teacher Of All Things Worthwhile  

    

Many times we feel that we spend our entire lives trying to return to who we were as children. We unconsciously search for clarity and joy in our adult lives, when all that we need to learn about “our own selves” and life’s meaning comes from our younger selves.

What is it that children know that adults seem to have forgotten? Mostly, children are more confident, more courageous, and pursue life with much more intensity, clarity, and joyfulness.

Children teach us that:

Every day is a fresh start, to stay joyful in that day, and that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes yet in sight

Attaining creative outlets is fun and do the most good for us; like building a sandcastle on the beach in meticulous detail, and not getting upset when the tide comes in and washes it away

Being courageous expands our playfulness; like singing out loud and dancing in the wind when no one is around to watch us and we just do it anyway

Laughing every day and just being silly washes our cares away; like when we played hopscotch with our shoelaces tied, or when we looked up at the clouds, shouted out what they resembled, and gave them nonsensical names

Playing energizes us, enlivens us, and eases our burdens; like when we chased our friends around until we were out of breath

Nurturing friendships and sharing the little things keeps our heart refreshed, knowing that the more the merrier brings more joy

Being modest makes us more of a hero and less of a victim

Scars and scrapes are badges of honor, and when we become adults our scars and wounds become our little secrets

Trying new things will keep us from being afraid of failing, and will invigorate our spirit

Noticing the little things will make us big someday.

We shouldn’t stop noticing the tiny miracles that surround us every day.

Life would be so much more beautiful if we could see these miracles again,

Learn to make ourselves aware of the differences between the inner child and the adult self. If we struggle with this issue, we may feel that we have lost control of our life. It could be because our inner child is in the driver’s seat, and if you’ve ever seen a six-year-old drive, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Even though we grow up physically, a part of us still remains that all too often damaged child.

I’d love to go with this one, but I’ll be back again someday with more reflective wisdom of the child!

Blessings to both of you!