Embracing Your Inner Child

Do you remember what it felt like to be a child? Most children have curious minds and active bodies. They soak in the world around them, noticing everything. Children flit from activity to activity. They try new things as they explore who they are and how they fit into this big world. They are not self-conscious.

Inner child silenced

The world forces children to grow up. As children we are exposed to a lot of things, all in the hopes it will make us a well-rounded adults.

Parents enjoy watching their children grow up to become self-sufficient adults. As children, we look forward to that as well. Becoming self-sufficient takes work and discipline. We take the act of growing up very seriously. Unfortunately, as we grow into adults, a lot of us tend to squash the child that lives within us. School, sports, part-time work, college preparation all take precedence over activities that may come off as “silly”.

Who has not heard the phrase “Grow up!”? Who has not said it? Is it possible to “grow up” without squashing that young self of ours?

Unmet desires

My younger self always liked dancing, singing, writing poetry, exploring, playing make believe. None of the things I enjoyed as a child went away. I had desires within me that were unmet. What was stopping me from pursuing those desires? Myself.

In my twenties I remember thinking: “If you have the power to change something, why don’t you? Stop complaining.” I slowly started letting my inner child out, kicking fear out of the way the best I could.

Slowly embracing my inner child

At 26, I found the courage to take a beginning adult ballet class at a dance company near my work. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the fitness those dancers require to execute dances gracefully. Next was a tap class (my night out from a baby and toddler). From there I moved on to taking acting classes. Taking an acting class is almost like going to therapy: you have to be vulnerable, let people in, and be truthful with all that you are feeling. I grew as a person and made life-long friends along the way.

In my 30’s I found the courage to take a singing class offered in my community. The class was appropriately titled “Never too late to sing”. There was a 92 year-old-man in that class! I actually took this class twice. Most currently, I write and do crafts I enjoyed as a child.

Tapping into your inner child

Ask yourself: “What did I like to do as a child? What brought me joy? What have I always wanted to do or try?”.

Listening to our child’s voice allows us to look at the world around us with new eyes. That voice allows us to be creative, joyful, fearless and unwavering with our desires. Our closed-off hearts open up.

Embracing all of you

God created each of us with unique qualities and desires. He desires for us to embrace ourselves, not be self-conscious about how He created us. As we embrace ourselves completely, we open ourselves to God’s direction for our lives. We embark on new activities that bring new people into our lives. Sometimes these new activities take on a life of their own. Sometimes they do not, they just satisfy a need and help us grow.

Having faith like a child allows us to trust. If someone has child-like faith, they have confidence in the promises of Christ and in situations where they cannot see the outcome. Faith replaces fear. Without fear, we can enjoy and embrace the journey of life. Life’s journey becomes the focal point. Our soul becomes more joyful.

A joyful soul brings joy to others.

Prayer

God, the heavens declare your glory and the skies proclaim the work of your hands. Fill me with joy, amazement and child-like wonder. Help me to tap into those things that brought me joy as a child, removing any concern of what others may think as I pursue them. Increase my faith so that I trust You completely, for Jesus said “if you believe, all things are possible to him that believes”. (Psalm 19:1, Mark 9:23).