How often do you think about your younger self? Often as you grow older, thoughts about your experiences during childhood are pushed to the back of your mind until something comes along to make you revisit them. Conversations, sounds, certain places, certain people are all things that can trigger thoughts about your past. But sometimes your past is showing up right in front of you and you may not even realize it (how you respond to others, how you address problems, etc.). These occurrences often stem from possible unresolved issues with your inner child. So what do you do when you notice this happening?
Check out these tips below to begin acknowledging and healing your inner child.
- Acknowledge them.
The first step to addressing issues related to your inner child is acknowledging who your inner child is. Speak to them and give them a name. You can ask them questions and get a better sense of who they are. Discover more about their experience that may be hidden.
2. Write a letter to them.
Becoming aware of the needs of your inner child happens when you speak to them. Writing a letter to your inner child will allow you to hear their side of the story. What did they experience? Who harmed them? What were they lacking? What did they have or enjoy? Asking these questions is the beginning of revelation.
3. Meditate and feel your feelings
Feelings are fleeting and they will pass. Meditating allows you to sit, feel your feelings fully, and not retreat when they show up. This technique takes practice but it assists you in your healing journey by helping you to learn how to address your feelings head on vs. running from them.
4. Allow for moments of reoccurrence
Healing is not linear. There may be moments where you believe certain feelings have passed but something occurs and they return again. This is a part of the process. Allow yourself to heal on your own timing and at a pace thats comfortable for you.
5. Take care of yourself
Give yourself compassion and grace as you go through your healing journey. Address yourself without judgement. Take care of yourself in positive ways that are helpful to you and your growth.
If you believe you’ve tried some of these techniques and youre still experiencing distress, seek out the help of a licensed professional.
You can do this.
Sincerely,
Alexis Long-Daniels, M.A., ALC, NCC