Embracing one’s inner child doesn’t mean immaturity as an adult. When the pandemic came this terminology was also all around the place aside from the phrase “mental health”. Understanding one’s inner child is not acting like a child but doing things that you loved to do as a child or the activities that you were deprived of as a child. I don’t have any scientific basis for this next line that I’m about to say but I think one of the reasons why there are so many unaddressed emotional challenges in life is that most of us were not able to play enough when we were kids.
We all come from different backgrounds and it breaks my heart to hear the news about those who commit suicide, those who are high on drugs, alcohol, and other mentally unhealthy activities that destroy our personal well-being. I’m not a licensed-whatever but I have my own issues to face and I’m glad that through prayer, living a spiritual life, and attending seminars and talks I was able to grasp and have the full sense of awareness as to how I can embrace my inner child.
Now let’s go to the 4 ways that I’m talking about.
1. Wearing shirts with cartoon character designs
I know you’ve seen these. At the department stores, and other retail outlets they’ve been selling shirts featuring different cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse, Superheroes, Hello Kitty, etc. I remember once I was in a department store and I felt so happy looking at this grey Mickey Mouse shirt with a pink lining on the sides then it hit me that I should buy it because not only is it a form of self-care but also a way of embracing my inner child.
It’s like remembering my favorite cartoon character when I was young. From then on, I started wearing shirts with cartoon character prints and it makes me feel so happy. It makes me glow that even if I’m already an adult I can still play in simple ways like this. Plus, it’s easier to decide what to wear when going out instead of looking at some other fancy clothes in my closet.
2. Ask yourself the question: What do you love to do when you were young?
Is it drawing, playing basketball, playing musical instruments? This is one common example that I believe we take for granted too much. When the pandemic happened, I had the time to search and contemplate by myself. I remember sitting on my bed not really thinking about anything specific then the thought of listening to Broadway music unconsciously unfolded before me. It was the height of the pandemic where I can’t go out so I guess my soul was looking for an activity that I would enjoy. I realized that I missed performing on stage as a pianist during recitals.
I learned that I had this urge to go back to what I used to do when I was young which is about art and music. I first went back to playing the piano then I started buying materials for oil painting. These activities are something that I thought I buried long ago in the forgotten depths of my memory because I have another life journey to attend to which is so busy. But here I am now filling my soul once again with music and my hands with paint. We don’t need another pandemic to go back and explore what we liked to do as a child we just need to make time to play and nourish the child within us.
3. What are your favorites as a child?
I read a book authored by Ilsa Reyes (may she rest in peace) entitled Inner Child Treasures during the height of the pandemic. (Looks like the pandemic did give me a lot of favors) After each chapter, she has a guide question to be answered by the readers and one of the questions that helped me understand myself better was when she asked: What is your favorite bedtime story as a child and what is your favorite song as a child?
I had plenty of reflections as I pondered upon recalling what were my favorites as a child. I realized that I grew up with the songs Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and When You Wish Upon a Star. Surprisingly, I learned that both songs have stars and both songs talk about reaching one’s dreams. I never paid attention to the lyrics of the song and just sang it before like any child would because I loved the tune.
My adult self seemed to have traveled back in time and I experienced a deep awakening as I ponder upon these guide questions one by one. I also recall reciting the words in my head and my adult mind understood them differently. It’s like my mind blew up in amazement. I also realized that I’m making my dreams come true now just like the child I was and that I am living the life that I should.
As for my favorite bedtime story my mother used to tell my brother and I lots of bedtime stories so I could not fully recall what was my favorite. A different thought came to mind and I learned to ask myself who is my favorite Disney princess? They are all beautiful with pretty colorful dresses whenever I think about them. “I like them all!”, I would say to myself. Then upon further reflection it just came to me that Mulan is my favorite Disney princess!
I was shocked to the core because I felt so blinded by so many princesses that I forgot about her! I figured that she’s my favorite because of the many resemblances. I always stared at her on the TV when I was young admiring her Asian beauty. I think it’s one factor that made me attracted to her. Her dark hair and Chinese eyes made me feel like I’m her. I admire her for her bravery. I like her comb with a flower. I find it so cool when she cut her hair with a sword and pretended that she was a man.
I love the way how she stood up like a powerful woman fighting the bad guys while still remaining to be that quiet and reserved woman. Thinking about these characteristics of Mulan speaks about who I am today and who I continuously chose to be in my heart. No wonder I like to be in action. No wonder I always liked challenges and adventure. I wanted to be just like Mulan. One more thing, my voice teacher taught me the song from Mulan entitled Reflection and I repeatedly practiced it when I was young in preparation for my recital as far as I can remember.
4. Stuffed toys or any favorite childhood toy
One of my late realizations as well is that I love stuffed toys. When we are older we always get to hear from the elderly that toys are just for kids that’s why we stop playing with them. But the reality is that toys will always be a part of our life. It can make us feel better and care less about the endless concerns of the world.
One of my latest stuffed toys is a white bear with a neutral facial expression. I would cuddle it and stare at its face in amazement like a kid. I find it’s neutral facial expression hilarious because it helps me create funny stories in my head. At times when I’m sad or I just need a hug, I would hug my bear stuffed toy tight look into its face, and find intense joy and comfort followed by a childlike laughter. I feel less alone and more ready to face the world.
There you have it! I hope that this blog post has been helpful for you as it is for me. One reason why I also decided to write this blog is to constantly remind myself how it is to be a child−to be free and fearless. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to cuddle my friend Winter Bear.
How are you embracing your inner child day by day? Tell me in the comments below.
Here’s a little something for you too!
https://www.facebook.com/RelationshipMatters
TVShow/videos/1021918585173636
On this video you’ll hear in the first few minutes about my mentor, Dr. Jojo Sayson’s massive toy collection. He has very good inputs about embracing your inner child. Make sure to watch it! It will bless you immensely.