Reconnecting to your inner child

Photography by Danielle Ann Rose @bydanielleannrose

In school, we’re told to sit still and be quiet, as they try to fit us all in the same box of who we “should be.” Convincing us that’s the path to a successful and happy adult life. But what if the opposite is true?

What if leaning into play, speaking your mind and allowing your big, beautiful imagination to run free is the true path to a successful and happy life?

I know so many adults who still don’t know what they want out of life, who’ve done everything they were told to do and still don’t feel the fulfilment they were promised

But you know who is experiencing that? Those who are dancing, singing, colouring, playing, creating, and imagining

Those who don’t hold back their desires to express themselves

And I want you to ask yourself, when was the last time you let yourself play and feel free, unapologetically?

Ever since you were told to sit down and be quiet as a child, there’s been a part of you who so desperately wants to stand up and express yourself in whatever way feels most authentic to you

What if listening to that inner child is the answer to all that you’ve been searching for as an adult?

Because honestly, same

We all need play, we all need joy, and we’re allowed to choose it, even now, after all this time

When we ignore our inner child, we often find ourselves stuck in cycles of stress, burnout, and disconnection. We become overly self-critical, we stop imagining, we forget how to rest, and how to create without needing it to be “productive”

So, in hopes of inspiring you to reignite your childlike passion, here are a few ways to reconnect to your inner child:

Remember who you were. Before the world told you who to be, you already knew what made you feel alive. Think back to what you loved as a kid, maybe it was drawing, dancing, exploring outside, and try doing one of those things again this week. I recently started colouring in and highly recommend giving that a go, it really helps clear my mind and reconnect with myself

Heal old wounds. Most adult struggles, like people-pleasing, perfectionism, and fear, all started in childhood. Look at a photo of your younger self or write them a letter. Offer the kindness and reassurance you wish you’d heard at that time. Starting therapy might be another way you can reflect, connect and heal with the guidance of a professional

Bring back wonder. Kids find magic in the smallest things. Go for a walk and really notice the details, the clouds, the colours, and the sounds around you. Let yourself be as present and grounded as possible. A cool example of this is a “colour walk”, where you choose a colour at the start of your walk and then look for that specific colour throughout the entire walk. This brings your awareness to your surroundings and helps you be more present

Choose play. Life isn’t just a to-do list. So don’t forget to take time for the in-between moments. Dance in your kitchen, paint for fun, sing in the car, or say yes to more plans with friends. Play for no reason other than it’s fun and light-hearted; it’s good for the soul

It’s easy to get stuck in the busyness of life and end up waiting for permission to rest, to laugh, or to play, but adulthood shouldn’t mean the end of wonder. If anything, we need it more than ever

Reconnecting with your inner child invites you back to your essence, your wholeness, and your natural freedom. You don’t have to earn it, and it’s never too late. Start looking for play in your everyday, you might just discover that the happiness you’ve been searching for has been within you all along