Rediscovering Joy: Embracing the Overlooked Gifts of Your Inner Child

Embracing Your Inner Child: Finding Joy Beyond 'Reality'

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “Back to reality,” as if happiness is a rare detour from the grind of everyday life? Whether it’s the end of a holiday, the final moments of a carefree weekend, or simply closing the door after a blissful walk in the sunshine, it’s a phrase that slips out all too easily. It’s as if we’re programmed to believe that joy is the exception and not the rule.

Lately, I’ve been wondering—what if we’ve got this backwards? What if those moments of pure, unfiltered happiness are our real reality, and everything else is just the noise we’ve learned to tolerate?

The Power of the Inner Child

When people talk about the “inner child,” it’s often in the context of healing past traumas or unearthing old wounds. And while that work is undeniably important, I’d like to explore another angle - the idea that our inner child isn’t just a vessel for past pain but also a source of unbridled joy.

When I lived and worked in Hawaii, I felt this joy deeply. I was happy, content, and felt at home. I had the chance to extend my visa and eventually gain a green card, but the pressures from back home in England pulled me back. I was told to “come down to reality,” to finish my degree, find a job, and settle into adult life. And so, I did what was expected of me, but a part of that joy stayed behind in the islands.

Why Do We Suppress Our Inner Child?

I started to question why we’re so quick to tuck away that playful, carefree side of ourselves. As adults, we’re often guided by expectations - work hard, act responsibly, follow the rules. But who made those rules, and why do we let them dominate our lives?

When we do let our inner child take the reins, it feels liberating. We might laugh more freely, take risks, or find pleasure in the simplest of things. So, why not let this child out more often? Why not allow ourselves to be silly, to play, and to break away from the mundane?

Bringing Your Inner Child to Life—Without Digging Up Trauma

The beauty of reconnecting with your inner child is that it doesn’t always have to involve heavy introspection. Instead of focusing on past wounds, why not focus on past joys? Try this: think back to your earliest happy memory. How old were you then? What made you feel so free?

Here are a few playful ideas to bring that feeling into your everyday life:

• If you were two: Lie on the grass, look at the sky, and point at the clouds without worrying who’s watching.

  
  

• If you were three: Be cheeky—play a harmless prank or strike up a spontaneous conversation with a stranger.

  
  

• If you were four: Ask “Why?” more often. Approach the world with curiosity, even about things you think you already know.

  
  

• If you were older: Treat yourself to something small and joyful, like buying sweets with pocket money. Take a spontaneous trip to the park, jump in puddles, or let yourself get a little messy.

The World Is Your Playground

Reconnecting with your inner child isn’t about ignoring adult responsibilities - it’s about finding a balance. It’s giving yourself permission to step outside the box, to find joy in small moments, and to let go of the weight of “should” and “must.”

So, I dare you - spend less time stressed and more time playing. Embrace your inner child, not as an escape from reality but as a way to redefine it. After all, if life is a game, maybe the secret to winning is simply remembering how to play.

A Therapeutic Opportunity?

Well yes, therapy of most kinds can offer a structured and supportive environment to reconnect with your inner child, allowing you to rediscover joy and spontaneity.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is particularly effective in this journey, utilising techniques like visualisation and guided imagery to help you access and sometimes heal your inner child. By vividly imagining yourself in a safe and nurturing environment, you can process and release negative emotions, fostering personal growth and emotional well-being.

If you’d like to give it a try and take the first step towards a more fulfilling life then please do book a free initial consultation with me today (there’s no time like the present). It’s a chance for us to get to know each other and see if NLP is right for you - I offer online NLP therapy or face to face sesisons if you are nearby. And who know, maybe you’ll get to experience firsthand how reconnecting with your inner child can bring lasting happiness and personal growth.

With love and warmth,

Rebecca x

Book a free call >

*Dedicated to a client (I can't stand that 'term') who was willing enough to test this out with me mid-session. You know who you are!