As someone who is learning how to have fun, a big part of my recovery is learning how to connect with myself, my inner child, in fun ways! Of course, part of the healing process is feeling our feelings, often feelings we have worked really hard not to feel. In this way, healing our emotional wounds can often be exhausting and overwhelming. It’s important to balance out the hard stuff with fun stuff! What I have learned in my work is that I can only confront my emotional wounds to the degree that I am supported. When I apply this to my connection with my inner child, I have taken this to mean that I can only connect with my inner child for healing my wounding if I am also having fun with her too! Below are a few ways that I like to have fun with and connect with my little girl:

Have a dance party

I love having dance parties with my boys. Movement is so freeing for me and in these moments I am able to let go of the fear of other people judging me and just be silly, dance, laugh and have fun. Bad dance moves and all!

Pull out the craft supplies/coloring book

Engaging our creative selves is such a powerful way to connect with our inner/authentic selves. The end product doesn’t even matter, it’s really the process of creating where the magic happens. Coloring was a favorite activity of mine when I was little, so I gravitate towards adult coloring books to express my creativity. A new skill I am learning now to express creativity is calligraphy. If crafting doesn’t speak to you, you might be able to tap into your creative self by trying a new recipe, creating a new spread sheet, organizing something in a new/fun way, planting a new garden, etc. The possibilities are endless.

Watch your favorite movie from childhood

Permission to grab popcorn and snacks for this one! I remember being so excited about the new Disney channel original movie that came out every month, and then watching it on repeat until the next one came out. As an adult now, I find myself searching for these same movies on Disney+ because I feel a sense of nostalgia when I watch them. I feel connected to myself and my innocence when watching these movies.

Dance in the rain/jump in puddles

I wasn’t allowed to play in the rain or puddles when I was little, so this one is a way that I am able to give myself an experience that I never had. I take my boys outside to run around in the rain and/or jump in the puddles and I join in the fun with them.

Play board games

My family and I played a lot of board games when I was little and this is still something I enjoy doing as an adult. Family board game nights came with a lot of laughs, jokes, and connection, so when I play board games today I am able to connect with that feeling of joy I had as a young girl.

Go to an amusement park

There is so much fun to be had at amusement parks, and for me, riding rollercoasters is my favorite part. The thrill and excitement of rollercoasters leaves me laughing at the end of the ride. I also think its fun to try to make the silliest faces for the camera on the ride.

I hope this is helpful to give you some ideas of how you can connect with yourself to experience some joy, happiness, laughter, and self-love. If you’d like to learn more about starting your healing journey, you can learn more about trauma counseling at Relationship Enrichment Center, here.

With love,

Chelsie

Fun Ways To Connect With Your Inner Child