So often our younger selves did not get what we needed and we go searching in the world as an adult for those needs to be met. This is very important that we have this impulse because it tells us what we wanted and needed.

The challenge is that we displace those needs onto others. We get upset and triggered trying to get resolve in places that may not truly give us what we need.

If we felt that we did not get heard, weren’t loved or cared for in a certain way, or need resolve of certain traumas that didn’t get resolved when we were younger, we turn towards the world with these expectations — needing too much from the world.

Then we get triggered again — the ones we wanted to give this to us cannot or will not. The new interactions we bring into our lives may fit a similar pattern that was imprinted earlier.

We can gently shift out of that cycle.

We have the resources now — more than we did when we were children.

We don’t need certain people — our caretakers or parents — for safety and worth anymore like we did in the past.

We can embrace our own worth — the worth that is inherent in our existence.

So, invite the younger part of you to turn towards and meet your present-day self.

Show them how life is now — show them the love or validation you always wanted to have in just the right way.

Show them who you’ve become and what they can enjoy now in their lives. How they can play now more freely. How they can take up space and ask for what they want and need. Anything that you didn’t have before — give it to your younger self now!

Let them take with them any beautiful memories that they have, as well as other resources that have helped. Maybe art or music was supportive, or there were mementos or toys that brought comfort and soothing. Maybe there were people, animals, or books that came at just the right time to lend support. Bring all those forward — those are the gems that you can still draw upon now.

Acknowledge in your younger self any emotions they feel or want to express. Honor the past which may still now be present.

Feel through any emotions and body sensations that you witness as you connect with your younger self and let them know — YOU are there for them. You will never leave them. You love them. Let the energy of the feeling flow through your body for a true shift.

This is one of the deepest ways to love yourself and deepen your self knowing. Notice the parts of you that may feel reactive or disappointed by others — notice in your triggers if it is your younger self speaking. Let this practice support you in healing your inner child and helping parts of yourself catch up to the present moment.

For more Inner Child or Parts Work with yourself, check out the Podcast and Experientials on Embracing The Many Parts of You.

 

Featured Photo by Candice Wu