When I Grow Up: Ease Perfectionist Anxieties and Embrace Growth with Your Inner Child
Part of the problem with being an adult is that we begin to think that we’re done growing, that we are now the “grown-up” that we used to imagine we would be. Do you remember being a child and imagining what your life would be like at the age you are now? This can sometimes feel very sobering. Perhaps you’ve achieved a lot of the things you dreamed you would. Perhaps you haven’t yet. Likely the reality is somewhere in between.
Dreams Painted in Innocence
As children, we imagined the future based on abstract ideas and incomplete examples from our environment, culture, and society. Our young minds painted visions colored with innocence and optimism. We hadn't yet faced the trials of adulthood - the weight of work responsibilities, the ache of heartbreak, and the intricacies of maintaining meaningful relationships. Our younger selves envisioned an idyllic future, a best-case scenario that's often hard to match in the complex reality of adult life. It's natural to feel like we're falling short when that ideal is the benchmark that we judge ourselves against.
Guided by Compassion, Not Comparison
Instead of dwelling in feelings of guilt and shame, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and genuine appreciation. Picture yourself guiding your Inner Child through the chapters of your present life. Share with them the beautiful home you've built, each corner echoing with your essence and style. Share the meaningful treasures you've gathered along the way, each one carrying a story that's woven into the fabric of your life. Introduce them to the cherished friends who stand by you, relationships that have grown into vibrant sources of support and joy.
Canvas of Achievements and Overcoming
Guide your younger self through the gallery of your accomplishments. Highlight the goals you've achieved. Point out the challenges you've confronted and conquered, each obstacle adding depth and texture to your journey. As you walk them through these triumphs, feel the sense of pride and warmth that radiates from within you. This is the voice of your Inner Child, that reservoir of dreams and creativity, looking upon you with awe and wonder, grateful for the care you've taken over the years.
Creating a Dialogue Between Ages
Imagine engaging in a dialogue with your Inner Child. Sense their curiosity as they inquire about your experiences, their eyes lighting up with anticipation as you recount the stories behind each aspect of your life. Feel their excitement as you share about the people whose lives you've touched and enriched. As you paint this vivid portrait of your journey, you'll realize that your Inner Child isn't disappointed by your path. Instead, they are in awe of the beautiful tapestry you've woven from the threads of time.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision:
With this newfound appreciation and connection, embark on a shared journey towards the future. Rekindle the unbridled imagination that once guided your dreams. Envision the canvas of your future, colored with the brilliance of your Inner Child's presence.
Together, ponder the question: Who do you want to be when you grow up?
In this moment, the boundaries of age blur, and the wisdom of adulthood converges with the boundless potential of youth.
Conclusion
In the grand gallery of life, every stroke and every shade contributes to the masterpiece that is you. Embrace growth with the compassion of a caring mentor and the wonder of a curious artist. As you nurture your Inner Child's dreams and merge them with your accumulated experiences, you'll find that the artist within you is never truly done creating. So let your life be a canvas, a testament to the beautiful interplay between growth, dreams, and the boundless potential of the heart.
Remember, in the journey of life, you are both the artist and the art itself.