We all have wounds – emotional wounds. They are deep inside us and sometimes we don’t even know they exist. But they’re there, deep in our subconscious. If we don’t ever uncover them and address them, they can keep us living a life where we’re not fulfilling all that we can be and do. These emotional wounds can keep us stuck in place, living with limiting beliefs about who we are and what we’re capable of.
So how so we identify these wounds? How do we do heal them? One way to do it is to connect with your inner child. This is the part of you that wants to be free, that wants to have fun, that is at the core of who you are. Often, that inner child has been wounded at an early age and he or she can’t be free, can’t have fun and enjoy life until you heal their wounds – your wounds.
Here are 4 simple steps to connect with your inner child and to start healing your emotional wounds.
1. Identify the negative chatter and limiting beliefs.
- Just close your eyes for a moment and think about all the negative chit chat you listen to you in your mind – you know, those voices that may tell you things like, “you’re not good enough,” “you’re not smart enough,” “you can’t do that.” We all have these thoughts – identify the ones you play to yourself the most.
2. Think about who you would say these to.
- That’s right, just think about those negative thoughts and limiting beliefs you tell yourself all the time, “Who in my life would I say this to?” Would you say these things to your friends, your family, your work colleagues? I’m pretty sure the answer is NO! Okay, now ask yourself if you would say these things to a child. If you’re a parent, think about whether you’d say these things to your own children. I’m guessing the answer is an even more resounding NO!
3. Talk to your inner child.
- Imagine a child standing in front of you and that you are saying these negative things to him or her. Now, imagine that child is you. Visualize yourself as a child – whatever age comes to you is fine. Really see yourself: What age are you? What are you wearing? Where are you? Get a really good picture of this younger you and see him or her right in front of you. How does this younger version of you feel when you say these negative things to him/her? Sad? Scared? Fearful? Depressed? What reaction is he/she having to what you are saying?
Now ask yourself, what does this child – my inner child, me at this early age – what does he or she need? If he or she was taking on all these negative things they are being told, what might your inner child need from you instead? Some love? Some reassurance? Some support?
Can you give this to your inner child now and talk to him/her? Tell your inner child that he/she is good enough, is smart enough, can do anything he/she wants. See yourself embracing your inner child and giving him/her love and whatever is needed to provide that support and reassurance that we know all children need. Really feel the connection and the love to your inner child. Let him/her know the wounds are healing and that everything is going to be okay.
4. Embrace and support yourself.
- Now, just as you have embraced your inner child, can you embrace yourself as an adult? Can you give yourself the love and support that you just gave to your inner child? Tell yourself that – affirm out loud: “I love and support myself in all that I am and all that I do. I am perfect, whole, and complete, just as I am.”
You can use this process any time and for any of the negative voices or limiting beliefs that come up for you. The more you do it, the more healing you will experience. Your inner child is always with you and he or she is just waiting for you to connect and to heal the wounds – start today so you can set yourself free to live life to the fullest.
What limiting beliefs or wounds is your inner child holding on to? What do you want to change them to so you can set yourself free? Please let me know by sharing your comments below or on my Facebook page.
With gratitude,