5 Things You May Have Forgotten About Yourself

Tap into the wisdom of your younger self to overcome your doubts and fears

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

As children, we didn’t realize how intuitive we really were.

For example, we weren’t afraid of very much and followed our natural curiosities wherever they led. 

We took chances our parents disapproved of, tried new things, played lots of interesting games, and made friends easily.

But as we grew up, we were often cautioned against letting our natural instincts guide us through life. We were taught the importance of building barriers and emotional roadblocks to protect our fragile psyches. 

We were told it was best to shield ourselves in a tightly-woven cocoon to keep the alleged evils of the outside word — and those who occupied it — at bay. Apparently, there were many dangers we hadn’t seen or discovered or recognized when we were naïve, carefree children.

We trusted in those we believed were trying to protect us. 

Still, taking in such dire information as truth was alarming. Because this adult-oriented input seemed to be a reversal of the nurturing freedom our young minds and hearts had become accustomed to. 

Absorbing a gloom-and-doom outlook had an impact on our attitude and behavior, the result of being warned to be cautious and take protective measures. Because it seemed the world wasn’t as wonderful as we’d been led to believe.

And our younger, carefree selves? They shrunk in light of this frightful vision, finding a safe space in the back of our brain from which to wait things out and hope for better days.

Unfortunately, many people remain stuck in a cautious, timid mindset. Not knowing who’s right and whether they can trust their own internal compass, they idle in neutral — completely stalled.

Personally, I’m ready to tap into the wisdom of my younger self — to face my doubts and fears and finally grow up.

How about you? 

Are you ready to let your younger self out to skip and play in the sunshine? Here are a few things that much wiser person may be able to teach you: