The Magic of Childhood: My Journey Back to My Inner Child

Life has a way of pulling us into its whirlwind, doesn’t it? One moment, we’re full of curiosity, running barefoot through the grass, imagining worlds where anything is possible. And then, before we know it, we’re adults with to-do lists, deadlines, and responsibilities that weigh heavily on our hearts. The magic of childhood seems like a distant memory, a treasure buried under the sands of time.

I know this all too well. I remember the turning point in my own life—how the weeks blurred into years, each one packed with demands and obligations. The spark of playfulness, that wonder-filled lens through which I once saw the world, began to dim. The laughter that once came so freely was replaced with a persistent need to keep up, to meet expectations, to survive rather than thrive.

But my story doesn’t end there. In the stillness of self-reflection, I realized something profound: happiness doesn’t reside in external achievements or material gains. It is an inward power—a wellspring within the soul that must be nurtured and cultivated. And for me, the key to unlocking that happiness was reconnecting with my inner child.

This is me under my mom, on the left.

The Inner Child’s Role in Happiness

Our inner child is the embodiment of play, curiosity, and unfiltered joy. It’s the part of us that isn’t afraid to imagine, to feel deeply, or to find beauty in the simplest of things. As adults, we often silence that voice. We dismiss the whimsy as impractical, telling ourselves to focus, to be serious. But the truth is, that youthful spirit is the secret to contentment.

Reconnecting with your inner child doesn’t mean shirking responsibilities or avoiding adulthood. Instead, it’s about bringing balance to your life—inviting joy, creativity, and presence into the mundane. For me, this meant giving myself permission to pause, to play, and to embrace the things that once made my heart sing.

How I Reconnected With My Inner Child

I want to share a few practices that helped me reconnect with my youthful spirit. These simple yet powerful steps transformed my outlook and brought light back into my life:

1. I Allowed Myself to Play

I started engaging in activities that made me feel alive—painting, dancing, exploring nature. I let go of judgment and simply allowed myself to enjoy the moment.

2. I Took Time to Pause

I made space in my life to breathe and reflect. I asked myself what used to bring me joy as a child and explored why I had stopped giving myself permission to enjoy those things.

3. I Nurtured Curiosity

I began to wonder again. I asked questions, explored new hobbies, and embraced the beauty of not knowing. I allowed myself to see the world through a lens of wonder, just as I did when I was little.

4. I Practiced Self-Compassion

I started speaking to myself the way I would to a child—kindly, with patience and understanding. I celebrated my victories, no matter how small, and forgave myself for my mistakes.

5. I Created Space for Joy

In the midst of obligations, I carved out moments just for me. I watched sunsets, laughed at silly jokes, and did things simply because they made me happy.

Living a Life of Contentment

This journey has taught me that true happiness is not something we chase but something we cultivate from within. It’s about finding magic in the ordinary and rediscovering the vibrant spirit that has been with us all along.

So, what about you? When was the last time you truly let yourself be free? When was the last time you indulged in the pure, unfiltered joy of being alive?

The magic of childhood isn’t gone—it’s simply waiting for you to reconnect or rediscover. And when you do, you might just find that the life you’ve been striving for is already within you, waiting to unfold.