Why It Matters:
The idea of discovering our original blueprint—those innate interests and activities that filled us with joy as children—offers a meaningful path to reconnecting with our authentic selves as adults.
Our childhood passions reflect a time when we were naturally drawn to things without judgment, self-consciousness, or the constraints of societal expectations. They offer insight into our core identity, shaped by curiosity, wonder, and joy, before life’s responsibilities or external pressures influenced our choices. Revisiting these original interests can be powerful for personal growth and well-being.
Engaging with our childhood passions can also serve as a grounding practice. By rekindling these experiences, we access a deep sense of fulfillment that transcends productivity or accomplishment. It’s about nurturing a connection with ourselves that is pure and genuine, allowing us to remember who we were and who we are at our core. This connection fosters self-acceptance, encourages playfulness, and often leads to greater resilience.
In our fast-paced, outcome-focused adult lives, reconnecting with these early joys isn’t just nostalgic—it’s healing. It reminds us that joy and self-expression are worth pursuing for their own sake. This process can reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and promote a balanced lifestyle, as we bring our inner child’s wonder and creativity back into our lives.
The Breakdown:
Here are some steps that can help you explore this process and feel more joy:
1. Reflect on Your Childhood Interests: Take time to think about the activities you loved as a child—things you did just for fun, curiosity, or creativity. Were you drawn to drawing, playing outside, dancing, collecting certain items, or imagining entire worlds? These memories can reveal parts of yourself that still crave expression. See our Resources page for books on reparenting yourself!
2. Engage in Playful Activities: Try recreating these activities in your life now. Let yourself engage in play without judgment—draw, build, explore, or move in ways that feel joyful. Remind yourself that this is about experience, not achieving something or doing it “right.”
3. Revisit Your Favorite Childhood Places or Experiences: Whenever it feels safe and comfortable, consider revisiting places—either in person, through memories, or by looking at old photos or videos—that once filled you with wonder as a child. This might involve visiting a favorite park, rereading a beloved book, or enjoying a comfort food from your past.
4. Use Art or Journaling to Connect: Write a letter to your younger self or create art inspired by your childhood memories. These forms of expression can help you visualize what your child self loved and needs, allowing you to reconnect and bring healing.
5. Talk to Your Inner Child: Spend a few moments closing your eyes, visualizing your younger self, and holding a “conversation.” Ask them what they need to feel safe, loved, and happy. Reassure them they are valued and loved without conditions.
6. Give Yourself Permission to Let Go of Judgment: Recognize that your inner critic may judge your interests, labeling them as “childish” or “unproductive.” Gently remind yourself that you’re healing and that these activities are valuable simply because they bring you joy.
7. Create a Joy List: Make a list of any activities, places, or objects that make you smile or feel excitement, just like when you were little. Commit to incorporating a few of these into your week. Even small doses of joy can reconnect you with that childlike wonder.
8. Practice Compassionate Self-Talk: Treat yourself with the same gentleness you would show to a child. If emotions like sadness or regret surface, hold space for them, knowing that this process can uncover past wounds. Allow yourself to be open to healing these wounds, so you can fully experience the joy that follows.
By rediscovering joy and integrating these nurturing practices, you’re reconnecting with parts of yourself that have been hidden, bringing them into your present to foster a sense of wholeness and healing. Embracing these childlike joys, free from judgment, can renew your sense of self and well-being.
Side note: The gif above perfectly captures my inner child energy! It’s not actually me as a kid, but it totally embodies my silly, child-like spirit. I embrace it!
My Journey:
Last evening, I had an epiphany, and I knew I needed to share it here. I’ll circle back to it shortly, but first, let me share a bit about my journey.
My path back to my childhood passions has been winding. Initially, I wasn’t even aware I was moving in this direction. It all started when I felt drawn to explore art therapy. But along the way, it stirred up wounds from my teen and college years, where art was tied to achievement, dissected in pursuit of “perfection.” I realized my fear of creating art as an adult stemmed from these experiences, and I knew I wanted to do the opposite for my art therapy. So, I chose to paint with bright colors like I did as a child—simply because they were pretty to me! I kept it light and fun, letting go of perfection and even adding silliness. I realized how freeing this was and how much more fun I was having while painting.
On top of that, I’ve started letting myself be sillier around my family, dancing, singing, and playing more freely. I’m allowing my authentic self to shine, and enjoy small, joyful moments with my husband and son.
This new openness made me remember the pure fun I had back in fifth and seventh grade with friends I still cherish today. We made funny videos purely for the laughter, acted quirky in public, and delighted in the freedom before puberty, judgments, and life responsibilities changed things.
Yesterday, during a “30-Minute Mama Break,” I followed my intuition and chose an ASMR video titled Gentle Whispers and Lovely Jewelry. It felt random, but I listened to my curiosity, which has been key to many healing moments for me. As I watched, I was reminded of my late Nana M. As a child during visits, I would rush into her bedroom, where hooks overflowed with costume necklaces. She’d let me wear as many as I wanted, brush my hair, and I felt full of joy. I was cherished for being me and leaden with shiny, bright treasures! The memory warmed my heart.
Just then, my 5-year-old son came into the room and asked what I was watching. I explained what the video was, how it helped me regulate my nervous system, and what memory it had reminded me of. He was deeply engaged, and he responded, “Can we put on some of your jewelry!?”
The truth is, I had rejected makeup, jewelry, and dressing up for years, partly as a reaction to feeling objectified and judged on appearance as a young adult. I felt sexualized too young, and I felt pressure to look a certain way while living in my small hometown. I used to take a great deal of time presenting my "best-looking self" in my youth. So with my traumas, #metoo, feminism giving me choices, and having a baby, I rejected the long-held notion of 'looking my best' for years. It was necessary at that time to heal and grow past that version of me. But in that moment, something softened and healed further.
“Of course!” I said, and we laughed and played with jewelry. Glancing at the clock, I saw it was 5:55 p.m.—a sign from my Nana, I felt. Later that night, as my son slept, it dawned on me: as a child, I loved jewelry for the sparkle, the colors, and how it felt to express myself—not for how it made me look to others. What other parts of my childhood self have I left behind? I felt curious and excited!
Today, as I write this, my phone reminds me it would have been my Nana’s birthday. I’m wearing one of her necklaces simply because I wanted to embrace my childhood passion, it’s pretty to me, and because I want to honor her memory.
Your Turn:
Rediscover Joy and Reconnect with Your Blueprint
What childhood passions can you bring back into your life today? Whether it’s drawing, playing, or exploring, take a moment to think about how you can reconnect with those joyful activities. We’d love to hear about it! Share in the comments what childhood interest you plan to revisit, or how it has helped you rediscover your true self.
Until next time,
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Go for it!
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