Mental Inventory

As children, we often turn to our parents for guidance and may still seek their wisdom as adults. But what if the answers we’re looking for are already within us? Sometimes, it takes reconnecting to our inner child to discover who we are and what we want. When we trust our inner compass, we begin to navigate the world in a way that reflects our authentic selves.

Curiosity

As we get older, we often lose the sense of curiosity we once had as children. Yet, this very curiosity may be what our adult selves are missing. We stop exploring and start fearing the unknown. As children, we were more open to learning new things, but as adults, we tend to prefer what we know over what we don’t. We forget the fun of not knowing. If we want to stay connected to who we are, curiosity is key.

Imagination

Children are said to have a vivid imagination. In their mind, they can be who they want to be and create the life they want to live. However, many adults stop imagining what might be possible for them. Some believe it is a waste of time to let their mind wander. But, our imagination could be reminding us of what we want. It is in these moments of wonder we rediscover our dreams. Daydreaming and creating a vision allows us to tap into our inner child and manifest our dreams.

Play Time

Naturally, we take on more responsibilities in adulthood, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun. Playtime is not just limited to children. Adults can have fun as well. Whether it’s engaging in a hobby, doing something spontaneous, or watching a funny TV show, these moments of joy help us recharge. Making time to laugh more is one of the best ways to stay connected with our inner child.

Resilience

Another thing that we can learn from our inner child is resilience. Kids are very determined when they want something. I believe some adults get discouraged more easily than kids. When we don’t get something we want right away, we give up. Children can be relentless when they don’t get what they want. We can learn from our inner child how to be tenacious. It isn’t about giving up when things don’t go our way. It is about staying persistent until we obtain what we desire.

Intuition

One thing I have noticed about children is their intuition. They can read people better than adults. It is like they are born with a sixth sense. While intuition never lies, many adults don’t always follow it. They rely on logic to make their decisions. But what makes logical sense isn’t always the best choice. If we learn to rely more on intuition, we can always make the best decision.

Final Takeaways

Often, we seek guidance from our parents and mentors, but the answers we need are within. Sometimes, connecting with our inner child can guide us down the right path. Our inner child teaches us to be curious, imaginative, playful, resilient, and intuitive. These are all powerful tools that we can use to guide us to who we want to be and where we want to go.

Sometimes, the things we might be attracted to might not be the best fit for us. Like shopping for new clothes, everything you try on might not fit. When you like something and recognize it doesn’t fit, be willing to let it go. You cannot miss out on what you want by waiting for it. You can miss out on what you want by holding on to something that doesn’t fit.

Let Go

I once saw a shirt that caught my eye because of its style and color. But when I tried it on, it did not fit. I would not have known that just by looking at it. This lesson can apply to opportunities and people you meet. You might take a job that seemed perfect on paper but later discover it is unfulfilling. Or you meet someone you like, but the more you get to know them, you recognize how incompatible you are. Instead of holding on, let go of what doesn’t fit you.

Be Patient

Sometimes, we fear letting go of what we have because we do not believe we can have better. You may fear missing out, so you settle for things that do not fit you. The possibility of having what you want is there if you are willing to wait. When you take time to wait, you are less likely to settle. You also create space to receive what you are waiting for. Even if what you want looks attractive, consider whether or not it’s a good fit. If you discover something or someone is not a good fit, let it go and wait for what you want.

I hope this post encourages you to wait for what you want and to let go of what doesn’t fit. You can fulfill your desires as long as you are willing to wait.

Imagine having a puzzle with missing pieces. It would be difficult to see the full image. Understanding who you are is about putting all the pieces together so you can see the big picture. When you judge parts of yourself, you limit what you see. Instead of being judgmental, practice self-compassion.

Accept Who You Are

Just like a puzzle, as humans, we have many pieces. Although we may not love every part of ourselves, accepting who we are is crucial. This concept is known as self-compassion. It involves creating space for your complexities. You can be more than one thing at the same time. You have many pieces, but if you separate parts of yourself you don’t like, you have an incomplete image of who you are. It is only when you bring all those pieces together you develop a solid sense of self.

Be Curious

What if you replaced judgment with curiosity? How much more could you love yourself? Self-love is more than saying “I love you” when you look in the mirror. It is about accepting everything about yourself and knowing who you are is enough. Self-love is about being curious and not judgmental. Consider the parts you don’t like about yourself and ask yourself, “What can I learn from this part of myself?”

Be Understanding

When we approach the parts of ourselves we tend to judge with curiosity, we can unlock deeper understanding. Consider what you can learn from the qualities you deem as unacceptable or unusual. You might recognize that you developed these qualities to protect yourself. Being protective of yourself is a helpful quality to have. By being more curious, you create space for self-acceptance.

Final Thoughts

A puzzle is incomplete if it has missing pieces. You need all the pieces of who you are to have a solid sense of self. Instead of judging, be curious and compassionate. This approach leads to a deeper understanding of who you are.

In life, I realize I haven’t taken many risks. I’ve often played it safe, afraid of the unknown. But recently, I’ve begun to see risk differently—not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to explore. Now that I view every risk as an opportunity, I find myself more open to stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing change. Taking risks in both your personal and professional life creates opportunities.

Shift Your Perspective

One common reason people avoid taking risks is because they fear the unknown. A risk creates uncertainty for many individuals, which causes them to stay in their comfort zone. This can look like someone ordering the same thing at a restaurant or staying at a job they do not love. Although I see the comfort in sticking to what is familiar, I also realize the possibilities that come with taking risks. The opportunity to explore can lead you to discover more things you love. 

Gain Insight

All risks don’t always lead to the outcome you desire. Maybe you took a risk in dating, and it didn’t work out. Or you invested money in something that didn’t pay off. While the outcome may have been disappointing, your willingness to be open will eventually lead you to what you desire. Sometimes, the lesson is the reward. You learn what you do not want and what you can do differently. You now have insight that can help you to move closer to what you want.

Explore Who You Are

If you find yourself unfulfilled in life, it could be due to a lack of adventure. You could have a great life, but is it exciting? Being open to taking risks brings novelty into your life. Imagine finding a new food you love or a new hobby that brings you joy. This requires you to step outside of what you know into what you would like to know. Wouldn’t you like to learn more about yourself? Taking risks allows you to explore more of who you are. 

Final Thoughts

I hope this post can inspire you to take more risks. Stepping outside your comfort zone opens the door to adventure, insight, and exploration. Every risk, regardless of the outcome, offers some value. Even if it is just a lesson. The lesson is the reward.

It is not what you say; it is how you say it. While you can control how you deliver a message, you can not control how it is received. At times, the issue lies not in the delivery but in the individual’s ability to receive it. Effective communication requires being mindful of your approach and managing your expectations. A key part of this is communicating assertively and recognizing that everyone has their limitations.

Manage Your Expectations

Think of communication as using a vending machine. Have you ever tried to put a dollar into a vending machine, and it rejected it? The dollar may have been fine, but the machine might have been out of service. Similarly, when you communicate, some people have limitations that prevent them from receiving your message—no matter how clear or well-intentioned it may be.

Develop An Assertive Approach

One of the most common limitations people face is defensiveness, which is why delivery matters. If you shove a dollar into a vending machine or try to force a crumpled one in, it may get jammed. Similarly, if you communicate aggressively or unclearly, you risk triggering defensiveness, which makes it harder for the message to be received. An assertive approach that is clear, respectful, and concise is more likely to be received.

Recognize People’s Limitations

It’s natural to want others to hear and understand your message, but some people have limitations. Rather than focusing on their response, consider refining your delivery. Being assertive is effective—even when the message isn’t immediately received.