Oh, to be a child again! Remember being able to eat McDonald’s and sweets without gaining weight? Remember playing with your friends after school or during summer breaks without a care in the world, besides what snacks were in the house as we watched cartoons?! Haha! I can’t lie, being a kid in the ’90s was amazing…and the best thing was that we didn’t have to pay bills. 😕
Welp, now we’re here decades later and well into adulthood; in the hustle and bustle of adult life. It’s so easy to lose touch with the carefree and imaginative spirit of our childhood. The responsibilities, stress, and daily challenges can make us forget the simple joys and enthusiasm of our younger selves.
Plus, if you’re reading this article on the CGS platform, you’re most likely on a financial journey of some sort, and in our pursuit of financial success and stability, the fun and playful spirit of our childhood often takes a backseat to wanting to save, pay down debt, and invest.
However, reconnecting with your inner child is not only a delightful endeavor but also a transformative one AND our journey to financial well-being doesn’t have to be devoid of joy and playfulness. I want to explore the importance of embracing your inner child and provide practical and fun tips on how to rekindle that playful spirit.
How to Reconnect with Your Inner Child
First, I probably should explain the value of inner child healing and what it means. I’ve been in and out of therapy for about 6 years now, and whenever you start therapy with a new therapist, they always want you to start with what happened or what your childhood was like. Literally how we are today is related to our childhood, which includes trauma, our parents’ relationship, and our economic class growing up…it all matters.
According to BetterHelp, the concept of the inner child refers to the innocent, unburdened, and authentic part of ourselves that we often suppress as we navigate the complexities of adulthood. Our inner child embodies our natural curiosity, creativity, and capacity for wonder, qualities that tend to take a backseat in the face of responsibilities and societal expectations.
Ok, now that we got the technical/therapy language out of the way, let’s get to exploring how we can rediscover our “little selves” 😀
Reflect on Childhood Memories
Probably the easiest thing on this list is to begin your journey by reflecting on your best childhood memories. Consider the activities that brought you pure joy and excitement. Whether it was playing with toys, exploring nature, or engaging in creative pursuits. Reconnecting with these memories can help you identify the essence of your inner child.
I know that for me, growing up I lived right across the street from our neighborhood park, and I can remember spending so many summer days there just playing and letting time go unnoticed. I was also fortunate to live in a neighborhood with a huge hill (it was known as The Big Apple), and winters were spent sledding the wintery days away!
Engage in Playful Activities
Actively seek out activities that ignite a sense of playfulness. This could include playing board games, engaging in outdoor sports, or even revisiting hobbies you enjoyed as a child. By incorporating play into your routine, you create space for spontaneity and joy. Plus, who doesn’t love a good game night with some great people, great music from childhood (Spice Girls, *NSYNC, and Backstreet Boys please!), and great food?
Express Creativity
Embrace your creative side by engaging in artistic endeavors. Whether it’s drawing, painting, writing, or any other form of self-expression, tapping into your creative energy can unlock a sense of freedom and imagination reminiscent of childhood.
One of the reasons why I love writing blog articles for City Girl Savings is because as a kid, I LOVED writing short stories, and I LOVED reading books. As I got older and more advanced in school, that love for writing was replaced with dread because now I HAD to write research papers and HAD to read boring textbooks! Haha!
When I was given the opportunity to write blog articles for CGS, I was reminded of how much I loved writing just for the fun of it, and it’s become such a joy and another way for me to express my creativity!
Treat Yourself to the Things You Wanted as a Child
Listen, if you have it in your budget, go ahead and splurge on things you wanted as a child, but couldn’t get, or buy the things you used to love as a child, just because you have the funds to do so! A few summers ago, I bought random Lisa Frank folders and notebooks from a garage sale in my neighborhood!
Also – I may or may not have a few Tamagotchis and Nano Pets in my Amazon cart (y’all remember digital pets lol)! I can now buy them without my Momma saying I already have a few because I’m a grown woman now with her own money! 😂
Infuse Joy Into Mundane Tasks
Find ways to infuse a sense of playfulness into your daily routine. Whether it’s dancing while doing chores, singing in the shower, or adding a touch of creativity to your work, these small acts can make a significant difference in reconnecting with your inner child. Romanticize your life and make it a mission to see the beauty and wonder in the mundane.
Gamify Your Savings and Investments
Ok, so let’s return to the big adulting world for a minute (I know, sorry), but there are so many people on Pinterest who have turned saving and investing into a fun game. Set challenges, create rewards for hitting savings targets, or experiment with different investment strategies in a simulated environment.
Raya has created and is known for her CGS Savings Challenges, and it’s so fun seeing how much we can save! We even have a “Save $1,000 in 28 Days” Challenge as a free resource! Gamifying your financial journey adds an element of fun while helping you stay disciplined.
If you’re creative, get a poster board and create a financial vision board! Cut up pics from magazines or the internet and have a crafty day while manifesting your dream financial life!
Related: How to Get Yourself Out of a Slump Without Busting Your Budget
Reconnecting with your inner child is a profound journey that not only brings joy and playfulness into your life but also fosters personal growth and healing. By embracing the carefree spirit of your younger self, you can unlock creativity, spontaneity, and a deeper connection to your authentic essence…who you are.
Remember that it’s never too late to rediscover the magic of your inner child and integrate that joy into your adult life. Like a child, sometimes our little selves just need permission to come out and play! Let’s play more this year! 😀
If you’re a proud member of the CGS Community, drop some love and comment below! Stay connected with us via our IG @citygirlsavings and join the tight-knit online community via our City Girl Savings Facebook Group.
Love podcasts?! Listen to the City Girl Savings podcast featuring our very own Founder/CEO, Raya Reaves, as she covers topics to help us City Girls live the lives that we deserve!
-Lena
The CGS Team
