Deep inside of us all is an ‘inner child’ that holds all of our dreams, our hopes and our aspirations. It’s this child that still has faith in the future, wide-eyed wonder for the present and a perspective of truth for the past. At some arbitrary point in time it seems each of us crosses over to adulthood and along with it many leave these childlike qualities behind.
It’s these traits that define the fervor in which you live your life. If you were to look at your ‘child meter’, what would it say about you? Try answering these questions:
- How excited are you for your immediate future?
- When you look at today, are you doing exactly what you want?
- When you look at the past, do you feel regret or peace?
When it comes to our careers, I strongly believe we often go about it the wrong way. As kids, we all had very distinct personalities, likes and dislikes and when asked what we wanted to be when we grew up, we answered quickly and excitedly. I realize that initially young ones say things like a fireman, a doctor, a nurse or a dancer but it becomes more and more sophisticated and in line with their natural interests as they get older. By the time a child hits those ‘tween’ years, I think they have a distinct knowledge of who they are.
Take a look at yourself between the ages of 12 and 15, what did you enjoy learning about? What did you think you’d like to do as a grownup? I wanted to study marine-biology and mammal behavior. Yes, its true, I wanted to train and care for dolphins and whales at Sea World. Those of you who know me know it not far off the mark. I still love the ocean, have tattoos of marine life, my favorite sports require large bodies of water but like so many of us I was talked out of pursuing that field of study because there was no money in it. Understand that I’m not saying I still wouldn’t have changed my course somewhere along the way, become a photographer, own a design firm and end up speaking to those in my chosen field. What I am saying is that deep inside we all know what makes us as excited as a child whose waiting to go to Disneyland!
After entering college to become a physician, finding my inner artist as a theater major, photographer and design firm owner, I am now doing exactly what I love to do. I’m talking and sharing and using my experiences to connect with amazing people. I’m not a marine biologist, but I am a surfer and an advocate for marine conservation. I don’t take pictures anymore but who knows what I’ll do tomorrow and the next day.
As a parent I often look at my children and wonder at what point they will leave their childhood and begin listening less and less to that child inside. I hope they hold on to what they love and I encourage each of my readers to take a step back and ask your ‘inner child’ what it is you want to be. If you’re not doing what you once dreamed of or want to do more of it then look for little ways to bring that desire to life. The end result keeps you timeless and relevant and most importantly, happy!
Tags: career, inspiration
I hope you’ll tell people about Self-Parenting the Inner Child.