It’s a big wild world out there, and for many of us that means growing up quickly and learning to be responsible from quite a young age. Depending on the comforts and safety you had as a child, this age can really depend on a range of variables. You might even realize, as you get older, just how sheltered you were despite thinking you knew everything, even if your mid-twenties. Of course, this can be better than the alternative, of a child growing up much too quickly.
Either way, it’s important to note that while we’re adults now, it’s actually healthy to care for your inner child once in a while. For example, Robert Langdon, a popular character in Dan Brown’s acclaimed novels, is pictured as wearing a Mickey Mouse watch to keep his inner child alive, despite being a world-weary professor of symbology.
No matter what it is, let us give you permission to indulge in your childhood from time to time. As long as it doesn’t become an unhealthy escape, there’s nothing wrong with it. Let’s explore how:
Pure, Unapologetic Fun
Pure, unapologetic fun is the hallmark of welcoming back your inner child. After all, as children, we tend to know implicitly how to make our own fun, but we lose that as we get older. It might be that you begin taking more walks in the park with your dog and playing fetch, head around the local town on your Blunt Envy S9, or take up a fantastic new hobby like painting with watercolors and not being afraid to make mistakes. This can help invigorate your spirit, which is great for dissolving stress in every way.
Enjoying Franchises You Love
So what you’re in your mid-40s and you love Star Wars still? There’s no shame in that as if there were an artificial age by which you could enjoy something. After all, there are many people over forty who are working on those films. So, if you have a replica of Darth Vader in your home, or you enjoy any other franchises that still fill you with the awe you had as a kid, that can be wonderful too. Sometimes, dipping back in, even if that just means watching an old Disney movie you love, can be wonderful.
Not Everything Is A Lesson
It’s very easy to think that if you’re not learning, growing, or developing your skills as an adult, you’re doing something wrong. But what if you just want to read a pulpy detective book? That can be fun, and help you enjoy a whirlwind story that has absolutely no relevance to your usual life. While learning can be great fun, not all of it has to involve debates and pondering. Sometimes, detaching can help you burn stress and feel rejuvenated in mind, body and spirit. This only helps you come back to your usual responsibilities with a sense of confidence and gratitude.
With this advice, you’re sure to see the importance of caring for your inner child once in a while.