"Adult things"?

In this adult world, we're absorbed by responsibilities, especially at work, home, and commitments... Everything becomes "I have to" or "one must," obligations and responsibilities that leave little space for the essence of who you really are to have its place. Part of that essence, of your inner self, is the child you carry inside.

As life goes on, the "adult things" often cloud our ability to enjoy life; responsibilities and obligations occupy the majority of our time. I'm not suggesting you drop everything and move to a beach in flip-flops, living spontaneously. Responsibilities and obligations remain a part of our lives, but they should only be a part.

In psychology, the inner child is known as that trace, positive or not so positive, that childhood leaves on our adult self depending on our life experiences. In this post, I don't want to talk about that part, which can be painful for many. When I speak of connecting with your child, I refer to that closer part of our pure essence—unspoiled, noble, spontaneous, curious, creative, imaginative, cheerful, and dreamy... That part of us that bursts into laughter until it hurts our stomach or makes us jump for joy when our team wins. We often neglect this part and leave it somewhat abandoned.

The child we carry inside is a part of our essence that's very close to our heart, generating very positive and authentic emotions. Can you remember the last time you had a fit of laughter? Or when you allowed yourself to indulge in a bag of sweets at the cinema while watching a film? Or you got completely immersed in a conversation, oblivious to tomorrow? Could you describe how you felt in that moment? These moments can arise, but they can also be sought out.

How to connect with your child?

• Cultivate curiosity for things—learning helps us connect with new possibilities and opportunities in our lives.

• Lighten the weight of things—generally, what really matters? Most of you would say: health and family.

• We know time is limited, but if what really matters is in the previous point, can you truly make time? What is stopping you?

• Seek out those who make you have a good time. Do you really want to spend an afternoon with someone who only talks about problems? Is it worth it?

• Savor the moment. If you're experiencing a full, fun, exciting moment, take a moment to think about and feel the emotion it produces.

• Why not seek out more situations like that?

Life is more or less complicated, and there will always be "adult things," but it's you who chooses to be a responsible adult or a responsible and happy adult.

Image by Freepik

Melinda Sánchez Coach

www.melindasanchezcoach.com