My Inner Child Riding Shotgun
“Your inner characters will transform- they’ll become lighter and happier- when you feed, rather than starve, them.”
Early in my life, the need to ramble was emblazoned on my psyche. In the summer of my twelfth year, I got to take a cross-country road trip with my father. I was beyond excited about the potential the road offered.
That journey played a significant role in who I am today.
Last year while driving through the deserts of Utah, I was reconnected to that 12-year-old version of me.
Through his eyes and heart, I once again felt the allure of adventure, the awe of nature, and the sheer joy of crossing a wild expanse of unfamiliar land. This feeling of connection overcame me, and I enjoyed the moment in silent gratitude.
In this instance, I connected with that part of me through the emotions of love, awe, and excitement. There are times, however, when he is racked with fear, and I must let him know I am there for him.
Other times I give the pessimistic, frustrated 22-year-old me a good pep talk and be a mentor for him.
At other moments, I offer compassion to the version of Cole, who is 35, depressed, and held in the numbing grip of alcohol.
All these different parts of me are welcomed no matter how terrible or miserable they may first appear.
We have the ability to call forth and connect with parts of ourselves. We can connect to whatever age is calling to us.
One of our superpowers as humans is to put ourselves back in their shoes, see the circumstance from their eyes, and connect with the emotions that arose in those instances.
On that ramble through the desert last year, my younger self sought to ride shotgun, have a chat, and heal wounds.
I find it helpful to honor these parts by speaking with them in these profound moments. I let them know I am here and can be the person they need me to be.
Next week, we will continue on this thread by discussing some practical steps and how to exercise caution because it can also be very intense for all the profound healing this work can do.
See you next week!
