Do you feel any of this?
- You’re easily angered.
- You feel overwhelmed.
- You can’t stick to your exercise routine… or start one.
- You crave sugar and junk food… yet, want to lose weight.
- You have a ton to do, but don’t have the energy to do anything.
- You just want to sleep and watch TV.
- You’re ditching and avoiding responsibility.
- You’re self-sabotaging and can’t stop.
- You’re emotional and don’t know why
Your inner child is having a temper tantrum.
We all have an inner child. That is the part of us who is fun, playful, emotional, free-spirited, creative, non-judgmental, and makes friends easily.
But, when she is not getting the love and attention she needs, she throws a temper tantrum and that impacts you and your life.
If any of the above rang true for you I bet you do have a ton on your plate – work, kids, home, finances – and they’re all stressing you out. Not enough time and too much to do.
When is the last time you gave yourself a break?
A break doesn’t have to be 10 days in the Caribbean (although that would be nice). It could be as simple as a few minutes in the morning before you jump out of bed to check in with yourself (and your inner child). Check in, see how you’re feeling, see what you want to do for the day, and see what you need.
Are you are always rushing through the day, checking things off the ‘to do’ list, running from place to place, always worrying about a problem to solve, or creating new business ideas? Your mind and body need a break.
Give yourself a break.
Sit and eat a meal vs grab and go or standing at the counter. Get to bed 10 minutes early. Stretch for five minutes before you jump out of bed. Grab a journal and write your thoughts out to release them from rolling around in your mind. What do you do for yourself that makes you feel good?
Self-care is not an indulgence. It’s a necessity.
The lack of self-care puts your inner child in a tantrum. When you dismiss her (your needs and desires) she doesn’t feel like a priority. She doesn’t feel cared for. She doesn’t feel loved. And what usually happens is you (she) starts looking outside herself to have these needs met.
You can’t get from another what you aren’t willing to give yourself.
Do this for yourself (and your inner child). Give yourself time. Give yourself attention. Take a coffee break, make time to work out, sit down for a meal with a friend, go play, have fun, don’t take yourself so seriously. When your inner child is able to feel safe, loved, and cared for she no longer has to steal energy from you by halting your world.
Consider the small amount of time you take to check in with her preventative medicine. Ultimately, you’ll be giving yourself what the deepest parts of you desires. The benefit? More energy, more joy, you’ll feel loved and cared for. When you’re able to give and accept that from yourself, you’ll attract others who treat you the same way.