Unlock Your Inner Child

Life can get hectic, but there is always room for a little playfulness. Today we are going to talk about what you can do to unlock your inner child. 

But first, why is it important to unlock your inner child? Matthew 18:2-4 says "He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

When we read this passage, it tells of the importance of humility, simplicity, and childlike faith in God. It encourages us to approach our faith with a sense of innocence, openness, and trust. As we age, the sense of innocence and trust we once had as children is often replaced with questioning, and lack of trust, along with disobedience. 

When we lose our sense of identity -- the who we are as a person -- I feel it is important to unlock our inner child to help us rediscover who we are. A really fun way to do this is in our hobbies, what was something you once enjoyed as a child that you no longer do? Perhaps it's coloring, painting, or playing a sport. Maybe you enjoyed the world of make-believe where you pretended as you played. Whatever those things were that brought you joy as a child could still bring you joy today.

On days when you feel down, I want to encourage you to do something that unlocks your inner child. See what happens once you do, who knows, maybe you'll rediscover your love of a hobby long forgotten. 

Life's short, and I know that your time is precious, so I have come up with ten ways you can unlock your inner child.

1. Playful Worship - Sing and dance as a form of expressing your faith or your playful side. Move freely to the music.
2. Volunteer with Children - Spend time volunteering with kids in your community or at your church. 
3. Nature Walks - Take a walk, have a picnic, or do an outdoor activity that helps you connect with the beauty of the outdoors.
4. Creative Expression - Pick up those crayons, markers, or paints and be sure to color outside the lines! Let your creativity flow!
5. Read a child's book - Do you have a favorite classic children's book? Pick it up and read it!
6. Family Game Night - Play board games, card games, or a video game with family or friends.
7. Learn Something New - Pick up a new hobby or skill that interests you. 
8. Celebrate Milestones - Did you accomplish something recently? Celebrate it like you would celebrate a child who accomplishes something. You could even make yourself a sticker that reads - "I survived today!" because that is something worth celebrating!
9. Be Spontaneous - Ok, ok, this one is harder, but hear me out, what if you are open to a spontaneous adventure and you randomly pick a new place to go that you've never been. You could grab lunch at a new place or head over to a park you've never been to. 
10. Prayer & Meditation - When you enter into your quiet time, approach it how a child does during their time, be open and raw.

Above all, no matter what you do, do it with a glad and open heart. 

Happy discovering!

With Grace, Shonda