Little Teddy Deserves Rest.

What can I give my inner child so they can rest?

• naps
• reassurance that things will be okay
• knowledge that they have people who care about them
• space to have fun/be free
• comfort shows/movies
• snuggles w/their teddy bear
• time in nature
• reminders to breathe
• permission to be messy/not perfect
• to feel heard, supported, and loved
• space to be their authentic self

I heard this original question at a 12 step meeting I attended a few weeks ago and felt it deep to my core.

Little Teddy (my inner child), has been running about, anxious, people pleasing, and seeking love and attention (usually from people who are unable to provide it to them).

As a kid, they never had the chance to slow down or to truly live their life as a child.

Peacefulness and calmness was never a part of their story.

They spent several years on edge and spent a lot of their time in caretaking roles.

Looking back, I know that Little Teddy did what they had to in order to survive and get through some pretty painful moments.

In my healing journey, it is my hope that I can give my inner child permission to rest and slow down.

They’ve been on the run for so long and they’ve craved stability and safety.

They are exhausted, which is completely understandable.

I hope that by creating the list above, I’ll be able to slowly incorporate those things into my daily life so I can give my inner child the things they need to rest.

I know that by doing this healing work and asking the more serious questions, it will have a positive impact on my recovery journey.

What is your relationship to your inner child? Do they need rest, love, or support? What is something you can do in order to heal that relationship/strengthen it?

Thanks for reading,

XOXO

Teddy Hikes