Inner child dialogues

We all have, or should have, an inner child. That small voice inside us that helps us remember how it was to be innocent, and filled with hope and wonder. Sometimes I forget to nurture that child, just as I would my outer children.

These are a few truths I want my inner child to always remember:

• It’s totally acceptable to color your women with purple hair. Don’t ever let anyone else tell you what the definition of beauty is.
• Take time to play in the rain.
• Naps aren’t just for kindergarteners.
• Telling someone to ‘shut up!’ is not always a bad thing, yelling ‘shit’ almost always is.
• Little white lies can sometimes be the right thing to say.
• You aren’t wrong all the time. You should believe in yourself more.
• Sing as loud and dance as fast as you can.
• When someone says something nice to you just reply ‘thank you,’ and smile.
• It was never your fault.
• Eating uncooked hot dogs, dry spaghetti, and dirt will not give you worms.
• Hug and hold hands as often as you can.
• Every day tell people you cherish how much you love them, and let them tell you the same thing.
• I am proud of you and what you have accomplished.
• You have to learn to laugh at your mistakes and move on.
• It’s okay to cry, and to be angry.
• Butterflies and dragonflies and fireflies are magic.
• You don’t have to be perfect.
• There’s nothing you can do that will change how much I love you.
• When you’re sad, or when you’re happy, share it with friends. They will make the sadness better and the happiness bigger.
• There will always be bullies, but you don’t have to be afraid of them.
• There are no monsters under your bed and no bogie man in the closet.
• Santa Claus and unicorns are real.

*From the Vault of IMSO, originally published July 14, 2010; edited and updated