
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
I agree, wholeheartedly, with your list. Well, except I think I would rather holler Shit! than Shut up! in my own headcanon 😉
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I have to confess that “Shit!” is my favorite swear word, but there is still a bit of a stigma attached to yelling it in the middle of Wal-Mart.
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Amen! Perfect list!
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Ohh, I love this post. It makes me smile.
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What a great post Tara. These things we should be reminded of everyday. I struggle with perfectionism.
I collect Raggety Ann and Andy’s. =)
Have a wonderful day!!
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This was really nice to read today, it gives me a lot of positive things to think about. I really enjoy it when once in a while a writing prompt leads to a great blog post instead of fiction.
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Hot dogs, dry spaghetti, dirt AND cookie dough.
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Most assuredly raw cookie dough!
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YES!
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Thanks!
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If this is how you raised your daughter, she must be a happy and very confident young woman.
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I am trying. She is definitely much more sure of herself than I ever was at her age.
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Unicorns are SO real 🙂
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Yes, they are!
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