Lauren Rowello: We tend to let go of younger versions of ourselves as we evolve. But those kids inside us are holding on to pieces of ourselves we may need back to become the people we still hope to grow into. - NBCNewsTHINK
Teresa Hui, wearing 2023 glasses, poses in front of the “2023” numerals after the illumination ceremony Tuesday in Times Square in New York City.writer on queer identity, mental health and family relationships
We tend to view younger versions of ourselves as immature and incomplete and as someone to let go of as we evolve. But those kids inside us are holding on to pieces of ourselves we may need back to become the people we still hope to grow into. I know it might sound laughable. When my therapist asks me to comfort my inner child, I typically want to roll my eyes. “What do you think she needs to hear from you?” I’m asked. These thought experiments have always felt foolish as I struggle to visualize myself as a pre-teen and to externalize the dialogue. I never thought I’d feel connected to that age again — until that voice showed up unannounced during a moment of a downward spiral.
But during a recent exercise meant to help us think about how we’d nurtured our passions and values this year, I easily listed dozens of perceived failures, personal shortcomings and missed opportunities without identifying any of my strengths and progress. As my wife and kids shared some of their proudest moments, I was startled by my inability to even remember my success.
Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed by my body, my deadlines, my home and my relationships. This sounds a lot like seventh grade again, but with additional concerns — like a, the evasive work-life balance and kids to manage within a marriage that ebbs more than it flows these days. Even mundane stressors are amplified by adulthood.