We all have things that we miss about our childhood. They may include the following: no responsibilities, little worries, or even simply doing something silly and being able to laugh at yourself.

I want you to think back to your childhood. Remember feeling so happy-go-lucky or like you could take on the world? That’s the beautiful thing about children: the way they are so self-confident and care-free.

However, these are traits that often begin to become foreign to us as we begin to get older and our lives begin to change.

 In fact, the harsh reality is: depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health conditions experienced by young people. The frequency of change and uncertainty experienced in one’s adolescence often triggers feelings of sadness or a lack of confidence, instead of sparking excitement and optimism like when we were kids.

But i’m here to tell you that as you continue to make your way through this journey that we call life, that you can still move ahead without letting the past go. Just because you’re growing up and life is taking its course, it doesn’t mean that you must leave behind the child you once were.

Here are 5 ways to never lose the child in you:

1. Put yourself in unfamiliar situations: Have an open mind and expose yourself to new things.
2. Pick up a creative hobby: It’s hard to feel curious and carefree when you spend most of your time working or running errands. Take a few moments each day to engage in an activity that you find creatively stimulating.
3. Look up: There’s a big world around you, and it can be easy to tunnel vision your way through each day. Be sure to take the time to look up and just enjoy the world around you.
4. Spend time with kids: There is no better way to tap into your inner child then to surround yourself with other kids. They’ll really help you remember the little things that matter.
5. Do something each day “just because”: Kids are forever doing things simply because they want to. So dance, watch a TV show you’ve been waiting to see or meet up with your long-time friend.

Starting today I want you to take some time to tap into that happy place once known as your childhood and to begin believing again that everything and anything is possible. Lastly, always stay true to yourself and hold on to the things that make your heart smile, no matter how little they are or no matter how old you may get.

~Miss Twenty Something

What are ways you tap into your inner child? Comment below.