CAN YOU COME OUT AND PLAY?

We can all learn to change our lives so the child within each of us can live in balance with the people we have become. We can learn to give the child a voice, let the child play, let the child express needs and fears and pleasures.

We might look at our old baby pictures for a valuable lesson. We will see pictures of ourselves on rocking horses, grinning and waving; pictures of ourselves with our most precious toy - a crude metal car, perhaps; pictures of ourselves rolling in the grass. The lesson we learn is that it doesn't take much to make this child happy - even today.

We keep our own happiness safe inside us to call on whenever we need it, as long as we keep a healthy relationship with the child within. When we nourish the child, we can be assured the child will also nourish us.

What simple thing will make me happy today?

From Today's Gift: Daily Meditations for Families ©1985, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation.

I am learning now to let little JBR come out and play once again. But this time with Big JBR. To play nicely.

Little JBR is sharing with Big JBR some things that she had never shared and was just too afraid to. Bad things that happened to her while growing up. Big JBR is learning to listen. Not run away nor judge.

I had to really think back to some pictures that were taken of me as a child to even recall if I was playing with toys. Only thing I can recall is playing with plastic rifles, guns and army men.

I remember I would "self entertain" myself. Even into later life. That is what kept me happy and protected me from painful memories. Also used the technique as a survival method that got me through a lot of emotional pain while growing up. Creating scenarios in my mind. Usually after seeing a television program that interested me in my mind then acting it out and becoming the character. So much so, that it had affected me in 3rd grade. I would not do any school work. The teacher called my parents in as she was concerned. I would just sit all day and doodle the Batman car picture on my paper and other characters. (I loved Batman the series at the time). The series was my escape. I felt powerful and invincible. Hmmmmm.....

I am slowly learning now to have a healthy relationship with my child within. Not always easy. Nope, not at all. But I am willing.....