It’s amazing.
I never know where I’ll get the inspiration to write a post that I feel strongly about. It was born over the weekend after having a great discussion with a good friend of mine, Joni.
Every time we get together, we end up having a long conversation about everything ranging from politics to the state of the economy to human rights to matters of spiritual nature. (Photo: pumpkinoodle)
It’s always thought provoking, entertaining and most definitely uplifting. Sometimes our talks last for hours. Rather than feel tired and stiff, we feel rejuvenated by the time we part ways. It was during one of those talks that I am sometimes hit with simple, yet profound reminders of the truth when I get together with friends like that.
Let me paraphrase Joni’s parting words:
You don’t realize this but every time your let your inner child come out to play, people are profoundly touched and moved. Let me remind and encourage you to open that door and let him come out more often because that’s God’s gift to you. It has incredible healing power that can literally move mountains and you don’t even realize it!
OMG.
She was talking about the magic of human connectivity. Earlier in the day, I had told her that although I won the next level of the Toastmaster’s Humorous Speech Contest (I’m now competing on the Divisional level this coming Saturday, October 4, 2008), I did not experience the same magical feeling compared to when I first gave the speech at the club level a week ago.
Someone from my club who was at the Area Contest said, “Frankly I liked the first time you told The James Bond Lady Fiasco story because you were more playful. I loved how you acted out portions of that speech with dramatic flair - it was much funnier and more touching.”
She was right. I hadn’t let my inner child come out the second time around. I was too busy worrying about going over the time limit so I rushed through it. My mouth got dry and I did not feel like I was in the flow. (Photo Credit: MGREIS)
Have you ever been in that position?
By the time I realized what was happening, I attempted to slow down and tried to get into the groove but it was too late. Despite that, I still won first place but I now have another opportunity to make adjustments at the next contest.
Let the inner child come out and play.
Every time I allow that to happen, regardless of whether I’m speaking, writing or interacting with other people (especially during interview situations), I instantly go into the “zone.”
Words, thoughts, ideas, expressions come naturally to me without so much a blip. It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world because it’s magical. I speak clearly and articulately. I feel all of us are one during those times. It is this magic that gives me the ability to move people and inspire them in deep and profound ways.
However, when that inner child is locked away, the magic cannot display its full potential. If people are lucky enough, they’ll only catch a brief glimpse of the magic. I’m guessing that’s what happened when the judges heard me speak this weekend.
Whether you realize it or not (and regardless of what you do), people subconsciously respond to that part of you better than when you attempt to put up this “adult-playacting” role. When you let your hair down (assuming you have any, hahahaha - I certainly don’t!), you encourage others to do the same. Invisible walls come tumbling down and people connect at a cellular level. There’s no need to pretend, compete or play games.
Do you know what that feels like? It’s complete freedom, let me tell you!
I am here to remind you that your inner child has the power to hold the world in the palm of your hand. I know this because I’ve seen myself do it numerous times. (Photo credit: Elli 19)
Your inner child is your best friend who is quite capable of putting you in the natural flow of life. When we allow it to emerge, an instant bond is formed with those around us. Words tumble out easily and effortlessly. We feel light and energetic. Because things snap into place easily and effortlessly, hardly a finger needs to be lifted to “make things happen.”
Just before Joni walked out the door, I suddenly transformed myself into a giddy little kid, got down on my knees and shouted, “YES, YOU ARE RIGHT, I MUST LET MY INNER CHILD COME OUT!”
Tears instantly sprang forth. Jabbing her finger at me, she excitedly said, “See? That’s what I’m talking about! When you let go and be who you really are, you have this tremendous power to jump into people’s hearts and heal them, just like you’re doing with me right now!”
With that, she waved goodbye and sped off into the night, leaving me with this incredible desire to share with you this important question: Knock, Knock, Can you Come Out to Play?
Food for thought: When was the last time you did that?
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7:34 am on September 30th, 2008 1
OMG is right. Serendipity is the word. I awoke this morning with tears in my eyes from a dream about being a child and getting lost.
I had a tough go of it last night at my daughters new house, surrounded by her in-laws (there are a ton of them) and feeling like the “odd man out.” I couldn’t let my inner child emerge because they would think me foolish. I would just reaffirm that I am the “divorced, single, floundering, learning to be a holistic healer, weirdo” mother in the tie dye shirt (honest) while the other mom took charge and acted like a MOM. My relationship with my daughter is incredibly strong. We are best friends. Had it just been the two of us, perhaps with some of her friends or her brother and sister, celebrating, we would have been laughing, playing, drinking wine, ripping up carpet and tearing down wallpaper. Instead, I hid. “Little Patti” (the best part of me) hid. I sat there, offered to help but was ignored. My daughter has a whole new family now…and their inner children have not come out to play with mine. I left sad. When I should have been so joyful for her and her new husband, I made it all about me. And that made me feel even worse.
My daughter gets it. We talked. She consoled. But I went to bed and felt guilty and angry at myself for not being able to simply BE myself, no matter where I am. In this circumstance I was supposed to be the MOM but that role has been taken away by someone with the need to control when my parenting was never about that, but instead about being playful and creative and experiencing life.
I just woke up. I stumbled to my kitchen and fed the cats. I felt scared and unsure (not about feeding the cats…grin…about ME) and normally I wouldn’t hit the computer so early but I did. And here you are. And now here I am..still crying but more peaceful now because I am going to open the door to my inner child, no matter how scary it feels sometimes and I’m not going to shut it any more…no matter where I am or who I’m with. Those other people will just have to deal with “her”….Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
7:58 am on September 30th, 2008 2
@ Patti:
That was an incredible rendition of your experience last night at your daughter’s new house. I know exactly the feelings you went through and the aftermath. Been there countless times myself.
Your story goes to prove that the main reason we keep that child inside us is because of what we think are other people’s expectations of us or our fear of what they might think. We’re concerned about looking foolish or whatnot.
By pouring your heart out this morning, you inadvertently helped me and others realize exactly why we don’t open the door to let the kid out. Thanks so much for sharing!
8:47 am on September 30th, 2008 3
Another timely post! Just yesterday, I was feeling quite ragged from some internal politics surrounding the non-profit organization that I’m involved with. I was telling my husband that I wanted to walk away– that I wanted life to be playful again.
Today, I’ll play!
9:02 am on September 30th, 2008 4
@ Karen Putz / DeafMom:
YES, YES, YES!
That’s GREAT! I can understand the politics you have been dealing with. They drag us down. They’re so darn unnecessary! Now I know why I felt some of my speeches have not done as well as I would have liked - I was letting politics of expectations weigh me down.
Well, NO MORE. I’m on this mad streak of a discovery that I believe will set my world on fire. I even wrote on a manila folder tacked up on the wall in the hallway a reminder to let the inner child come out to play. Every day I wake up I am now reminded of this important task.
WOOT. This is the secret girl! SECRET! SECRET! This is the key to unlocking everything you’ve ever wanted.
I know I sound half crazed, but darn it, it’s true!
9:45 am on September 30th, 2008 5
Stephen,
Serendipitously your post arrived in my inbox and I posted and linked it in my blog. I’m off to play in my studio.
10:04 am on September 30th, 2008 6
@ Robin Maria Pedrero:
Thanks for the mention. Go and play in your studio! I love “perfect timing” messages because they’re always divinely inspired, aren’t they?
12:29 pm on September 30th, 2008 7
Just a thought….find a swing. I know I mentioned above how difficult it is to let my inner child out in front of people I don’t know well or with whom I’m not exactly trusting. But with myself….I like to ride my bike and sit on the swings at the park. If you want to let the child out, that wind in your hair, that adrenaline burst while pumping your legs, the strength you feel while holding that old, rusty, familiar chain in your hands will surely bring not just a smile to your face but a wide, toothy, childlike grin. Enjoy!
2:26 pm on September 30th, 2008 8
@ Patti:
That’s a great idea! It’s been a while since I’ve been on a swing but I like the description “holding that old, rusty, familiar chain in your hands…….” I can almost smell the metallic, rusty chain just from reading that!
Thanks for continuing to share yourself with the rest of us. It’s so much appreciated.
5:29 pm on September 30th, 2008 9
My mother told me long time ago when I was young: Enjoy your childhood while you can! I didn’t understand what she meant that time, but I now do!
6:17 pm on September 30th, 2008 10
I can totally relate this post and especially to Patti! Even though I feel like my inner child is out for all to see more often then not, there are still some people who seem to send that side of me hiding under my bed (including but not limited to: all of the “soccer moms” from my son’s team). I find that I feel like they are above me and judging me and therefore I sit uncomfortably quiet (which Stephen can vouch that that is very unusual!)
The beauty is that when I ready Patti’s story it gave me a completely different outlook on that situation. I thought to myself, “Patti, I feel sorry for the uptight mother for NOT letting her inner child out! She’s the on who should be crying!” Which made me think, “Jen, you should feel sorry for the uptight mothers at the soccer field that don’t let their inner children out.” Now, maybe “feel sorry” is not the phrase I want to use but I should not feel like they are better than me because I am playful! I think that my playful nature is one of my best attributes as a mother!
It’s very refreshing to hear other professionals talk about the need to not be so up tight all of the time! Especially, since that’s something I struggle with. Just because I am cheery and fun does not mean that I am not intelligent and successful!
Thanks to all!
6:55 pm on September 30th, 2008 11
@ Nita:
I’m smiling here. Some of us grow up too fast and never get to enjoy a genuine childhood.
Others enjoy “normal” childhoods and then become too much of an adult, trying to fit in society’s mold. ACK!
7:01 pm on September 30th, 2008 12
@ Jenni:
Oh Lord, I loved your honesty about how you want to dash under the bed when congregating with other soccer moms because your ego might think they’d judge you.
Oh yes, your playful nature is definitely one of the most endearing aspects of your personality. Those eyes of yours, the window to your soul, invites me every single time I see you to hug you!
You are right, just because you are fun and cheery doesn’t mean you’re not intelligent and successful. AMEN to that!
So, let’s all go out there and show the world our inner child! Make a note and put it up on your bathroom mirror or tack it on your door so that you are continually reminded to bring the kid in you out.
10:54 pm on October 2nd, 2008 13
I want to come out and play.
That was so beautiful. When we are who we naturally are and nurture that not only do we feel at peace, but all those around us do to. What a profound thought! Shame on you for making me think…. Oh no, is a blog post in the making?
Sometimes I want to come out and play, but I’m not sure who to play with. Just this week I bent down and played in the dirt. Honestly, I could sit out all day with someone and play in the dirt. There’s no telling what all of me would come out.
Good luck at the competition! Let your child shine!!
8:37 am on October 3rd, 2008 14
@ Jennifer:
Yes, I know you do. I sensed that about you when we first connected online. I have to admit that I haven’t played in the sandbox (literally speaking) in a long time but the mere mention of that brings back wonderful fun-filled memories.
It’s time to go South and play in the sand now that it’s getting colder up here.