Inner Child

A lot of people talk about their inner child.

A lot of people like to be playful every now and then.

Even more people would like to have the guts to let their inner child rule every once in a while, even for just one afternoon.

But the truth is, whenever our inner child decides to come out and play, especially in public, our inner mum/dad give it a stern look and forbids it to even think about what it was just about to do. However, for those of you who can overcome that nagging inner parent, there are plenty of things for your inner child to do whilst you're at home in private.

Crayons

A great way for you to be creative is to grab the cheapest set of crayons you can find and draw what you most liked to draw when you were a kid, be it a person, cottage, or plane. Don't worry about how unrealistic the image is. If you want the sun to have blue eyes and a big red smile, then give the sun blue eyes and a big red smile! If you like you can store the image away for when you feel depressed, when you can then pull it out and giggle.

Get Messy

Make sure you protect your table/floor with newspaper first! For this one get creative again, but try finger-painting, or potato printing. Maybe make one of those pasta pictures which you made every term at nursery school. Cover yourself and a friend (if you're brave enough) in face paints. Squeeze that chocolate bar in your hand until it goes all squishy, then simply lick it off! Don't forget to get it all around your mouth as well.

Puddles

Yep, you guessed it. Wait for a really wet, dull, rainy day, then grab your brightest wellies and find the deepest, muddiest puddle around and JUMP!

Pillow Fights

You'll need a minimum of one other person for this, and it only works if the two (or more) of you don't mind physical contact. Arm yourself with pillows (preferably NOT feather ones, although this can be fun too) and see how much fun whacking your partner with a pillow can be.

Swings

Find a time when most kids are at school or in bed and take yourself down to the nearest playpark, maybe with a friend to keep you company. Then climb on the nearest free swing and take your inner child to new heights of stomach heaving flight.

Dressing-Up

Probably something you did when you were nearing your teens, but still an activity that will bring out your light-hearted and confident side. You could have a competition with some close friends to see who can mix and match their clothes to make the most bizarre/silly/clashing outfit possible. You could try giving each other a make-over. Blindfolded! A camera comes in useful for this one.

Roll

Put on some old clothes that you don't mind getting grass stains on and take yourself to a nice grassy hill. Climb or run to the top, then roll back down it laughing all the way.

Sing

We all know at least one popular song and dance actions (There's no need to deny it here). Get a group together, the more the merrier, for a sing-song which requires actions and do those actions as enthusiastically as possible.

Don't Be Afraid

It does take some guts to be able to do some of the things suggested. Often when we are with other people or out in public we are worried about what people are thinking of us, so we remain as restrained as possible. The thing is, it's not only you who has an inner child - nearly every other person in the street has the same urges as you! I doubt other people will think of you as silly or immature if they see you rolling down a hill or playing on swings. In fact, they'd probably be downright envious you have the confidence to let your hair down and giggle; to take a well-earned break from the pressures and responsibilities of adult life.

When we make a little time for our inner child every now and then we see things in a new light. Our minds open up to things quicker and easier and we feel better about ourselves. Laughter really is the best medicine for all sorts of ills, and in a world where the pressure to achieve and stay materially comfy is often stifling, the inner child is the best physician.

Note: All of these activities are far more enjoyable in the company of a large group of like-minded friends, the collective inner children gang-up and shove the individual inner parents to the fringes were they can only look on disapprovingly while trying to suppress a giggle.

gleefully written by, Kim Huggens with CRAYONS

By Kim Huggens