[Leed]

Days of Healing, Days of Joy .......................................Nov. 2nd

"Give a little love to a child and you get a great deal back
............................................................................ John Ruskin

Many of us are scared to death of the wounded child living within us. We're afraid of remembering too much, afraid of feeling overwhelmed, afraid of the rage that will be stirred up. But in spite of all that learned fear, there is good reason to listen to what that precious part of us has to say.

Children, no matter how wounded, are naturally honest. Play is their main task in life. Wonder, imagination, trust, and love are as much a part of them as their fingers and toes. The very young haven't had time yet to practice the deadly skill of deceit.

Our child is still there -- within. That child still speaks messages of innocence and still waits to be heard and acknowledged. It is the child within, although it may be wounded, that waits to teach us and lead us along the road to recovery. Often the child leads the adult to wisdom.
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As I become stronger, I am more willing and able than I used to be to spend time with my inner child.

During therapy and while doing my 4th and 5th Steps, I was amazed at the level of rage and anger I had towards my parents. I hadn't realized it was so strong and resentful. But at the same time, it felt almost good to acknowledge it because I'd been unknowingly harboring all that rage for so long it was a relief. Even without knowing it was there, somehow it created a weight on me, and once released I felt a freedom that I'd never felt before. It was like I could "see" for the first time! And in a way I could.

[Cherry73]

Reading this post caused a powerful response in me. You stuff things down for so long you think you have become immune. All the things that happened were a huge contributor to why I did drugs. Why I felt the need to escape. The main incident revolves around my mother but what difference does it make now you can't go back and change anything. So finallY I just decided to acknowledge and move on that seemed like the best thing to do, but the hurt never truely goes away.

[gma45]

I started doing drugs and drinking when I was a child so I feel like that child never got to grow or develop like most. Maybe that is why I feel so lost now.

Thanks for all these, folks. I truly believe that, since we probably never fully heal the child within but that we grow all of our lives, the spiritual part of life becomes extremely important for us to thrive. The inner child is protected and cared for in a
very loving way when we permit a Higher Power to be in control of that little one within.

That made the difference for me in contentment in my life.

Thank you again, everyone.

[madisgram]

so glad you picked this one to post, lee. my inner child tho i am long sober still needs so much healing, encouragement, and validation. but i've found so many of my AA friends have helped me along. they accept me in spite of shortcomings. i found love with them too. for that i am eternally grateful to know i am a worthy person.
i still am wounded by my existing family-siblings-so i've learned to keep a healthy distance from them. i am their scapegoat.
i recently purchased a t-shirt that says-it's never too late to have a happy childhood. that also is applied to my life today. i still have to tell my inner child that she is worthy of love, validation and kindness by others. it has helped me to heal those deep wounds somewhat.
sorry if i'm off topic somewhat. many thanks for the post. it has so much meaning to me.