If Your 8-Year-Old Self Could See You Now, Would They Cry? Reflecting on Childhood Dreams to Discover Your Purpose
Recently, I returned to the UK and received an unexpected gift from my mother: a stack of old photographs, long forgotten in the dusty recesses of family archives. As I sifted through them, moments that had faded from memory came rushing back with startling clarity. Each snapshot was a portal to a bygone era.
There I was, with bunches and ribbons smiling dutifully at the photographer for a school photo. In another, I stood proudly before a sandcastle, wielding a plastic spade. These frozen instants of childhood stirred a curious mix of nostalgia and introspection. As I gazed at my younger self, a thought emerged: What would that child think of me now?
The Hustle of Daily Life
It's a question rarely pondered in the hustle of daily life, where deadlines and to-do lists dominate our attention. Yet, in that moment, it seemed both pertinent and profound.
Imagine your eight-year-old self looking at you now. Would they beam with pride at the realization of long-held dreams? Or would they wonder where the adventurous spirit and wild imagination had gone? Would they recognize the core of who they are in the adult you've become?
Adulthood: Choices and Compromises
For many of us, adulthood is marked by choices—some fulfilling, others laden with compromise. We chase careers, build relationships, and navigate life's complexities, often at the expense of the unbridled curiosity and joy we once had. This reflection invites us to consider not only the paths we've taken but also the dreams we've set aside. Have we held on to the passions that once ignited our imaginations, or have adult responsibilities dimmed that spark?
As I tucked the photographs away, I realized this reflection isn't just about the past; it's also about the future. What snapshots of the present will I look back on years from now? What stories will they tell about the person I’m becoming?
Rediscovering Your Core Values and Passions
And that is where part of the power in self-reflection lies. Reconnecting with your childhood self isn't just a sentimental exercise—it's a chance to rediscover your core values and passions and to re-write what’s yet to come. Your younger self believed in magic and endless possibilities. What if you could bring some of that wonder back into your life?
Find Your Life Driven Purpose
Here are a few strategies to find your purpose and integrate childhood dreams into your adult life:
1. Reflect on Your Journey
Take some quiet time to reflect on your life experiences, achievements, and setbacks. Ask yourself:
- What patterns do you notice in your successes and failures from childhood to now?
- Which activities or moments made you feel most alive and fulfilled?
Identifying these patterns, will help you uncover what truly drives you. This self-awareness is the first step towards aligning your life with your true purpose.
2. Reconnect with Play
Engaging in play can spark creativity and innovation, especially if you feel stuck. Play allows you to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and approach problems from different angles. This creative freedom can help you rediscover passions and interests that align with your true purpose.
3. Reignite Your Passions
Find ways to incorporate the passions that light you up most into your daily life. If you loved painting as a child, take an art class. If you dreamed of exploring the world, plan a trip to a new destination.
4. Separate 'Should' from 'Could'
Some decisions are necessary for financial security or other practical reasons. But beyond that, consider what you do out of habit or obligation. What could you be doing instead that aligns more with your passions and values?
5. Nurture Relationships
Surround yourself with people who support and encourage your dreams. Build relationships that nurture your growth and align with your values. Positive relationships can fuel your growth, while toxic ones can hinder it, so choose wisely who you spend your time with.
6. Set Meaningful Life Goals
Set goals that resonate with your true purpose. Break them down into actionable steps and celebrate your progress along the way.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where the responsibilities of adulthood often eclipse the simplicity of childhood dreams, many of us find ourselves feeling profoundly disconnected. Yet, reconnecting with those childhood dreams can be a powerful remedy for the malaise that accompanies adult responsibilities. It invites us to realign our lives with a sense of purpose that may have been overshadowed by the relentless march of time. This journey, though challenging, promises a rediscovery of joy and meaning that many long for yet struggle to articulate.
Embarking on this quest means listening closely to that inner child. It’s an invitation to pursue what truly matters, to reignite the spark of imagination and wonder that once defined our existence. In a world that often prioritizes practicality over passion, remember that it is never too late to chase those dreams—never too late to become the person you were always meant to be.
For more reading:
Defining You: How To Profile Yourself and Unlock Your Full Potential
Purpose can lead to less stress, and better mental health
The Science Behind the Powerful Benefits of Having a Purpose
