If your child self could write you a note right now, what do you think she would say?

How to listen to your inner girl

Would she be shy and afraid to make her presence known? Maybe even loud, bold, or exasperated that it took so long for you to acknowledge her? Eager to play? Does she want to share a secret?

Be open and let her talk. Sometimes it’s simply stopping for a moment to mentally check in. Other times require paper and pen to sort things through. Both practices give her space to safely express herself. Listen to what she has to say because it’s valuable input, and it helps to decipher any clues she drops in your lap. Remember the times when your voice was shut down when you had something important to say?

Exactly! You really don’t want to repeat that pattern with her.

Feelings are her language, too

She talks to you through your gut, your instincts, that quiet yuck factor when something doesn’t quite feel right yet can’t put your finger on it. It’s the internal alarm bells.

But don’t forget she speaks a happy language, too. Notice how that resonates in your body. Are you running on all pistons? Feeling in your flow? Things are just clicking? That’s her, too.

And if you’re still not sure, just check in with how you feel and let her guide you for a spell.