Feeling like treating yourself?
Looking back at your childhood and teenage years is crazy. It can be fun and triggering, but it really doesn't matter the feeling behind it: those memorable moments of our childhood will shape us and direct us in life. It's a bit like detective work armed with nostalgia and a bunch of "Oh, I remember that!" moments.
When we were kids, the things we loved to do weren't just ways to kill time. They were the first signs of what we were really into. If you spent hours doodling on every scrap of paper you could find (in my case, the walls of the kitchen, living room, bathroom…), there was some creative spark poking to get out, or, if you were the kid who turned the living room into a shop (me!) or a science lab, perhaps there's an entrepreneur or nerdy in the making, just itching to invent something cool.
Fast forward to your teenage years, the phase of life where everything feels super intense (I honestly think it's the hardest phase we go through). You’re confused, hormones arise, there are so many options, and the never-ending question at family gatherings: What will you do when you grow up? Further down the line, it just evolves to: When will you get married? (I hope our and future generations throw away 0 friendly questions like this). This is also when your hobbies and interests start getting a bit more serious, a sneak peek into your future self. Were you obsessed with writing stories, playing an instrument, or arguing your point until your voice weakened? These are all signs pointing toward what you're passionate about. Mine was a big range: books, writing, drawing, mimicking airport voices, taking pictures, playing the guitar, etc… + Of course, using the computer and navigating the beginnings of the internet world.
But here's the fun part: looking back at these years isn't just about tracing the path to your current passions. It's also about spotting what you loved before "real life" got in the way. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed acting in school plays, playing instruments, and taking photos and videos of my friends. These are my hidden gems, and I will somehow bring them back in to live a more creative life.
In the end, revisiting your childhood and adolescence through a playful lens is more than a trip down memory lane. Don’t focus too much on the harsh stuff. I know it can be a lot, and trauma is inevitable. But dig deeper into little special creative moments you had with family, friends, or just by yourself. Who knows? What you loved as a kid or a teen might be the key to your happiness as an adult. Go find it; you may be very much surprised.
