What Would Your Inner Child Think Now??

Reclaiming joy, one hobby at a time.

There’s something quietly powerful and thrilling about picking up a hobby or interest in adulthood—especially one your younger self either loved or never dared to try.

Maybe you’ve started painting again, even though a teacher once told you that you weren’t "creative” or any good at it, but nevertheless you always loved it.
Maybe you’re running long distances now, have a regular meditation practice, or taken an interest in bird watching. I know that my younger self would be equal parts impressed and confused by the fact that I run marathons and half-marathons for fun and not as a form of ‘punishment’ or consequence from soccer. Running by choice and for fun?….Who knew?!

Maybe you're collecting crystals, journaling, or have started a garden—things your childhood self might have been curious about... or rolled their eyes at.

Some of these things your inner child might cringe over:
"We wake up early? To run and meditate?!"
And others might bring a quiet kind of healing:
"We actually get to walk around barefoot and don’t get into trouble? Cool!” (Hello, grounding/Earthing!)

Whether it’s quirky, creative, calming, or energizing, the things you’re drawn to now say something about what your system is craving—and what parts of you are ready to be seen. These aren’t just hobbies. They’re a way of listening to and honoring yourself- you needs, your self-expression, your creativity and curiosity. Ways of connecting with who you are outside of the pressure, productivity, or performance that can come with adulting in the real world.

Healing isn’t always deep, heavy or hard.
Sometimes it’s weird joy.
Sometimes it’s messy play.
And sometimes it’s quietly reclaiming a freedom you didn’t even realize you’d tucked away or been craving.

What’s something you do now that your childhood self would have feelings about—good, bad, or hilariously confused?

✨If you’re feeling disconnected from the lighter parts of you, let’s talk. If you’re in the state of Washington or Nebraska, reach out today and we can start the conversation around how reclaiming joy can be part of your healing too.

Samantha Straub MSW, LIMHP, LICSW

samanthastraub.com

straubcounseling@gmail.com