Inevitably, the older we get, the more we lose touch with our inner child. While it’s important to keep our relationships with our family and friends, it’s just as important to keep in touch with our younger self.
Time moves fast, and no matter how old you are, it’s never too silly to do the activities your five-year-old self once loved to do. Let’s travel back in time to pay a visit to our younger selves.
Making Your Favorite Snacks
It’s nice to go out and order that fancy steak or pasta dish, but don’t forget that your inner child is hungry too. To fulfill that nostalgic craving, chef up some of your favorite dishes that you maybe haven’t touched in over 10 years.
I, for one, am a Kraft mac n’ cheese addict. I’ve been addicted to this easy meal ever since I was a child, and eating it instantly brings me back to my childhood years. While it is tasty, every bite reminds me of ending a long day of playing Barbies with my cousin with a cheesy treat. Now that I’m 20, I could easily down an entire box by myself in one sitting. To make it a meal with somewhat nutritional value, I’d make some chicken nuggets for protein. With some apple slices on the side, I can immediately smell and feel the days of when I was five. Just for a second, eating a meal like this takes me from being 20-years-old to five.
Don’t forget about mom’s cooking! Now that we’re older and can be trusted with the stove, chef up meals that your mom, dad, or sibling made that you used to love as a kid. To go the extra mile, you could even start a cookbook with your favorite childhood recipes. This way, you can share them with your future kids or just your future self! Nothing hits home like a nostalgic plate of food. You can even serve it on a childhood plate. I used to love eating on the animal shaped plates with ears, the Zoo Pals.
Rewatching Your Favorite Shows & Films
What’s dinner without a show? Though it may feel childish and “immature,” put on your favorite childhood show or movie to pair with dinner. You can snuggle up on the couch in your pajamas and binge watch your favorite television series with your younger self.
Listening to Old Music
Anytime I hear a hit song from the 2000s, I’m instantly transported to the back seat of my dad’s car with my cousins. Jamming out works as a great way to relieve stress too, so throw on some tunes from your childhood. I even have a throwbacks playlist with all the songs I loved as a kid. On days where I’m upset or stressed, I shuffle that playlist to brighten my mood. There’s something about throwback songs that lighten my mood and make me feel young again. They truly don’t make music how they used to.
Playing Dress Up
Clothes hold tons of memories. If you still have any of your old belongings, take a trip down memory lane and sort through them. Are there any you’d want to give to your future child? Any you no longer need and could donate? Organizing your old clothing will not just give you more space for “adult” clothes, but give to another child in need.
If you’re really into fashion, maybe consider creating outfits to sell or donate to families. I always see mom’s showing their toddler’s outfits on social media, and this is a great chance to do the same, even if you don’t have a child yourself. An easy way to go about this would be at thrift stores and online second-hand stores, such as Depop. You can put together bits and pieces you find to help another family style their baby.
Regardless of your age, you’re never too old to play dress up. This is a perfect solo activity or one to share with friends. Dress up as your favorite childhood characters and throw a party, even if it’s just you and younger you in attendance. This also works as a birthday party theme, just as the “Fancy Nancy” themed party was a hit on social media.
A Love Letter to Younger You
Write a letter to your younger self. Even if you don’t believe it to be true, you’ve come so far. Tell your inner child if you got the job you’ve been dreaming of since you were five or if you chose a different path. Write about any goals you’ve achieved and those saved for the future, especially if it’s any big ones you created as a kid. Reflect on what’s happened over the years, both the good and bad.
No matter where you’re currently standing, little you is so proud of how much you’ve accomplished since your last visit. Don’t forget that your inner child is always with you and embrace that side, N Crowd!
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