There’s a part of you that is forever young, forever in discovery. As children we naturally follow our curiosity, playfully exploring and using our gifts. But through the years, we collect layers of experience, demands, and responsibilities that can dim our innate sense of discovery. Yet beneath these layers there remains an inner core of joy, playfulness, spontaneity, and inspiration. Your child self is your core self, your creative self, your curious, clever, and compassionate self, and, in the deepest sense, your courageous self, urging you to explore new possibilities. Our word “courage” comes from the French word, coeur, which means “heart.” Whatever you choose to call it, this earliest self is your emotional center, the part of you that lives with heart, joy and vitality.
English poets Thomas Traherne, William Blake, and William Wordsworth 
wrote of childhood memories as a source of inspiration, seeking to reclaim the state of innocence and oneness with nature. “You never enjoy the world aright,” wrote Traherne, “till the sea itself floweth in your veins, till you are clothed with the heavens, and crowned with the stars.” Research has found that throughout their lives, artists, composers, scientists, writers, and other creative individuals draw upon the curiosity and core feelings of childhood (Dreher, 2008; Gardner, 1993; Kashdan, Rose, and Fincham, 2004; Traherne, 1908).
Now it’s your turn. Take a few moments to center down in meditation and open yourself up to a happy childhood memory. What did you love to do as a child? What were you curious about? What was your favorite experience?
Within these memories are hidden gems, like amethysts in a geode. These are your gifts, your personal strengths that bring you greater joy, creativity, and success in life. You can tell when you’re in touch with one of your gifts by how you feel—energized, happy, more fully yourself. These gifts can be artistic, verbal, a love of nature and animals, resourcefulness, leadership, curiosity, courage, humor, caring, courage, athletic ability, perseverance, a sense of humor, and a range of other strengths.
Once you’ve gotten in touch with some of your gifts, find a way to use one of them this week. Recapture the intrinsic joy within you and make a positive difference around you, right here and right now.
References
Dreher, D. (2008). Your Personal Renaissance: 12 Steps to Finding Your Life’s True Calling. New York, NY: Da Capo. Sections of this blog are adapted from this book.
Gardner, H. (1993) Creating Minds (p. 32). New York: HarperCollins.
Kasdan, T. B., Rose, P., & Fincham, C. D. (2004). Curiosity and exploration: Facilitating positive subjective experiences and personal growth opportunities. Journal of Personality Assessment, 82, 291-305.
Traherne, T. (1908). Centuries of Meditation. I. 29. Oxford, UK: Mowbray. (Originally written c. 1670).