How to Connect with Your Innermost Self

When I was young, I was quiet and creative, often lost in my own thoughts as I imagined fantasy worlds and the possibilities of what life could be. I was kind, curious, and always seeking adventure, marching to the beat of my own drum without hesitation. But as I grew older, I learned to suppress parts of myself to fit into what the world expected of me. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on that girl—the one I was before expectations, doubt, and practicality took over. What I’ve realized is that reconnecting with your younger self requires intentional reflection and action. It’s about peeling back the layers of who you’ve become to rediscover the essence of who you’ve always been.

Here are some ways to begin that journey:

Revisit Your Childhood Interests

What did you love to do as a child? Personally, I was an avid reader and I loved acting in school or church plays. As the years passed, I drifted away from those passions. Reading started to feel boring, and I became too self-conscious to step on stage. But the beauty of childhood hobbies is that they were never about perfection—they were about joy. When you reconnect with the things that once made you feel alive, you tap into a version of yourself that still exists beneath the surface. Revisiting your childhood interests is a great way to reconnect with your innermost self and find the things that you enjoy.

Follow What Feels Right, Not What Looks Right

Growing up, I wanted to be a designer of some sort — whether in fashion, interior design, or graphic design. But by the time I reached my teenage years, that dream had been labeled as unrealistic. Adults around me encouraged a “smarter” choice, so I pursued a STEM career instead. While I don’t regret my path, I do wish I had trusted my instincts more. If you’re looking to reconnect with yourself, start listening to what feels right in your soul rather than what looks logical on paper.

Spend Time Alone with Your Thoughts

Many of us are so caught up in the daily grind that we rarely stop to ask ourselves what we truly want. When you take a step back from distractions—whether through journaling, meditating, or simply sitting in silence—you give yourself space to hear your inner voice. Beneath all the obligations and expectations, what do you actually think about? What excites you? The answers to these questions will guide you back to yourself.

Surround Yourself with People Who Encourage Your Authenticity

The company you keep plays a huge role in whether you feel free to be yourself. Some people bring out the truest version of you, while others make you feel like you have to perform. Pay attention to who energizes you and who makes you feel drained. Spend time with those who embrace their own authenticity and encourage you to do the same.

It’s been a long and loving journey back to the person I always was. Life has given me the gift of learning to love the person I am. I used to believe I had to change to fit into the world’s expectations, but I’ve learned that I was never “wrong” for being who I was — I was simply me. The world doesn’t need a version of you that conforms. It needs the real you. So, take your time. Explore. Reflect. Fall in love with yourself again. Because the person you were before the world told you who to be is still there, waiting for you to come back home.