I think it’s a given. At some point in the formative years, all children, kids, sub teens, teens go through an awkward stage. And this phase may stay with us throughout adulthood. Often this stage manifests in aggressive and cruel behavior, wallflower and shy behavior, arrogant and I’m-better-than-you vibes or as insecure and fearful! then we grow up and either work through our learned tendencies or grow into more exaggerated versions of that child….living through the emotions, fears and behaviors for a lifetime.
As an only child of older parents who required a trailer to carry their baggage from the 1920’s and 30’s, I was lucky enough to receive lip service of being totally loved, with a large dosage of marital dysfunction delivered with fearful and strong discipline…mostly mental but some physical. What I learned was to be a chameleon! Stop, look and listen to how I was expected to live my life in each setting I found myself.
As I work through self discovery of what makes the inner child tick or tock I found this quote by Tosha Silver and it was breathtakingly accurate for me.
“Pay attention to how you feel when you’re around someone. And also how you feel when you leave them. Pay attention. Don’t question your response. If you feel bad, simply move away”
Until next time….
Ninasusan 