The Journey to Self-Discovery: 10 Steps to Unlock Your Inner Power (Part 2)

Part 2: The Climb – Rediscovering Childhood Dreams

What Did You Dream Of Between the Ages of 7-12?

Our childhood years are powerful. Between the ages of 7 and 12, many of us experienced pivotal moments that shaped who we are today. These years were filled with dreams, ambitions, successes, and yes, disappointments. Yet, as we grow older, we often bury these moments deep within, forgetting the profound impact they’ve had on us.

This lesson is about rediscovering those dreams and understanding how they’ve contributed to both our triumphs and setbacks. By reconnecting with these memories, we can unearth desires that might have been lost or forgotten—and use them to propel ourselves forward.

Why Go Back?

Revisiting this time in our lives is not about dwelling on the past—it’s about uncovering patterns and healing old wounds. Often, our childhood dreams were the purest expressions of who we wanted to become, before the world told us otherwise.

For me, I had to ask myself:

• What did I aspire to be when I was a child?

• Were there any significant disappointments or achievements during those years?

• Did I let go of something because I felt I had to conform?

These questions brought up some surprising answers. I remembered moments when I suppressed my dreams to fit in or please others. I also remembered times when I dared to dream big, only to be told that my aspirations were “unrealistic.”

Letting Go of Disappointments

One of the most important parts of this process is learning to let go of any disappointments from that time. The heartaches and failures we experienced as children often linger, influencing our choices and fears in adulthood.

It’s essential to acknowledge these moments, understand their impact, and then release them. Holding onto them only prevents us from fully living in the present.

Questions for Reflection

Take some time to reflect on these questions:

1. Where in your life did you conform because you felt you had to?

2. When did you let go of something you loved, even though you didn’t want to?

3. Where are you still compromising, even though it no longer serves you?

These questions aren’t always easy to answer, but they’re necessary. For me, this process revealed where I had abandoned parts of myself in favor of what others wanted for me. It was uncomfortable but also incredibly liberating.

The Power of Saying No

As part of this lesson, I encourage you to practice the art of saying “no.” Too often, we say “yes” out of obligation or fear of rejection. But every time we say “yes” to something we don’t truly want, we say “no” to our own needs and dreams.

Activity: Reclaim Your Power

Do something that pushes you to break free from conformity. It could be as simple as going for a hike or as structured as a yoga class. The key is to engage in an activity that allows you to connect with your inner strength and practice saying “no” to distractions.

Moving Forward

By revisiting your childhood dreams, releasing past disappointments, and learning to say no, you create space to reconnect with your true self. These steps lay the groundwork for the next part of our journey—learning how to give without agenda.

Stay tuned for Part 3: We Are the World – Giving Without Agenda.