Creative Outlets I’m Exploring For My Younger Self

When I was a child, I wanted to be everything. An artist, a dancer, a model, a photographer, the list went on and on, expanding as quickly as my imagination allowed. I remember declaring, “I’ll become an actress—that way I can be all of the things I want to be.” It made perfect sense to me then. Why choose one version of yourself when you could be anything you wanted?

But at some point, the expansive thinking quietly narrowed. Life will do that. Expectations creep in, practicality takes the wheel, and before you know it, you’re introduced to the idea that you’re supposed to pick a lane and stay in it.

But what if that was never the point?

“I’ve been reconnecting with my inner child and my inner artist, two parts of myself that feel both deeply familiar and slightly forgotten.”

One thing I never imagined becoming was a writer. And yet here I am, putting words to page, discovering that maybe creativity isn’t as fixed or assigned as I once believed. And definitely leaning into the idea that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. 

In my current season of exploration, I’ve been reconnecting with my inner child and my inner artist, two parts of myself that feel both deeply familiar and slightly forgotten.

I’m currently reading The Artist’s Way, which offers the exercise of time-travel. It asks that you write a letter from your 8-year-old self and your 80-year-old self to the person you are today. It has been said that these are the only two people you should worry about pleasing, and I find so much truth in that

Your 8-year-old self, who knew what lit you up before the world had a say. Your 80-year-old self, who will look back and know whether you honored that spark…or ignored it. I’ve been exploring both of these in a less literal way over the last few months, but this exercise struck me more than I thought it would.

My younger self is curious and expressive, but sadly already concerned about what others think. She wants to try everything, to play, to create for the sake of creating, but is already starting to question how it will be judged. So present-day me is trying to nurture her and let her try all of the things she dreams of without the worry of what others may say.

My older self has lived the life we dreamed of, one full of adventure and love. She isn’t interested in what looks impressive from the outside; instead, she reminds me to take risks, follow my heart, and allow myself to fully experience the life I was given.

So that is where I am right now, today. I am exploring options I thought were long expired and keeping my future self in mind along the way. Here’s to my two new companions along for the journey.