Recently, I was very tuned-in to all the different choruses of the birds. I really enjoyed hearing them, and it made me feel light and happy. I’ve also had some incredible spiritual experiences with birds that have been quite healing. As I was thinking about this, I had an unexpected flashback from when I was a kid and saw the movie, “The Birds.” All I remember is how very scared I was because this swarm of blackbirds flew down and aggressively attacked an entire group of people. After this disturbing recall, it occurred to me that I no longer had a deep fear of birds; rather, I carry a deep love and appreciation for them. Remembering this particular fear caused me to think about all the fear I’d had, realizing most fears were not as simple as being impacted by a scary movie.

“Self-parenting“ is an approach we can use to help ourselves. It’s a way to love ourselves and meet our own needs. We can be the loving parents to the inner child parts that need seen, heard, and protected. We all have parts that are more, or less, developed depending on traumas and other life experiences we’ve had. This is normal. Yet, we can tap into our wiser, more experienced parts, and use them to comfort the scared kids we have inside us.

The next time some scared part comes to the surface: we can search ourselves for a wiser part that can see our inner child and listen with compassion, understanding why it felt afraid and reacted the way it did, and now create ways for the inner child to feel protected.

We get the opportunity to heal the inner child parts of ourselves while taking an action of self-love at the same time. As Martha declares—Do it and see how surprisingly powerful it can be!

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please call, chat, or text 988. There is hope. 

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.