Is “Healing Your Inner Child” Hurting More Than Helping?
What does it mean when you are “healing your inner child”? Based on social media, people often indulge in items or experiences they were once deprived of. However, others have raised a critical question: Is this concept helping us or holding us back?
What Happened?
A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) sparked a debate about “healing the inner child” and its connection to consumerism. A user shared his joy in buying toys he once could not afford, calling it part of his healing process. However, another user questioned why this concept often seems tied to consumer spending, sparking a mix of supportive and critical reactions online.
Healing…What?
“Healing your inner child” involves taking care of the emotional wounds or unmet needs you might have had as a child. You recognize the parts of you that were hurt or ignored back then, and then giving yourself the love and attention now. So this may help you feel more whole and happy as an adult.
The Resiliency Angle
Specific to those who are employed, reclaiming these material desires reminds them of their resilience and acknowledges their hard-earned stability. Because to them, being able to afford small luxuries brings them genuine happiness after years of financial struggle. We also have to consider this scenario within Filipino culture, where financial security has historically been difficult for many to achieve.
Economy and Social Media
Economic factors play a significant role as well. We live in a society where not everyone enjoys the same level of financial security. So the pressure to “heal” through consumerism can create feelings of inadequacy where others may not feel that way.
Social media only amplifies this effect. As you scroll through Facebook or TikTok, you may see posts from people treating themselves to lavish items, hauls, and all. This type of content may then spark comparisons and lead to discontentment rather than healing.
Seeking Meaning Beyond the Material
“Healing your inner child” is ultimately a personal journey. While some prefer to spend money on things they once dreamed of, others invest in meaningful relationships, personal growth, and self-acceptance. For the latter, exploring non-material ways to reconnect with the past may offer them more sustainable fulfillment.
READ: Filipinos Need to Earn 100K Per Month to Be Happy
Balancing nostalgia with mindful choices helps ensure that “healing your inner child” does not unintentionally cause harm. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it is essential to respect others’ right to celebrate and enjoy their achievements in their own way.