Be The One Who Rescues You

Five months ago I changed the background of my phone to the picture above. Since then, I’ve been asked many times, "Who's that?"

And since most people know I don’t have children, they’re surprised when I say:

The picture is of me. I’m about three or four years old in it. It’s a photo of my Inner Child.

When most people hear that, they “ooo” and “ahhh” at how cute she is. And usually, it leads to a deeper conversation—about why I felt the need to put a picture of myself as a child on my phone’s lock screen.

The short answer: It was part of my healing journey.

About five months ago, I went through a difficult transition. My partner and I—whom some lovingly refer to as “van-man”—decided to take some space from each other. And even though my Adult Self knew this was a healthy move, that it would help us both gain clarity and breathing room, another part of me was completely unraveling.

That part was terrified.

That part was my Inner Child.

She felt abandoned. Uncertain. Like she’d suddenly been dropped into the wilderness with no map, no supplies, and no one to lean on. I could feel her panic in my nervous system—the tight chest, the lump in my throat, the restless thoughts at night.

Even small things like finding a place to live, buying groceries, cooking meals, or doing laundry felt overwhelming.

I had moments where I genuinely forgot how to “adult.” All I wanted was for someone to come take care of me.

Have you ever felt that way?

Maybe it wasn’t a breakup for you. Maybe it was the death of a loved one, a medical diagnosis, the end of a job, or even just prolonged burnout. But suddenly, you're flooded with emotion and don’t feel like yourself anymore. That’s not you being “too sensitive.” That’s a part of you—likely your Inner Child—feeling unsafe, unheard, and in need of care.

Through the lens of Parts Work, we understand that each of us holds many inner parts—like the Inner Child, the Inner Critic, and the Adult Self. These parts hold wisdom, wounds, habits, and hopes. They show up in moments of stress and transition because they’re trying to protect us.

My Inner Critic tried to step in too.
Telling me I should “be stronger,” “get over it,” and “figure it out already.”

But what I needed wasn’t pressure. It was compassion. Integration. Wholeness.

So I made a choice.

I put a picture of my Inner Child on my phone background as a daily reminder: She’s always with me. And it’s not her job to run the show.

That’s the job of my Adult Self—the grounded, wise, clear-thinking part that can offer soothing and emotional regulation, even when the world feels shaky.

This is the work of wholistic healing.
It’s not just about managing symptoms. It’s about building self-awareness, creating internal safety, and gently reconnecting with the parts of ourselves that were once exiled or ignored.

And let me be clear: your Inner Child isn’t weak. She’s brilliant. She’s tender. She’s protective. But she doesn’t need to handle the logistics of adult life. She needs reassurance that someone capable—you—is here now, and not going anywhere.

So next time you feel that part of you rise up—the overwhelm, the fear, the ache for safety—try this:

💜 Pull out an old photo of yourself as a child.
💜 Look into their eyes.
💜 Take a few deep breaths.
💜 And gently say:
"It’s okay, sweetheart. You don’t have to carry this. I’ve got you now. You’re not alone anymore."

That’s self-acceptance.
That’s personal growth.
That’s what healing actually looks like.

And if you want to go deeper into this work, reply and send me a photo of your Inner Child. Let’s honor these parts of us together.

Because you are already whole—you’re just remembering.