Love that Inner Child

Do you know someone who feels unlovable? Perhaps you are the one who feels that way at times. I have experienced that myself, and I surely talk with lots of clients who have felt unlovable, too.

When this happens, it's good to tend to the Inner Child, whether it's yours or someone else's, for that's where feelings of not being worthy collect. Here's what Sue Patton Thoele writes in her book The Woman's Book of Courage: "When we feel unlovable, it is the wounded little girl in us who is hurting—the little girl inside who was either told or told herself that she was not okay, not worthy of being loved. Having the courage to love our own little girl is the primary step toward allowing others to find us lovable."

This is a good time to engage in some loving self-talk to assure your Inner Child that you love her and that she is loved by others, too. And if it's a friend who feels unlovable and unworthy, help her see that some loving and positive self-talk can change those feelings of unworthiness over time. That little girl (or little boy) inside can use some love and reassurance from time to time. There's nothing wrong with that. If you had a little one who felt sad because no one loved her, you would hold and cuddle her and assure her of your love. Do the same for your Inner Child. It can make a world of difference to how you view yourself.