Extremely Online
This TikTok trend is healing my inner child.
What would she order to drink?
What is she worried about?
What are her hopes and dreams?
you could then compare those memories to where you are now and see how much has changed.
She showed up ten minutes early, too anxious to be late.
I showed up right on time.
She ordered black coffee.
I ordered a vanilla cappuccino.
She wore leggings and a hoodie.
I wore a denim button down and trench coat.
She says her sisters are her best friends in the world.
I smile, because mine are, too.
She says she wants to go into medicine to help people.
I say I have my doctorate in nursing.
She says she loves to draw but knows its not a realistic career.
I say my art helped pay for school, and now I get to do both.
She says she dreams about leaving the counry.
I say I have been to over 30.
I hope we meet again for coffee soon.
Cue the waterworks, right?
Here, a therapist breaks down why this trend is so healing.
Maybe you were flailing and failing or worried about the future.
Maybe you had big dreams or things that really got on your nerves.
And it allows you to look back on it all.
Her current self also admitted that she still doesnt have all the answers and probably never will.
With such busy lives we rarely take the time to notice how much weve grown, Tew tells Bustle.
So theres sadness and also gratitude for the growth.
It could also be a sign of relief or just plain, old grief for what youve been through.
Connecting with younger versions of yourself can be incredibly healing, says Tew.
This stops the self-criticism/shame cycle that keeps a lot of us stuck.
Walk yourself through the encounter.
Does she arrive late or early?
What would the old version of you drink and what does it say about her?
What would she be so proud or surprised to hear?
What worries are consuming her?
What would you tell her if you could send a message?
Potentially regret, pride, sadness, and more.
Whenever we poke the bear of our unconscious, a lot of different emotions could arise.
But no matter what, its good to cleanse and release what comes up.
There is no finish line, which is particularlyimportant for perfectioniststo be aware of.
