When Three Triggers in 24 Hours Brought My Six-Year-Old Self Forward

This week, I had a few things happen within a 24-hour period that triggered a younger part of me that says, “I’m in trouble.” I haven’t felt this part of me for ages, so it came as a surprise. I knew what had triggered it; there were three things, one after the other.

What shocked me was where my mind went. This “I’m in trouble” part just wanted to give up on everything and hide.

What did I do?

I noticed. I felt a panic in my chest. I noticed my catastrophising thinking.

I attended to the feeling. I put my hand on my chest and said out loud (I was in a parked car at the time), “I know I’m feeling panicked and like I’m in trouble. I’m listening.”

I listened inwardly. A 6-year-old part of me came forward, and I gave her a big hug.

I asked her what was happening. She showed me how tense it was at home at that time and how scared she was when she was ‘in trouble’.

I acknowledged her experience, listened, and felt it in my body.

I asked if there was more she wanted me to know.

That was it.

I let her know that I would handle all the adult issues, and she was relieved.

I invited her to go into my heart for safekeeping.

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Three things happened in 24 hours, and suddenly I was six years old again, thinking, “I’m in trouble.”

Instead of pushing it away, I listened. I held that part. I let her know I’ve got her now.

Sometimes healing isn’t about fixing — it’s about showing up for the parts of you that were once left alone.

Love, Jen 🪷

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Build Secure Attachment From the Inside Out

In my self-paced Inner Child Healing Course, I guide you to meet the younger parts of you that take over when you’re triggered, and to grow the loving, wise inner parent who can care for them. Five modules, guided meditations and a workbook, with lifetime access for US$97.

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“For the first time, I have a sense of me being there for the younger parts of myself instead of looking to other people to make me feel safe.” E. Mellody, past student