Visiting childhood photos to remember parts of yourself

Years ago, one of my mentors suggested keeping a photo of my childhood self in a place I could see it everyday.

It can remind you of how far you’ve come and to be kinder to yourself.

If you’re lucky enough to have them, visiting these photos and imagining yourself back then can be an illuminating practice. I like to ask:

What made me feel alive?

Are there parts of my personality that I’ve shut down?

How have I changed from my core?

This photo reminds me of my spunk, probably my Aries moon shining bright. I suppressed it for a while and became quiet until the end of college, even earning the nickname of “mouse”. I’ve definitely returned to more of this gal and I loved finding truth of it in my young self.

Have you done this? What resonates?