A dream revealed to me that you might feel like opening up about your private life, sharing your emotions or a secret with others, will expose you and it makes you feel vulnerable that you are going to be judged by others for this.
Your inner child, which is your most vulnerable and authentic self that you were naturally in childhood, has needs that need to be addressed. Typical needs of the inner child are a need to be physically and emotionally nurtured, to receive affection care and attention, to feel heard understood and affirmed, and to feel a sense of belonging safety and trust.
There's an inner critic inside of you or a societal voice who is or will be evaluating your emotional maturity. Their annoyance is making you feel like you are not measuring up. You feel pressured to conform to more conventional roles and norms, but you are at the same time conflicted about it.
There are unfulfilled emotional needs when it comes to relationships and mothering. You are anxious about being negatively seen by the world for your perceived shortcomings or for your nonconformity when you allow your inner world to be seen.
So face you fears, make sure you have strong boundaries to deal with the criticism of the world, and make sure you examine the validity of the criticism before taking it on. When you reflect on what your inner child needs and you meet these needs, you will feel more whole as an adult. Bring compassion and care to your inner child so it can heal whatever recent events my have hurt the most authentic part of you.
How to heal your inner child
- Speak to yourself with compassion towards what you have just been through. Offer yourself the caring understanding that you need.
- Make more room for childlike joy and wonder in your life through free self-expression, art, physical movement, and by spending more time in nature.
- Reflect on what you feel is missing in your life emotionally. Is it to feel safe to be yourself? More time to do what makes you feel passionate? Do you need people to listen to you (e.g. a therapist or a friend)? Make sure you address those needs.
- Protect your inner child better from current toxic people or situations by setting better boundaries.