When Our Inner Child Steps Forward: A Journey of Release and Connection 

by Dr Shuna Marr

Sometimes, on this journey of self-awareness and healing, an unexpected realisation dawns—one that seems small but carries a surprising weight.

I recently experienced this as I grappled with my “key domino”—that one core issue that, when tipped, has a habit of unbalancing everything else in life.

For me, I had always thought my key domino was overworking: when I was working too hard, I got hyperfocussed on work, I'd get 'buzzy' with adrenaline. I'd work long hours at the PC and neglect my exercise and rest. And then I'd be too tired to create healthy meals. 

So, one of the reasons I am stepping away from business is because of overworking. 

But after a sleepless night last night, where my head was running on other things than work, I began to realise that it runs deeper.

If you don't resolve the underlying wound or issue, then whatever you are trying to escape will just follow you into the next stage of your journey and pop up in a different way. 

So, with a bit of digging in more deeply this morning, I identified that beneath 'overwork' was the pressure of always having to solve  problems, preempt every issue, and to anticipate every potential outcome.

So I asked myself:

Why couldn’t I just leave things be? Why did I feel I had to poke and prod and prepare?

I sensed this tendency had deeper roots.

As I explored further, I discovered that this “need to solve” wasn’t just an adult habit; it was something my inner child had been holding onto for years.

Growing up with a parent who used narcissistic tactics, I had learned that my safety depended on anticipating moods, preempting potential upsets, and making sure I was “prepared” for whatever might come my way.

It was a survival mechanism, and a powerful one at that.

But as an adult, I have found it spilling over, creating unnecessary stress and a sense of vigilance that wasn’t truly needed anymore.

This new discovery is almost undoubtedly a result of a major throat chakra clearing I did at the beginning of this week — a practice often associated with finding our voice and expressing our truth.

Yesterday, I found myself with a head cold centred right in my throat, as if a physical release was unfolding alongside the emotional one.

And in that space, my inner child stepped forward, ready to be seen, understood, and released from this long-held burden.

In a gentle space I call my Heart Space Room, I welcomed this aspect of myself.

I simply let her know, “I see you, I understand why you’ve held onto this, and I’m so grateful.”

For me, it was important to let her know that she could finally rest, and that I would take care of the “keeping safe” part.

I offered her a token, a little blue gem symbolising the energy of the throat chakra—the freedom to speak up without having to preempt or control.

I invite you to consider this:

Is there a part of your inner child that’s been carrying a heavy load? One that has grown so accustomed to “keeping you safe” that it feels almost ingrained in your being?

You might be surprised at what they’re holding onto. Recognising and releasing these protective patterns can be transformative, not only for your own sense of peace but for how you show up in the world.

After all, when we release our inner child from these old roles, we’re able to bring a new freedom and authenticity to our lives, one in which we don’t have to be on constant alert.

Instead, we get to be, to express, and to trust in the beauty of simply living - and to feel comfortable to sit with uncertainty and not know all the answers.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to create a quiet space, invite your inner child forward, and listen to what they are ready to share with you.

Love

Read PART 2 of this story HERE

PS If you’re drawn to creating a special space for self-connection, my Heart Space Room, is currently available at 50% off until 17 November, along with all my other courses.