Our siblings are much more likely to spot our Inner Teen when it pops to the surface, which isn't inherently good or bad. However, if your Inner Teens clash, it could feel bad as that conflict is brought to the surface. When I feel that way, I revisit something that brings the joyous side of teens out of storage. It's like a quick spritz of Fabreeze for a quick refresh.
Another psychologist friend said to me that she sees quite a few people who are stuck in that stroppy, all-about-me teen phase. Not so great. But the fully alive kind - amazing!
Oh, it’s all in the head, and the body sends regular messages to it to remind me that 17 was a long time ago kid. To keep me grounded. Then the head hears a tune on the radio, or decides to do push ups while the kettle is boiling, and, boom, I’m 17. Again. This can happen multiple times a day.
Or 55 can get all serious and take over for a week or two. Almost 56..
Think I’ll pop back to my inner teen for a bit.
Isn’t it interesting that shame was almost the default setting when you were teased? Shame. The hot potato, as I’ve heard it described recently.
I love your reflections. I'm totally here for Inner Teen talk. I spent most of my twenties trying to act grown up and mature, and ignoring/suppressing all the things that used to bring me joy as a teen - namely fiction writing and electronic music. Well, it all erupted with a vengeance around the time I turned 30. And I'm embracing it - unapologetically. My more rebellious inner teen said "hey, quit shutting down the things that still light you up!" It's time to accept all the parts and be a whole person again.
Our siblings are much more likely to spot our Inner Teen when it pops to the surface, which isn't inherently good or bad. However, if your Inner Teens clash, it could feel bad as that conflict is brought to the surface. When I feel that way, I revisit something that brings the joyous side of teens out of storage. It's like a quick spritz of Fabreeze for a quick refresh.
Yes our siblings were there at the time so they can pick out our Inner Teens now. And I love the Fabreeze strategy - great!
My inner teen is still rolling the roost!!!!!🫣😆
Another psychologist friend said to me that she sees quite a few people who are stuck in that stroppy, all-about-me teen phase. Not so great. But the fully alive kind - amazing!
Oh, it’s all in the head, and the body sends regular messages to it to remind me that 17 was a long time ago kid. To keep me grounded. Then the head hears a tune on the radio, or decides to do push ups while the kettle is boiling, and, boom, I’m 17. Again. This can happen multiple times a day.
Or 55 can get all serious and take over for a week or two. Almost 56..
Think I’ll pop back to my inner teen for a bit.
Isn’t it interesting that shame was almost the default setting when you were teased? Shame. The hot potato, as I’ve heard it described recently.
Great stack.
Thanks for sharing.
I love this description, Kevin. The interplay between adult and teen Kevin. What a potent mix!
It has its moments.
It depends on the driver! 17 doesn’t have a license. ;)
I love your reflections. I'm totally here for Inner Teen talk. I spent most of my twenties trying to act grown up and mature, and ignoring/suppressing all the things that used to bring me joy as a teen - namely fiction writing and electronic music. Well, it all erupted with a vengeance around the time I turned 30. And I'm embracing it - unapologetically. My more rebellious inner teen said "hey, quit shutting down the things that still light you up!" It's time to accept all the parts and be a whole person again.
That's exactly it Sarah! Our teens knew what lit us up and they still know. Love your rebellious inner teen. They've got smarts!