The power of small things

We were all kids once. And looking at the amount of adulting we have to do, there are times we wouldn’t mind returning to those carefree childhood days where one’s biggest responsibility was often doing our homework and a bit of household chores. We also didn’t need a lot to amuse ourselves, finding joy and comfort in the smallest things like playtime after school, a cold treat on a hot day, or our favorite toy (which may or may not be a worn out plushie that desperately needed a wash). It’s no wonder that as we get older and lives get more complicated, we wax sentimental about those ‘simpler times.’ It turns out, revisiting those childhood days can sometimes bring healing to our inner child or even help us in our creative journeys ahead.

Bringing back the joys of childhood

Playtime is one of the things we enjoyed the most as kids. While our idea of play may have changed, it’s still as important even as we get older. To be able to hold an old favorite toy or take part in a small pleasure you used to enjoy as a child are some of the different ways to look back to the joys of your childhood. Doing so, according to Healthline, “can be an excellent way of dealing with challenging times.” The nostalgia it triggers can inspire, uplift, and really, just be a source of fun.

(Of course, not all childhood memories are uplifting, there are some that can trigger trauma or emotional pain, which could have repercussions to your present self. Experts suggest that recognizing your inner child is the first step to healing it. Because when there’s trauma that isn’t addressed, it can negatively impact your adult self.)

The comfort of the familiar

When the past provides comfort, familiar items are often the easiest way to find solace. Studies have shown how plushies and stuffed toys, for example, can provide comfort to grownups or even answer a deep-seated psychological need.

From decreasing levels of cortisol (those damn stress hormones) to being useful in therapeutic settings, stuffed animals can be more than just toys. That’s why even if you’re all grown up, we get it if you still want to hold on to that cute cat plushie or a cuddly plush doll.

As creative prompts

Our small childhood toys and trinkets can also serve as creative prompts, because let’s be real—the toys we grew up with hold a certain magic. For all the joyous times or therapeutic capacity they hold, they’re also a sort of time machine that transports us to another time and brings certain stories back to life.

As a creative exercise, you can write about your favorite toy. What details do you remember about it? Write a letter to it or a letter from it. If you’re more of a visual artist, reimagine what it would look like if you were to turn it into another toy or if it wasn’t a toy.

Our childhood treasures, all those little things, bring not only cherished memories but can become part of our healing and creative journeys.