Reconnect with your inner child through Art
A Journey of Self Discovery
My life change indefinitely when I made the decision to leave law school and become an artist. Art for me isn’t just a favorite pastime, its a calling that I feel in the depths of my spirt. I took a leap of faith and never realized where it would lead me. But what I did know was that for me, there was no going back. Last month I opened my first major exhibition at Masterworks Museum, Bermuda. The exhibition title’d Not all has to be As it Was was a love letter to my inner child. A letter of inner wonder, imagination and audacity to dream. Having the work in Masterworks was a dream realized, a full circle moment for not only myself but Essence as well. Ever since I have been young, I have always loved drawing , and making. I grew up thinking that I had to choose a career on a path that would “earn me comfortable living”. But what really is a comfortable living when our actual comforts are negotiated for tasks and jobs that are furthest from the essence of who we are?
When I chose to study medicine , and then public health and then law, I was on a path that continuously led me to the same place, a dead end. I subscribing to a narrative about my life that was not my own voice. I had adopted the belief that I had to have a “real job” and that I would do my art “on The side” ? It wasn’t until the art on the said became so loud in my head and so pulsating in my body that I couldn’t ignore it any longer. When I think about that voice screaming out, it was the little girl in me that I kept trying to suppress, and the desire to make and unmake my life the way that I saw fit. Sometimes I imagine what would have happened if I had ignored it, what would have become of me? The world would not have had the opportunity to experience all of the gifts that were actually their’s to experience, and mine to channel. After all, our gifts are not our own.
My daily art practice has not only become a favorite past time that has led to career and personal development, but it also has become a way for me to reconnect with my inner child. The young girl who would be up all hours of the night coloring, the one who when my mother asked the doctor what is wrong with me, told her to leave her and let her be, the one my mom would find in the morning laying with my crayons and coloring book. It has always been in me, to make, to color, to dream. Art has been an anchor in my life, continually bringing me back to myself, to face myself. And I’m so grateful that I had the courage to listen to the call.
Yesterday I shared with some public school teachers, about the exhibition and how to teach about my work. That feels so wholesome for me, knowing the students are learning about my work. My Former Art Teacher, Mrs. Wellman shared some images of the Students learning about collage making. They made some Alibii’s in response to the work on view. I couldn’t be more proud. Here are some of the images from the students:
Instead of completely abandoning my public health and medical interests , I have thought about all the ways that I can bring my interests together. My passion for art, my love a deepening a spiritual practice, my training in public health and wellness. I really started on my spiritual journey whilst living in China, i developed a daily art practice and yoga practice. I began deepening my personal awareness by mindfulness and began a morning pages ritual from “The Artist’s Way”. My journey has been transformational. I began noticing that I could feel the needs of my inner child being met, being listened to and being cared for. This has radically changed the way I show up in the world. As we grow older, the demands of life can sometimes pull us away from the imaginative, carefree parts of ourselves. Art is a powerful tool that can be used to ground oneself by anybody, anywhere. You do not need to be an artist for the effects to be felt in your life. I have decided to share my knowledge and guidance from my own life and path with you to help you to reconnect and reignite that spark of wonder with yourself through art.
Art is more than a creative outlet, it’s a gateway back to the joy, curiosity, and playfulness we once knew so well. Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, using art to reconnect with your inner child can be deeply healing and transformative. Here’s how you can start:
1. Let Go of Perfection
Children create freely. They don’t worry about rules, mistakes, or whether their artwork is “good.” This is your invitation to do the same! Choose materials that you enjoy—crayons, markers, paint, or even play-dough—and create without judgment. Allow yourself to make “mistakes” and see them as part of the process.
Exercise: Set a timer for 10 minutes and draw or doodle whatever comes to mind without lifting your pen. You don’t need to worry about how it looks, just let the lines and whatever comes to you, flow!
2. Embrace Play and Exploration
Children approach the world with a sense of adventure. Tap into this spirit by experimenting with new art forms. Try something you’ve never done before, whether it’s finger painting, collage, or creating sculptures out of household objects. The act of playing with materials and ideas can reignite your imagination.
Tip: Take a playful approach by incorporating found objects—leaves, buttons, old magazines—into your work. There are no limits!
3. Create from a Place of Emotion
Remember how easily we expressed our feelings as children? Art can be a way to reconnect with our emotions, allowing us to explore joy, sadness, excitement, and everything in between. Create pieces that reflect how you feel in the moment, without overthinking the final outcome.
Journal Prompt: What did you love to do as a child? Reflect on your favorite childhood activities, see and feel yourself doing the activities and create a piece of art based on one of those memories.
4. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome
When you reconnect with your inner child through art, the magic really is in the process. Through my art practice I have begun falling in love with the process of making, rather than what something looks like. Think about what it FEELS like for you. Children don’t care about the final product; they care about the act of creating. Give yourself permission to enjoy the journey of art-making. Let it be glorious, messy, spontaneous, and fun.
Mindful Grounding Moment: Try painting or drawing with your non-dominant hand. This exercise can help you focus on the moment and release any attachment to how things “should” be.
5. Share Your Art with Others
Children love to share their creations!I know this because I have been teaching art workshops to kids for the the past 5 years. Whether it’s with friends, family, or a community of like-minded individuals, sharing your art can foster connection and joy. It’s not about seeking approval, but about rediscovering the joy of self-expression. Become that child again by sharing things you have made. Release any fear of being seen, and allow yourself to share the ways you have expressed yourself.
If you don’t know where to start
Consider Purchasing my coloring book to blow off some steam
De-stressing coloring book
mindfulness , made easy
A coloring book made with you in mind.
For suggestions on supplies to get you started on your own art and wellness journey, check out my Amazon storefront where I have put together a list of Art & wellness essentials:
Final Thoughts
Reconnecting with your inner child through art is a form of self-care that helps us rediscover the joy of curiosity, play, and emotional freedom. Whether you’re an experienced artist or someone who hasn’t picked up a crayon in years, you can tap into that magic anytime.
So, let’s let go, create, and play again. Begin. It’s never too late to begin. After all, art has the power to bring us back to the purest, most creative parts of ourselves.
Stay playful and inspired,
Gherdai
Artist, StoryTeller
P.S. Feel free to make my day by sharing with your favorite childhood art memory, I’d love to hear some of your childhood memories! Email: studio@gherdaihassell.com
little Me is so proud.
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