The concept of an “inner child” has become something of a cliche. But I think it’s a really important idea, to help us remember a part of ourselves that’s too easily forgotten.

Every age that we have ever been is still within us. The innocent, wide-eyed child that found wonder in every day. The not-quite-so-innocent teenager having all-new emotions and experiences. The young adult reveling in their independence. The older, maybe wiser adult, who sometimes wants to return to that younger self of the past.

Instead of trying to go back in time, let’s allow that child still within us to show us what it sees. Let’s allow them to remind us of the wonder of discovery. Let’s look at the world with new eyes.

Let’s embrace our own innocence.