Your twenties are often painted as a time of reinvention—a decade of growth, independence, and self-discovery. We move away from the people we once were, shedding childhood ideals and teenage habits in favor of becoming a more refined, "adult" version of ourselves. But what if rediscovering who we truly are means looking back rather than just moving forward? What if, in the process of growing up, we’ve abandoned pieces of ourselves that were actually the truest parts of us?
The Teenage Self: A Glimpse Into Our Inner Child
It’s easy to think of our teenage years as something we’ve outgrown, a phase filled with impulsive decisions, intense emotions, and cringeworthy moments. But teenagers are, in many ways, the most raw and authentic versions of us. They feel things deeply, dream without limits, and hold on to passions with a fierce intensity that adulthood often dulls.
Teenagers are still children at their core, carrying the wide-eyed wonder of youth while beginning to form their own identities. The art they created, the music they blasted in their rooms, the fashion experiments, the diary entries filled with big dreams—these were never just fleeting phases. They were pieces of our inner child speaking through a teenage lens. So why do we let them go?
The Pressure to "Grow Up" and What It Costs Us
Somewhere between eighteen and twenty-five, the world expects us to become more practical. We trade spontaneity for stability, passion for productivity, and self-expression for self-preservation. The things we once loved—writing poetry, dancing in our bedrooms, dressing in ways that made us feel alive—are often left behind in favor of what’s deemed "mature." But is that really growth, or is it just conformity?
In reality, our teenage selves often had a better understanding of who we are than we give them credit for. They weren’t burdened by the pressures of paying bills or career expectations. They followed their instincts, pursued what made them happy, and weren’t afraid to dream big. Instead of burying that version of ourselves, maybe it’s time to reconnect with them.
Reconnecting With Your Teenage Self
So how do we bridge the gap between who we are now and who we once were? Here are a few ways to embrace your teenage self without sacrificing the wisdom you’ve gained:
Revisit Old Passions – What did you love doing as a teen that you’ve since abandoned? Whether it was painting, journaling, playing an instrument, or dressing up in bold outfits, find ways to reintroduce those joys into your current life.
Listen to Your Old Playlists – Music has a way of unlocking memories and emotions. Revisit the songs you used to obsess over and see how they make you feel now. You might be surprised by how much they still resonate with you.
Wear What Makes You Feel Like You – Forget trends, forget what’s "age-appropriate." If your sixteen-year-old self had a signature style that made you feel confident and free, incorporate elements of it back into your wardrobe.
Embrace Unfiltered Joy – Teenagers don’t hold back when they’re passionate about something. Find the things that make you excited, even if they seem trivial, and give yourself permission to indulge in them fully.
Let Yourself Dream Again – Your teenage self wasn’t afraid of thinking big. Take a moment to remember the dreams you once had. Which ones still spark something inside you? Maybe it’s time to pursue them.
You Never Really "Grow Out" of Yourself
Growing up doesn’t mean leaving parts of yourself behind. If anything, it should mean integrating all the versions of you—the child, the teen, and the adult—into a whole, authentic person. Your teenage self wasn’t just a phase; they were a foundation. And maybe, just maybe, rediscovering them is the key to truly finding yourself again.
So go back. Reopen that chapter. Let your inner teen take up space again. They were never meant to be forgotten.