One thing I’m never doing — losing my inner child.
Because what’s the point of living if we stop laughing out loud, being silly, and finding joy in the smallest, silliest of things? Yes, life asks us to be mature and responsible. But you don’t need to carry that burden longer than the moment demands. The secret? Slip out of “adult mode” whenever you can, and let your inner child breathe.
Here are five simple ways I do it — and you can too:
1. Laugh Like You Mean It
I laugh out loud when I’m with people I’m comfortable with. And I don’t care what others think about my loud laughter — it comes straight from the heart. It’s messy, it’s unapologetic, and it feels like freedom. Honestly, laughter should never be polite.
2. Be Silly, Shamelessly
Sometimes, I speak gibberish just because it happens. Other times, I wear a saree at home and just roam around, singing nonsense songs and dancing for no reason. It feels ridiculous and yet so liberating. Being silly is like letting your soul breathe without judgment.
3. Ask ‘Why Not?’ Instead of Just ‘Why?’
In 2019, I was in Battambang, Cambodia at the bat caves when it suddenly started pouring. Most people rushed to find shelter, but I thought, why not have fun in the rain? So I stayed, running, jumping, turning my face upwards to the sky. Mathilde, a woman I’d met in Siem Reap, was reluctant to join me at first, but eventually she did — and we had the most magical time, soaked and laughing like children. That’s the joy of asking why not.
4. Play Without Purpose
Give me a game of kho kho, and I’ll say yes without a second thought. I don’t care if it’s “for kids” — play is not about age, it’s about joy. Whether it’s dancing randomly in my living room or singing nonsense songs, play reminds me that not everything needs a purpose or a plan.
5. Let Go, Fast
Sometimes when I’m angry, I just start laughing. Not like a crazy person, but more like an abbey jaane de yaar kind of laugh. It diffuses everything instantly. That’s the gift children give us — they don’t drag their emotions longer than necessary. We can choose that too.
The truth is: growing up is inevitable, but growing old in spirit is optional.
So go ahead — laugh, play, forgive, be silly. Repeat daily.
Your inner child is waiting.
Food for thought.
What’s one little thing you do that keeps your inner child alive?
