The Battle Within: Healing the Inner Child, Teen, and Tired Self

You’ve probably heard it before: healing isn’t linear.

But lately, I’ve been feeling something deeper—it’s not just a journey, it’s a tug-of-war.
Between versions of me. Between the voices inside. Between who I was, who I had to become, and who I’m still becoming.

Then I came across a quote by Brené Brown that landed in my gut like truth:

“Healing is a constant battle between your inner child who is scared and just wants safety, your inner teenager who is angry and just wants justice, and your current self who is tired and just wants peace.”

And wow. That was it. That was the feeling I couldn’t quite name.

Your Inner Child, Teenager, and Present Self Are All Speaking

There’s a part of me that still flinches when things feel uncertain.
She’s little. She’s scared. She wants to be held and told it’s all going to be okay.

Then there’s my teenage self—the rebel.
The one who’s done with the people-pleasing, who wants to scream “enough!” and finally be heard.
She’s fierce. She’s protective. And she’s still healing from being told to shrink, quiet down, and be “nice.”

And then there’s me—today.
The woman doing the work. Building something from soul. Trusting her intuition even when it makes no logical sense.
I’m tired, but I’m also more awake than I’ve ever been. I want peace—but not the passive kind. The rooted kind. The kind I create from within.

You Don’t Have to Choose Just One Voice

Healing has meant learning to honor all three of these voices.
Not silencing them. Not choosing one over the other.

But letting them speak—and responding with love, boundaries, and deep self-trust.

Because the truth is: they’re all part of me.
And the more I reject them, the more I reject myself.

So instead of battling, I’m learning to listen.
To hold space for all of it. To soften into the discomfort. To walk with these parts, not against them.

What If All of You Is Worthy of Love?

If you’re navigating your own healing right now, maybe this is your reminder:

• It’s okay to feel scared, angry, and tired—all at once.

• It’s okay to want safety, justice, and peace in the same breath.

• It’s more than okay to listen to all parts of you.

Healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken.
It’s about coming home to yourself.

Try This Reflection Prompt Today:

Grab your journal or open a voice note and ask:

• What is my inner child needing right now?

• What does my inner teenager want to shout from the rooftops?

• What would bring my current self a little more peace today?

Write. Feel. Breathe. Let it be sacred. Let it be enough.