Healing My Inner Child Through Self Love

By, Fiona M.

As I have come into Steps 10 and 11, with a solid daily meditation practice and my Step 3 prayer, and my Step 5 and 7 prayer (which changes every day), I think that I have found the root of my problem.

The thing which I suffered from the most in active addiction, which stole my life-force, was my obsession. 

Marijuana was always on my mind. The most important thing in my life.

Without it, I find my mind replacing it, with other obsessive objects. Something that I can think of, which my mind wishes to spin a fantasy of pleasure upon, that lifts me momentarily out of my daily life and out of a place of mindfulness, and presence. 

If I substitute this thought, this desired object, with an image of a fantastical world —I tried a fluffy pink marshmallow world 🙂 — from below up pops my inner child, needing love and care and attention.

I realise that in my obsessive thoughts, I am looking for something outside of myself which I can only find within.

As an adult, only I can give my inner child– the wounded/neglected feeling part of myself which was shut away in childhood—  the self protection, the love, and the care that they need.

On this day I give myself the love that only I can give.

Published in A New Leaf – February 2025

More Articles

  • Heard in a Meeting

    “Don’t make a permanent decision based on a temporary feeling!” Published in A New Leaf – August 2026

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Cannabis Induced Psychosis (CIP)

    Written by, Connor B. I had my first psychotic episode at the age of 21 while away at college. While taking a bath, I was suddenly afraid I was going to drown so I called campus authorities and ran in the cold in only my pajamas to make it to the security booth. I hadn’t…

    Cannabis Induced Psychosis (CIP)
  • Surrender & Serenity

    Written by, Bella Even as a child I was inclined to argue and be stubborn. My skills of rationalizing and manipulation were part of my character makeup. I was also ready to start a game or sing-along at any given moment. But I was also shy, moody, and given to victim fantasies. I was the…

    Surrender & Serenity
  • Poem 4

    Written by, Jessyka C. It was the bee That inspired me To quit the green Been smoking so long I’m no longer ganga princess, I’m ganga queen Now I’m realising it’s only bringing me down Spending all my money on it like a clown I need to stop, give it a rest I can be better…

    Poem 4
  • I LIVE TO SERVE! (fast ska/punk)

    Composed by, John J Chord: AYou may be sinnin’But I’m in it to win it!I got all the tricks, shit!I’m the one who can fix it!When I come for your curveYou better not swerve!Man have I hit a nerve!Baby I LIVE TO SERVE! YO! Chord: BmWe’re only as sick as our secrets, manI’m more than…

    I LIVE TO SERVE! (fast ska/punk)
  • Amends to Self

    Written by, Anonymous My dear self, I love you, and I’m so proud of you. I haven’t always made it easy for you, but you’ve become such an incredible woman, and I’m certain you will continue to thrive in the future. I’m writing this letter as an amends for all I have done and failed…

    Amends to Self