Reclaiming Childlike Joy: How to Start Chasing Your Childhood Dreams Again

A young girl joyfully rides her bike down the street in her neighborhood, embracing the freedom of a sunny day.

Y’all remember what it was like being a kid, right? The world was your playground, your imagination ran wild, and you could do anything you dreamed of. Whether you wanted to be an astronaut, a chef, or the next Oprah, nobody could tell you different. Somewhere along the way, though, life happened—bills, work, grown-up responsibilities—and those childhood dreams took a backseat. But guess what? It’s never too late to reclaim that childlike joy and go after the dreams you once had.

Let’s talk about how you can tap into that youthful magic again and bring those long-lost dreams back to life. And believe me, it’s gonna be fun!

Rediscover & Reclaiming the Joy of Play

When was the last time you played? I mean, not just working or hustling, but truly letting loose and having fun like you did when you were a kid. You know, running around the yard, playing dress-up, or creating something out of nothing? As adults, we often forget how much creativity and joy are sparked through play.

I dare you to take some time this week to do something playful—build a fort, color in a coloring book, or even dance in the mirror like nobody’s watching. These little moments of fun help reignite that childhood curiosity and remind you what it's like to dream big and free. Because, boo, those dreams didn’t disappear—you just need to reconnect with that playful part of yourself.

Shake Off the "Shoulds

Let’s keep it real—adulting has this funny way of piling up the “shoulds” on us. You should do this, you should have that, you should be this. But listen, it’s time to shake that off and get back to the want you had as a kid. Remember when you wanted to be a writer or an artist or an inventor? That wasn’t because you should, but because it lit a fire inside of you.

The beauty of chasing childhood dreams is that it’s about joy, not obligation. So, drop the "shoulds" and start focusing on what makes your heart leap again. You can be that kid again, excited about the possibilities of life without worrying about whether it makes sense to anyone else. If Khadijah could run Flavor magazine with that energy, so can you run after your dreams like they’re already yours!

Embrace Fearlessness and Imagination

One thing kids have mastered is that they are fearless—*zero* chill when it comes to trying new things. They don’t overthink, they don’t doubt—they just do. Remember how you used to believe you could fly if you jumped off the couch with enough determination? Well, let’s channel that kind of boldness and imagination into your grown-up dreams.

Don’t let fear be the thing that stops you from reclaiming what’s yours. The dreams you had weren’t random, they were placed in you for a reason. So if you’ve been thinking about launching that business, writing that book, or starting that passion project—do it now. That same imaginative energy you had as a child is still inside you. It’s time to wake it up and give it wings again.

Let Your Inner Child Lead

Tapping back into that childlike joy isn’t just about having fun (although trust me, that’s a big part of it); it’s about letting your inner child lead you back to the dreams you put on pause. Don’t get so caught up in the daily grind that you forget the magic that comes with dreaming. Whether it’s through play, shaking off the shoulds, or diving headfirst into fearlessness, it’s time to reconnect with those childhood passions and chase them with all your heart.

Go ahead and be that kid again—wild, imaginative, and full of dreams that “can” come true.