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I've decided that for Issue 5 of this series, instead of talking about Creating Your Personal Energy Protocol this week, there is something else I need to talk about first: Healing Our Inner Child.

Healing Our Inner Child to Break the Codependency Cycle

Our codependent patterns are often rooted in our childhood. The beliefs we formed about love, worthiness, and safety as children can unconsciously guide our adult relationships. Healing from emotional harm and codependency often requires us to do some "inner child work."

Your inner child is the part of you that still carries the memories and emotions of your youth. When you feel triggered or react disproportionately to a situation, it's often "little you" who is crying out.

Little you is the source of your deepest wounds, but also your greatest joy and creativity. People who live in codependency were often put in charge of adult tasks as children -- like managing and being responsible for the family's harmony or (out of necessity) being hyperaware of a parent's mood for their own emotional or physical safety.

So how do we connect and heal our inner child?

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3 Steps That Put Adult Me Back In Charge

1. Acknowledge Little You's Pain: "I See You, and It Wasn't Your Fault."

The first, most powerful act I took was to stop minimizing my own history. As the adult me, I must become the compassionate witness that the child me never had. This step was about validating the truth of little me's experience.

Throughout my 21-year marriage, I absorbed the shame and blamed myself for my ex-husband's moods. Little Bri would whisper (and sometimes still does), "I am bad because I make people angry."

Now, when this thought arises, I have made it a practice to find a quiet space, put my hand over my heart, and say: "I see you, little Bri. The one who walked on eggshells every day. That stress, that fear of being 'too much,' was real. You were not responsible for anyone's anger. Anger was your parents' choice (and your ex-husband's choice) -- it was never your fault."

Adult me then forgives myself for the misunderstanding between little me and adult me with a statement such as: "I see the young woman who gave up her dreams and passions because she thought love meant martyrdom. That was exhausting, and I forgive myself for the misunderstanding that you believed love meant martyrdom and for making that choice to survive. The truth is I am worthy of love, safety, and rest simply because I exist, and my value is not, and never was, dependent on my suffering or my utility to others."

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2. I Reparent Myself: Give Little Me What Was Missing

Reparenting means I consciously give myself the validation, comfort, and unconditional love I might not have received, or that I neglected while I was busy caring for everyone else. This is where I heal the core lack.

When I feel a pang of sadness or anger over a past event, instead of dismissing or ignoring the feeling with, "Stop dwelling on the past," I treat myself like a hurt child. I speak compassionately to myself and say, "It's okay to be sad about that loss right now. Your anger is valid. We are going to sit here and allow ourselves to feel this emotion to allow it through." I physically comfort myself -- maybe a warm blanket, a cup of tea, or...ok ok ok...some chocolate -- because the feeling is real.

When I inevitably mess up -- I miss a deadline, I forget a task -- my Rude Brain flares up. ("See? You're still incompetent!") I repart myself by interrupting that voice immediately with something like, "I love you anyway. You made a mistake, but you are not a mistake. We will learn from this, and we will try again."

These consistent, compassionate actions build the inner resilience necessary to handle failure without spiraling into shame.

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3. I Set Boundaries for Little Me: Protection in the Present

My inner child is now a treasured part of me, and it is the adult me who must act as her fierce protector. Setting boundaries prevents me from dragging that wounded child back into scenarios that mimic her original pain.

When people from my past or present begin monopolizing conversations, demanding immediate responses, or constantly seek emotional labor, the adult me sets a firm boundary: "I need to step away from the phone now. I'll get back to you in the morning." I am teaching my inner child that her time and energy are sacred and not up for negotiation.

When a friend or family member begins venting about a problem they haven't asked for help with (a situation I would have immediately tried to solve), I listen empathetically but refuse to take on their burden. "That sounds incredibly tough. What is your plan for handling that?" or "I trust you to figure this out." I am shielding my inner child from the exhaustion of the old "savior" role. I still struggle here sometimes -- especially when I know I am capable of fixing the issue.

By consistently applying these 3 steps, I move from surviving my past to thriving in my present. I am giving the little girl inside me the particular kind of safe, secure, and unconditional love that she always deserved.

This work is not about dwelling in the past; it's about freeing yourself from it so you can create a bold, new future.

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Healing Adult Me Through Loving Little Me

I recently came across this picture of myself when I was between 4-5 years old.

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I was the perfect angel for Halloween that year, and every day, really -- or at least I tried to be.

Look at my face -- I'm not smiling widely; I'm beaming with the pressure of doing it right.

Being an angel wasn't just a costume; it was my full-time job. I had to be good, quiet, helpful, and sweet. I had to float above the fray, never scuff my shoes, never raise my voice, never, ever be a bother -- emotions were dangerous.

I remember being this little girl and the tightness in my chest, a small, anxious flutter beneath the flimsy cotton gown.

I remember thinking, was I standing straight enough? Would the neighbors think I was the best angel?

The fear of getting it wrong was far scarier than any jack-o'-lantern monster. Even the goofy-looking pumpkin with the wild hair seemed less scrutinized than I felt. I felt like I was always too much or not enough.

Now, I look at that little girl from the perspective of 44-year-old me, who has finally -- BOLDLY -- started to learn what being enough actually means.

I want to step into that grainy photograph, bend down, and scoop her up in a fierce, protective hug.

I want to feel the weight of those cardboard wings pressing against me and whisper into her ear, "Oh, sweet girl. You can drop the painful mask. You can wrinkle the costume. You don't have to save anyone, and you certainly don't have to be perfect. You are enough, right now, just as you are. You don't have to earn your wings every single minute.

Take a deep breath.

Laugh.

Run.

Be loud.

Make a mess.

Your goodness isn't measured by how still you stand. You are magnificent, and you ALWAYS have been."

I want to give her the permission I spent the last four decades fighting to give myself. I can't go back, but I can look at her and finally release that tiny, strained, perfectly poised angel. She tried so hard, and I love her for it. But all she needed was a reminder that she could just be.

I spent most of my life trying to be an idealized version of myself: always accommodating, always smiling, always prioritizing the approval of others over my own feelings. My rigid posture and earnest face weren't just for the photo; they were my way of trying to control the world's perception of me, believing that perfection was the price of love and acceptance.

Can you relate? Are you a "Recovering Good Girl?"

The true magic in looking at this picture now, as a 44-year-old woman, is the realization that the pressure to be "good" was the heaviest burden of all. We often confuse being a good person with being a people-pleasing performer -- and this is where we become co-dependent in order to please everyone else.

The truth is, value was never, and will never be, tied to the ability to be flawless, quiet, or universally approved.

To my fellow "Recovering Good Girls," You don't have to earn your space. You are worthy simply because you exist. Your real feelings are not a disruption. Discomfort, anger, and needs are not flaws; they are information. Your authenticity is better than acting or masking.

It's exhausting to wear a costume every day. True connection comes when you finally take the mask off.

I want every woman who looks back at her own "angel" phase -- that time she tried too hard to be the perfect student, daughter, friend, partner, or employee -- to remember that the most important affirmation and value should always come from within.

Most all have a version of that small, earnest self tucked away inside, the one who was constantly striving for love, acceptance, safety, and freedom.

Sit with little you today. Grab a photo of little you and look at her.

What is the one thing your little self was trying so desperately to prove to the world, and what is the powerful, loving truth you can finally offer her now?

If you are having trouble walking through this exercise, this is a large part of what I do in my coaching practice. We heal our inner self, so we can allow our external self to thrive. I'd love to walk this journey with you.

You can schedule a free clarity call here: https://tidycal.com/briannalgeorge/freeclaritycall

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The Unburdening: From Angel to Authentic

This work of healing the Inner Child -- acknowledging the pain, reparenting with compassion, and setting firm boundaries -- is not a task to check off a list. It is the bold, necessary, ongoing process of giving yourself the unconditional love and safety you always deserved.

When I look at that four-year-old angel, I am no longer looking at a burden. I am looking at the source of my strength, the little girl who survived emotional chaos by being brilliantly adaptable. And when I give her permission to make a mess, be loud, and drop the costume, I am giving that same permission to my 44-year-old self.

You cannot truly be a whole, autonomous adult until you have lovingly parented the child within you.

By choosing to protect Little Bri, I am actively protecting my new, BOLD life from the old patterns of performance, resentment, and martyrdom. The pressure to be "good" is lifted, and I am finally free to be real.

Next week, I will wrap up this series, take this reclaimed energy, and put it into practice. We'll shift our focus from deep internal work to the practical steps of self-protection for living out this new, bold life. Join me for Issue 6: Your Boldest Commitment -- to yourself: Creating Your Personal Energy Protocol. I'm talking tactical strategies for setting the boundaries that sustain this new, safe, and authentically BOLD life.

If you're just joining me during this 'Reclaiming your Bold Life' series, you can catch up and find the past issues here.

Bri💋

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Bold Challenge Questions

1.Look at your own picture of "Little You" (or just visualize her/him). What is the one core belief that your Inner Child adopted to survive? (ex: "Perfection is the price of safety," or "I must fix others to be valued.")

Write down that belief and then consciously set one small boundary today that directly contradicts that painful rule. (ex: if the belief is "I must fix others," the boundary is "I will listen empathetically but offer no advice.")

2. The next time your Rude Brain (the inner critic) flares up after you make a mistake (no matter how small), interrupt it immediately. What is the most compassionate, affirming statement you can say to Little You in that moment? (Focus on unconditional love, not a self-help platitude -- say it out loud to yourself.)

3. Identify one situation this week where you feel the urge to "put on the costume/mask" (to perform, manage someone's mood, or hide your true feelings.) Commit to intentionally removing that mask for five minutes in that interaction.

What is the one genuine, unedited feeling or boundary you will share instead?

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🎁Want to Gift Someone Sessions with Me? 🎀

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Give the gift of genuine transformation this year! Whether they're tackling a big career change, crushing personal goals, or simply trying to find clarity in the chaos, a coaching package with me is the investment they truly need to thrive.

Starting 2026 Strong is the Goal. Getting There is the Gift.

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SPOTS ARE LIMITED! I am opening this offer up to the public next week! So make sure to shop NOW!

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When you purchase, a printable Gift Certificate with all the details will be provided automatically!

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💋If you've been thinking about working with me in 2026...

Book a Complimentary Clarity Call

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💪🏻Craving More Challenge?💪🏻

Enjoy a Boldly Driven Conversation with Bri.

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you don't miss an episode.

I haven't uploaded this week's episode about the mental load yet, but it should be live on Saturday -- so check my YouTube Channel to watch!

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❤️‍🩹Helpful Resources for your Personal Growth Journey! ❤️‍🩹

(Also Fantastic Holiday Gifts!)

Emotional Health Digital Products found on my website

Emotional Healing journals on Amazon

Your favorite, most radiant self is waiting for you to discover just how amazing you are!

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Brianna L. George

Boldly live out loud as your authentic self.💋

BriannaLGeorge.com

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