Episode 18: My Inner Child is a Graffiti Artist and They’re Tagging All My Dreams

Lately, my dreams have gotten really wild — and colorful. Instead of quiet, peaceful nights, I keep waking up to images splashed with bright, bold graffiti. Words like “LOVE ME” and “I MISS RECESS” are sprayed across the skies of my dreamscapes like street art. It’s like someone— or something — has taken a can of neon paint and tagged every corner of my mind while I sleep.

The culprit? Carl, my monocled cactus friend, says it’s my “unparented psychic youth within” — basically, my inner child finally demanding attention. And trust me, this inner kid has some serious artistic flair.

---

The Tagger Inside Me

Carl explained that our inner child is the part of us that holds all the feelings and memories from when we were young — the part that sometimes gets forgotten or ignored when life gets busy or tough. When that inner child isn’t heard or cared for, it can start “tagging” our subconscious with messages and colors, just like a rebellious graffiti artist.

My dreams started turning into canvases. One night, I dreamed I was walking through a quiet city, and suddenly the walls exploded in neon words and pictures: a big heart with “LOVE ME” written inside, a giant smiley face, and even a scribbled note that said, “I MISS RECESS.” The messages felt like urgent cries for attention from that little kid inside me who just wants to be seen and loved.

---

Finger Paints and Glitter Threats

But the graffiti didn’t stop at words. Soon, my dreams started showing finger paintings — colorful, messy blobs and swirls like the kind of art you’d make in preschool. They looked childish but somehow meaningful, like a secret language only my inner child knew.

Then there were the glitter threats. Imagine waking up to find your dreams covered in sparkling glitter that’s impossible to clean up! Carl said the glitter was like the inner child’s way of saying, “I’m here, and I’m not going away.” It’s messy, shiny, and impossible to ignore—much like feelings we try to hide but that keep sparkling through no matter what.

---

What Does My Inner Child Want?

I started thinking about what these bright messages might mean. Why would my inner child be shouting “LOVE ME” in neon letters? Or miss recess, a simple childhood joy?

It made me realize that inside all of us, there’s a little person who still remembers the fun, the hurt, and the need for love and freedom. Sometimes, as adults, we forget how important those feelings are.

The graffiti was my subconscious way of reminding me to play more, to be kinder to myself, and to give my inner child the attention they deserve.

---

Carl’s Advice: Listen and Create

Carl, ever the wise monocled cactus, told me, “When your inner child starts tagging your dreams, it’s time to listen. It wants to be heard through art, play, and kindness.”

So, I decided to do just that. I started setting aside time every day to create — not perfect art, but messy, colorful paintings and drawings. I let my inner child take over the brush, splashing paint like wild graffiti on paper.

I even tried finger painting again, laughing at how silly and fun it was. It reminded me of recess, of freedom, and of the joy of making a mess without worrying about rules.

---

What You Can Do with Your Inner Child

You don’t have to wait for dreams full of graffiti to notice your inner child. Here are some ways you can listen to and care for your own inner kid:

Draw or paint messily — Don’t worry about making it perfect. Use bright colors and let your imagination run wild. Finger painting is a great way to start!

Write or say what your inner child might feel — Maybe they’re lonely, scared, or just want more fun. Try writing a letter to your inner child or talking to them like a friend.

Play freely — Spend time outside playing games you loved as a kid or trying new ones. Let yourself run, jump, and be silly.

Give your inner child hugs — Sometimes just thinking about giving your younger self love and kindness can make a big difference.

Create a special space — Set up a corner in your room with your favorite toys, drawings, or things that make you happy to remind your inner child they are safe and loved.

---

Why This Matters

Listening to your inner child helps you understand your feelings better and makes you stronger inside. It’s like having a secret helper who knows what you need but has been too shy or scared to speak up until now.

When you care for your inner child, you get more joy, creativity, and peace. You learn to forgive yourself for mistakes and celebrate the things that make you unique.

Carl says that sometimes our inner child’s graffiti can look messy or confusing, but that’s just part of being human. The colors and words may be loud, but they hold important messages about love and healing.

---

Vocabulary Words

Inner child — the part of you that holds your childhood feelings and memories.

Psychic — related to the mind or spirit, not physical things.

Subconscious — the part of your mind that works quietly behind the scenes, even when you’re not aware.

Graffiti — pictures or words painted or drawn on walls, often in bright colors.

Finger painting — painting with your fingers instead of brushes, often messy and fun.

---

Key Lesson

Your inner child is like an artist tagging your dreams with messages and colors. Instead of ignoring those bright, messy feelings, listen to them. Let yourself play, create, and show kindness to that part of you. It’s a way to grow stronger, happier, and more whole.

---

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this colorful journey with my inner child and Carl’s cactus wisdom. Do you have a special way to listen to your inner child? Share your ideas or drawings in the comments — I’d love to see them!