Welcome to this week’s episode of Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken, where we're getting real about healing the inner teen. After a brief hiatus due to personal loss I’m back, and it feels fitting to dive into something personal!
This episode isn't just about looking back at our teenage selves with a mix of nostalgia and cringe; it's about understanding how those years have shaped us, acknowledging the pain, the confusion, and the moments of growth.
In the episode I will compare healing the inner child to healing the inner teen, discussing how these phases impact us differently. The inner teen phase, with its identity crises, first heartbreaks, and quests for independence, requires a unique approach to healing.
I’ll share some personal stories and explore signs that you might have unresolved issues from your teenage years and what you can do about it. From journaling reflective prompts like your relationship with authority or how peer pressure influenced you, to reconnecting with your teenage self through hobbies or music, we’re covering it all.
And, of course, we’ll get a little witchy with it. Expect a spell or two to help embrace and heal your inner teen.
If you’ve got thoughts, feelings, or just want to share your journey, hit me up on Instagram @SOTWWITHROWAN or shoot me an email at seasonofthewitchpodcast@gmail.com. Let’s keep the conversation going.
Stay witchy, bitchy, sassy, and classy.
As promised in the episode, here are the journal prompts:
Describing the Teenage Experience: What were your teen years like? Reflect on the general atmosphere of this time in your life, considering both the highs and the lows.
Safety and Support: In what ways did you not feel safe or supported as a teen? Consider emotional, physical, and intellectual aspects.
Coping Mechanisms: How did you handle your feelings about not feeling safe or supported? Reflect on both healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms you might have adopted.
False Self: What kind of "false self" did you have to develop as a result of your experiences? How did you present yourself to the world to protect your true feelings or to fit in?
Relationship with Your Mother: What was your relationship with your mother (or primary caregiver) during your teen years? Consider both the positive aspects and the challenges.
Influence of Peers: How did your friendships and peer relationships influence your perception of yourself during your teenage years?
Dreams and Aspirations: What dreams or aspirations did you have as a teenager? Reflect on how these have changed or evolved over time.
Inner Teenager in Adulthood: How is your inner teenager showing up in your life right now as an adult? Consider behaviors, reactions, fears, and dreams.
Unmet Needs: What were the unmet needs of your teenage self? Reflect on emotional, physical, and social needs that were not addressed or fulfilled.
Messages Received: What messages did you receive about your worth, your body, and your capabilities as a teen? How have these messages influenced your self-perception?
Regrets and Forgiveness: Are there things you regret doing or not doing during your teen years? Explore the possibility of forgiving yourself and others.
Lessons Learned: What important lessons did you learn during your teenage years? Consider how these lessons have shaped your adult life.
Expression of Emotions: How did you express or suppress your emotions as a teenager? Reflect on the outlets you had or wished you had for emotional expression.
Changes in Beliefs: How have your beliefs (about yourself, others, and the world) changed since your teen years?
Letter to Your Teenage Self: Write a letter to your teenage self. What would you want to tell her? What advice, comfort, or warnings might you offer?
Celebrating the Teenage Self: What aspects of your teenage self are you proud of? Reflect on the strengths and unique qualities you possessed, even in the midst of challenges.
