During a particularly stressful business negotiation, I found myself freezing up despite all my preparation. When I checked in, I realized my inner child was terrified of conflict, having learned it wasn’t safe. Instead of pushing through, I took a moment to connect with this younger part of me: “I understand why you’re scared. But adult Fiona knows how to handle difficult conversations respectfully. We’re safe to speak our truth.”

This simple dialogue completely shifted my energy, allowing me to participate with confidence. What surprised me most was how quickly this approach could transform situations that had previously felt insurmountable. The key was recognizing when my inner child was activated and responding with compassion rather than frustration.