How We Are Our Most Authentic Selves as Children—and How to Reconnect With That

We’ve all heard the phrase “childlike wonder,” but there’s more to it than just the innocent excitement that comes with seeing something new. Children, in many ways, are the epitome of authenticity. Their sense of self isn’t yet clouded by societal expectations, self-doubt, or the pressures of ‘keeping up with the Joneses.’ They simply are. They show up as themselves, unapologetically.

But as we grow, the layers of complexity build. We’re influenced by what we think we should be, or how we should present ourselves. Our authentic selves often take a backseat to the idea of who we think others want us to be. And that’s where we start to lose touch with the essence of who we truly are.

At Vertebrae Social, we work with entrepreneurs and founders who often feel this same pull to ‘fit in’ or to create a brand that mirrors what’s trending or what seems successful. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that authenticity is the real secret sauce to building a meaningful personal brand. The closer you get to being your true self, the easier it becomes to connect with others—and most importantly, to connect with your own purpose.

So, how can we reconnect with that childlike authenticity, the one that exists before the world started telling us who we “should” be?

Revisit Your Childhood Passions

Children are naturally drawn to activities that light them up, whether that’s art, sports, storytelling, or simply being outdoors. As adults, we can lose track of those passions, especially if we’ve been swept up in work or life’s pressures. But reconnecting with the things you loved as a child can help you rediscover a more authentic version of yourself. Think about the hobbies, activities, or dreams that filled you with joy when you were younger. Could any of them fit into your life now. When all of our identity is tied up in one aspect of our lives, the fear of failure is overwhelming, as it feels like the death of our identity. When we wear many hats, we feel more free to take risks. All eggs/one basket.

Stop Overthinking and Start Doing

Children don’t overthink their actions; they simply do. They dive into projects, try new things, and aren’t afraid to fail. They don’t sit there wondering, “Will people like this?” or “Will this make me successful?” They are motivated by curiosity and enjoyment, not external validation. As adults, we often hold ourselves back from doing things that excite us because we’re afraid of what others will think. To reconnect with your authentic self, try to remove the pressure and just create. If you want to get better at painting, then paint. If you want to improve your writing, then write.

 Start small, but start. 

Get Comfortable With Vulnerability

Kids are masters of vulnerability. They cry when they’re upset, laugh when they’re happy, and wear their emotions on their sleeves. As we grow, we tend to suppress these emotions in favour of “being composed” or “looking professional.” However, it’s vulnerability that forms real connections—both with others and with our true selves. Embrace your vulnerability. Share your journey, struggles, and growth. This honesty will help you be more genuine and attract people who appreciate the real you.

Practice Self-Awareness

Children have an innate sense of who they are, but over time, we start to look outward for validation. To reconnect with your authentic self, spend time getting to know who you really are—what you enjoy, what you value, and what drives you. Meditation, journaling, or just being still for a few moments each day can help you centre yourself and get back in touch with your true essence.

Stop Comparing Yourself

Comparison is the thief of joy. One of the most damaging things we can do as adults is compare ourselves to others. Social media and the pressure to “be perfect” can make us feel like we’re never enough. But we didn’t always worry about who was cooler, who had more toys, or who was winning at life. Kids simply exist in the moment and enjoy what they have. Reconnect with this mindset by focusing on your own journey rather than comparing it to someone else’s highlight reel.

Final Thoughts

When we embrace the authenticity we had as children, we unlock the freedom to be unapologetically ourselves. The beauty of building a personal brand that’s rooted in who you really are is that it will naturally attract the right audience—one that connects with your values, your mission, and your genuine story. It may take a bit of effort to peel back those layers, but once you do, you’ll find that the best version of yourself has been there all along—waiting for you to come back.

At Vertebrae Social, we help our clients strip away the noise and find their authentic voice. Because when you show up as yourself, that’s when you truly shine.

Let’s reconnect with that inner child. The world is waiting to see you just as you are.