From Punishments to Priorities: How Childhood Lessons Became My Adult Goals

By Reiki RaEss

Growing up, I was that kid—the one sent to their room for talking too much, told to eat all my vegetables, or guilted into going to bed early. Back then, it felt like the ultimate punishment, but now? It’s my recipe for peace and alignment.

As I look back, I’ve realized that the very things I resisted as a child are now the pillars of my adult wellness journey. Let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the things that once felt like discipline but have become sacred rituals of self-care.


1. Eating My Vegetables

Remember the dramatic battles at the dinner table? The faces I made, the tears I shed over a plate of broccoli or spinach? Now, I’m blending kale into smoothies, sautéing zucchini with love, and marveling at the healing power of plants.
🌱 Why I Do It Now: I’ve learned that nourishing my body is an act of self-love. Each meal packed with greens fuels my energy, supports my healing, and connects me to the Earth’s abundance.


2. Taking Naps

Oh, the dreaded nap time! As a kid, it felt like punishment—missing out on the action while everyone else played. Now? Naps are the highlight of my day.
😴 Why I Do It Now: Rest is non-negotiable. My body, especially with fibromyalgia, thrives when I honor its need for recovery. A quick nap recharges my energy and keeps me aligned with my purpose.


3. Staying Home

Growing up, being “grounded” was the worst. Missing out on the fun, stuck indoors with nothing but books and my thoughts? Torture! But as an adult, home is my haven.
🏠 Why I Do It Now: My space is curated with love—plants, crystals, candles, and my favorite cozy spots. Home is where I feel most aligned, grounded, and safe to explore my creativity.


4. Going to Bed Early

Remember begging for “just 5 more minutes”? I thought staying up late was a sign of freedom. Now, I look forward to curling up in bed early with my favorite tea, journal, and some healing music.
🌙 Why I Do It Now: Quality sleep isn’t just rest—it’s restoration. Early nights allow me to dream, heal, and wake up ready to embrace the day’s opportunities.


The Wisdom Behind the Punishments

What once felt like discipline was really the Universe laying the foundation for the life I’m building today. The truth is, those “punishments” taught me skills I didn’t know I’d need—patience, reflection, and a love for simple, intentional living.


Your Turn: From Punishment to Peace

What childhood “punishments” have you reclaimed as your adult rituals? Maybe it’s walking barefoot in the grass (aka grounding), or the quiet time you once resisted. Share your reflections in the comments!

✨ Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come, turning what once felt like restrictions into powerful tools for self-care and alignment.

Blog Inspired by My TikTok Series
Catch more of my reflections on TikTok, where I’m sharing visuals and stories about eating my veggies, taking naps, staying home, and embracing rest. Let’s keep this conversation going—because healing is a lifelong journey, and it’s always better with community.

#HealingJourney #AdultingWithGrace #ReikiRaEss #SelfCareRituals #PositiveInnerG #SomethingNubian

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