Conditioned states trigger you in everyday life until you recognize the nature of the subconscious mind.  As you grow increasingly conscious, the subconscious disappears and its clear it is illusion. Come to realize what is real. Once you come to feel it, you move beyond symbolism.  The inner child is simply a symbol of that part of you that wants to be loved.  The nature of being is love. Only as you discover what is not real, do you allow your real essence, pure feeling, to take over.  Live from this essence and recognize there is no-thing to know, no-thing to become.  Contentment and fulfillment are innate.  Accept you are perfect as you are.  Feel the joy ego mind tells you that you must strive for.  It is already here.  Joy is a core state.