As with everything, fear is the only obstacle that keeps us prisoner. Even in our own mind. Kindness being the only way we can let the child within venture out and try the world again.
There are so many demons at work that it does become more of a battlefield to discern when we might even consider letting that innocent part of ourselves come out and play at being a grown up.
It sounds like you have been one of the fortunate ones to have found the courage and support to walk the line...