I've Hit a Wall....HELP!

Now that I have discovered my inner child I see that for years she has controlled me. She is so afraid of not being liked. She is horrified of rejection. Even in my classes. I have always been social but its rooted in insecurity. My sweet little baby wants everyone to like her. Mean words or unpredictable behavior hurts her because she automatically internalizes it. She screams at me every day. Its actually overwhelming. She's prevented me from knowing my true self. Who am I when she's not in control? How did you guys discover yourselves? What exercises helped?? How do you know who you are REALLY. I'm kind of freaking out here