Unmasking Your Shadow: The Stories That Shape (and Limit) Your Life

Have you ever felt like a puppet, your strings pulled by an unseen force? This force isn't supernatural; it's your shadow self, a collection of deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviours formed in response to childhood experiences.

My shadow takes many forms, echoing patterns programmed into me. It's the part of me that clings to unhealthy relationships, seeks escape through work (or avoids it entirely), and fixates on external validation. Often, I mistake my shadow for my true self.

But there's another part of me – the authentic me – untouched by life's twists and turns. This true self gets buried beneath layers of stories: stories about money, relationships, work, success, and self-worth. These stories, formed in childhood, whisper in my ear, guiding my decisions and actions.

For instance, a childhood experience where my needs weren't met might lead me to believe I'm unworthy of love or attention. This belief becomes a shadow, shaping my adult relationships and choices.

These stories aren't malicious; they're survival mechanisms, protecting us from repeating past hurts. But they also limit us, keeping us stuck in patterns that no longer serve us.

Imagine stepping out of these stories, seeing the world with fresh eyes. Imagine creating a life based on your desires, not your shadow's dictates. This is the path to liberation.

It's not about erasing the past, but rewriting it. It's about recognising the stories that shape us, then choosing whether to embrace or discard them. It's about reclaiming our power, living authentically, and stepping into the light.