Embrace your Shadow.

Conventional wisdom often advocates for perpetual positivity by encouraging us to eliminate our “dark side.” When we gain additional wisdom in our personal growth, however, we realize that it is often advantageous to learn to embrace the parts of ourselves that many might categorize as negative or destructive. We all have a shadow side that may actually serve as a path toward true self-improvement and deeper personal growth. This is not about embracing evil or harmful behaviors; it is about gaining a greater understanding by acknowledging that seemingly negative traits such as envy, fear, guilt, and rage, can provide us with the wisdom required for complete self-actualization.

When we dare to face our less-than-desirable traits free of judgment and shame and accept the totality of our humanity, magical things begin to unfold. Anger, for example, when accepted and creatively explored, can be transformed into passion, making us more relentless in the pursuit of our goals. Guilt may be utilized to build greater empathy, making us more compassionate as individuals. Fear may inspire greater caution and discernment in decision-making, preventing us from making irrational decisions. Taking the time to discover a changing dynamic by using all that we are is not only liberating; it is powerful.

When we engage our dark side, we are provided with the opportunity to develop a deeper level of self-awareness and maturity by learning how to balance the light and the dark for greater harmony. We learn to completely accept and embrace all of our characteristics and inclinations and face life’s challenges as whole human beings, using that yin-yang as a superpower instead of an obstacle.

Success or sabotage? If we wish to create greater harmony in the world, we must begin with ourselves.

Is this going to be an incredible day? If we are able to find the good during bad or uncomfortable circumstances, we are unstoppable.

Embrace your Shadow.

We all have a shadow side within us, and it's not something to fear or suppress. Our shadow represents the parts of ourselves that we may not feel comfortable acknowledging or expressing. It could be our fears, our anger, our insecurities, or even our hidden desires. But instead of casting these aspects aside, we should learn to embrace them as an integral part of who we are.

By embracing our shadow side, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. It allows us to develop empathy and compassion for those struggling with similar issues. When we acknowledge and accept our flaws and imperfections, it becomes easier to accept others for theirs too. Embracing our shadow also means recognizing that growth lies in accepting all parts of ourselves – the light and the dark.

Our shadow side can actually be a source of creativity and inspiration. The parts of ourselves that we might consider taboo or unacceptable hold immense transformative power when channeled positively. By confronting and integrating these less desirable aspects into our personality, we tap into endless possibilities for personal growth and self-discovery. Only by honoring every aspect of who we are can we achieve true authenticity.

Success or sabotage? Success begins at home; if you are unable to accept all that you are, how can you expect others to do so?

Is this an incredible day? Each day is transformed when you realize that the answer is always within and never outside of yourself.

Reclaim the Gift.

There are parts of ourselves, elements of our truth, that we sometimes push to the side. They are the parts that we find uncomfortable, inconvenient or embarrassing. They return intermittently, begging to be heard, holding a gift that is cleverly hidden beneath the resistance. What are you avoiding? What part of your story remains untold? What is the source of the demon that visits you in your most uncomfortable moments?

Take a breath. What comes to mind? Go deeper. Do not allow the argument of your monkey mind to distract you from the answer. Once you bring this answer into your consciousness, you will reclaim a part of yourself that will increase your propensity for greater love and joy.

Success or sabotage? Success requires one to walk through the darkness, holding the faith that there is a light on the other side of the tunnel.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Don't reject the potential and possibility of this day.

Embrace your Shadow.

Each of us is challenged by a "shadow side"--a side of ourselves that we do not easily (if at all) accept. It is often a part of our personality that we (or others) have rejected as unacceptable. It may be a character trait that in specific instances has been perceived as negative or ineffective. Rather than trying to rid ourselves of a component of our personality, it is useful to examine its contributions to our gifts. How does "it" serve as part of the "team"? Is it really the trait that is negative or is it the way that it is utilized?

An important step in stepping into your power and your highest vision for yourself is to embrace all that is you.  What is the gift in this shadow that you are tempted to repress or eliminate? How does it serve you? How does it aid you in better service to the world?

Success or sabotage? Success begins at home; if you are not able to accept all that you are, how can you expect others to do so?

Is this an incredible day? Each day is transformed when you realize that the answer is always within and never outside of yourself.