Even When Shit And Shadows Get Scary, I’m Still In!

Feature Photo by kil1k on Deviantart.com

I lovingly and appreciatively dedicate this post to a dear mentor, teacher, goddess, and friend, Lisa Marie Rosati, Creatrix of the Goddess Lifestyle Plan. She has shown me how to embrace my whole self and empowered me to deal with the dark areas and move forward no matter what. Thank you, Lisa.

You know that feeling you get when you’re watching a scary movie and the heroin is snooping in a really creepy, dark place? Well, I always say to myself or out loud, “What the hell are you doing? Why are you even going down there? Are you insane? Admit it, you’ve done it, too! Then I realize that there wouldn’t be a story or movie unless someone does something dramatic or risks getting chopped up into little pieces.

And, if you think about it, what would our lives be if nothing ever challenged us or had potential to cause a wrinkle in the fabric of our lives? Probably pretty boring and our learning curve would be a mere speed bump. So, like that crazy, thrill-seeking woman from the horror movie, I’m in with the tough stuff, the risk, the joy of overcoming my fear and shadows.

I’m learning to embrace my own shit, my shadows (the dark parts I try to hide from the world), the alter ego that just wants to be loved too. She is a part of me and needs my attention as much as the pretty, sparkly parts. The fact is, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without her. None of us would be. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be a victim of anyone else or especially myself, and the only way to prevent that is to go spelunking in the dense, dark forest of my being.

It’s calling to us all: “If you dare, come a little closer.” I dare! How about you?

Go into the Dark to See the Light

Knowing and understanding what lurks in the darkness of your life and self is something that will shine the brightest light you can imagine on any situation or challenge. It’s the unknown that we fear, what ultimately has power over us. I found out that I have a shadow control freak in my darkness. Her efforts to control people and situations has landed me on the shit list several times as of late. I think I always knew she was there but chose to ignore and defend myself when she tried to come to the surface. Denial. The thing is I’ve illuminated many other shadows over the years, but this one was more sneaky and elusive.

Now that I know what lurks in my basement, I can face it and ultimately allow peace and love to shine its light there. I now have to help her to be herself  in a balanced way by using a volume that does not disturb and cause drama. She is powerful and can serve me and mankind. I had to ask myself what positive contribution could control have in my life. I believe that it can be a wonderful thing in a situation where there is no one else to lead or show the way. That it can be a strong asset when trying to gather a group or team to move mountains for a worthy cause. That it could be a strength when I need to create order. And being on the eve of  publishing a book that is extremely dear to my heart, I needed to figure this out. I am grateful for what the universe shows me about myself.

What shadow(s) do you have lurking in the dark?

I challenge you this week to search your dark side for the orphan part of yourself that you may have left to fend for herself. She needs you to acknowledge her, to love her, and admit that she is an important part of who you are. Once you recognize her, work on balancing her attributes and creating positive ways in which she can come to the surface and be productive.