Shadow Work: bringing our fears into the light
In my morning journaling, I faced a deep fear of not achieving my dreams because of motherhood's daily demands. Embracing Shadow Work allowed me to confront this truth, empowering me to move forward, instead of suppressing my fears. I share why it’s vital to make the unconscious conscious, using our repressed instincts as a force of liberation and personal growth. [7.11.24.]
The brevity of life: go for it
"Most dreams take longer than we expect."
I wrote this in my morning pages, reflecting on a painful truth. Since having a baby, life has been full of nurturing and caring—a beautiful journey that also brings a deep awareness of how quickly time passes. In what feels like a blink, my baby is now a curious 1.5-year-old.
Watching him grow is a profound privilege, and yet, just like that, time speeds forward and days are dust. Things that once took one hour, now take three hours due to interruptions, surprises and mishaps. Motherhood has made me fiercely aware that if I don’t pursue my heartfelt dreams now, they’ll be forgotten (replaced by busyness).
Shadow Work: know your fears
Carl Jung said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will rule your life and you will call it fate.”
Carl Jung believed the unconscious mind (a hidden part of our psyche that once understood allows for greater self-awareness and growth) speaks to us through dreams, imagination, and symbols, revealing hidden motivations and conflicts. By acknowledging these messages, we gain insight into our actions and make more conscious choices.
Jung also introduced the concept of the "shadow self"—our repressed instincts, desires, and traits we often deny or project onto others. Unlike our social "persona," the shadow includes darker more unacceptable emotions (for example, hate, envy, greed etc). By facing our shadows, we shine a light on what we need to overcome, bringing a new perspective and understanding to our behaviours.
What are my shadows and fears?
My morning pages revealed a painful truth: life’s brevity demands urgency for our dreams, yet we ignore this, clinging to the illusion “that we have time” (when there’s no such guarantee).
It may sound bleak but hard deadlines (death) bring urgency and vitality into what we do now. No matter what obstacles we face, we can choose to prioritise our dreams (no matter how hard it is).
“Convenience culture seduces us into imagining that we might find room for everything important by eliminating only life’s tedious tasks. But it’s a lie. You have to choose a few things, sacrifice everything else, and deal with the inevitable sense of loss that results.” - Oliver Burkeman, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
Some of my fears
Book: I procrastinate on writing my book because I fear it won’t be good or relevant.
Failing at my business: my journey toward financial stability as an entrepreneur is filled with constant learning, unlearning, and embracing imperfection, after leaving a corporate job in 2020.
Slowness: I often compare my slow progress to others, questioning why it takes me so long.
Illuminating fears
Shadow Work prompts to get clarity on fears, insecurities and judgemental thoughts.
“Shadow work is the path of the heart warrior” —Carl Jung
Shadow Work brings our fears and anxieties into the light so we can gain power over our insecurities. By acknowledging painful truths—like life’s brevity and the risk of unfulfilled dreams—we face uncomfortable realities that we often ignore. Truly understanding our hidden fears and motives we can choose action over falling asleep, creating more intentional choices (rather than being driven by unconscious fears).
TL;DR
Embrace life’s brevity: Motherhood highlights how quickly time passes, urging us to prioritise our dreams now, before they fade into busyness.
Face the shadow self: Jung’s concept of the "shadow" helps us confront hidden fears and motives, allowing for greater self-awareness and conscious choices.
Bring fears to light: By acknowledging our insecurities and fears, we empower ourselves to act intentionally, choosing growth over unconscious patterns.
✍️ Journal prompt: What’s one fear or insecurity that if you overcame, would give you immediate confidence?
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