There are parts of myself that I do not show to people. Some moments of insecurity. Some old fears. Some quiet anger. Some softness that I protect. Jung called these hidden parts the shadow, not because they are bad, but because they stay in the dark when I do not want to face them.
I used to think the shadow was something negative. Now, I see that it is simply the part of me that I have not accepted yet. It contains the emotions I push aside, the qualities I think I should not have, and the things I do not want people to see.
When I ignore these parts, they do not disappear. They just stay hidden and sometimes show up in ways that confuse me. A sudden reaction. A feeling that seems too strong. A thought that surprises me.
But when I sit with these parts, even for a moment, they begin to soften. I start to understand why they exist. I see the child in me who learned to hide. I see the person who wanted to be strong all the time. I see the version of myself who feared being judged or misunderstood.
The more honest I become with myself, the more compassionate I feel. The shadow is not an enemy. It is a part of me that wants attention, understanding, and care. It holds truths that can help me grow, not hurt me.
Today, I want to welcome even the uncomfortable parts of myself. I want to look at them with kindness. I want to let them teach me something instead of pushing them away.
There is strength in being whole, not just in showing my bright parts.
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