#Embrace Self-Discovery

[hsmagazine254]

Exploring The Depths Of Your Shadow Self (Part 4) - Positive Reflection Of The Week

Benefits & Applications Of Shadow Work The rewards of shadow work are profound and far-reaching. Engaging in shadow work allows individuals to uncover and heal deep-seated emotional wounds, leading to a greater sense of self-awareness and personal growth. Furthermore, the insights gained from shadow work can enhance relationships, improve decision-making abilities, and foster a more authentic and…

[loveyourlovelysoul]

Growing up with emotionally immature parents brings you to self sacrifice. You start hiding your true feelings, dreams and even parts of who you really are in order to not disappoint them and how they see the world and what's better for you, but also to save yourself from possible negative/harsh feedback and abuse in general.

You grow emotionally distant from yourself, and you keep this distance out of habit also in your adulthood, where you carry shame and self hatred for these parts of you, unable to see their beauty and uniqueness.

Try to come back to those parts of you, to stop banishing them: they aren't wrong or scary. They are also a side of you that need love and appreciation, no matter what you were made to believe or if you had to keep a distance from them to save yourself. You can come back, you can change. And you can ask for help too.

source instagram

[ginzburgjake]

huh. something happened over the last two months

[tcfactory]

This is going to be a long Taash rant, I'm sorry.

I genuinely think trying to find their gender identity - along with their cultural one - is a fitting and personal story for Taash, being 20 and this being their first real chance to get out from their community and find themself. Is it on the nose and very hamfisted? Yeah, kinda. The writing can be really bad in this game overall. But that "nobody likes being a woman" line was pretty spot on, as far as these kinds of experiences go and sitting next to someone trying to figure themselves out is never pretty or smooth.

There are parts of their personal story that sink the whole thing for me, however. We could have done without using 'nonbinary' as a word - that's a very modern word that sticks out in the language of the game and doesn't get an explanation about how it even got there. I don't like the mother's character much, but when she goes "what does that even mean??" I thought that was a very legit reaction to being introduced to a new word (in a language that isn't her native one even) that, as far as I could gather, isn't even really used in Rivain. Taash got this fancy new word from Neve and because the concept fits, they are now resistant to calling it anything else.

Which is what ultimately sinks a scene that could have been about reconciliation, about parent and child finding a middle ground. Shathann tries to make sense of what her child is telling her, tries to find common ground - here's the word that the Qun uses for this concept, is this what you mean? - and Taash immediately rejects it, because she doesn't use their chosen word, isn't immediately on board with it in the exact way they want her to be. I'm sorry, did you want your mother to find common ground with you or not?? Shathann tries, but she's not doing it right so we are not doing this at all I guess???

I'm closeted irl (due to the state of politics and trans-related healthcare as well as rampant, violent queerphobia in my country) and I haven't dared to broach the topic with my mother because she's open minded about some things and very bigoted about others (very "I don't mind faggots, I want everyone to be happy with whoever they are that happiest, but only if I don't have to see them" energy) but if I did tell her, I'd be overjoyed if she tried to meet me where I stand. Even if she doesn't get it right or understand what I'm telling her exactly.

So to see a character that previously was bending into pretzels trying to get their mother's approval and understanding get angry at the olive branch and reject it was baffling.

Another thing that was really frustrating to see was the scene with Isabella doing the pushups and it being presented as a good, welcome thing.

Isabella accidentally misgenders Taash in the middle of telling a story about them - something that would have been a popular story that she has no doubt told many times in the past - and instead of a quick apology or even just correcting herself and moving on, she goes off to the corner to do pushups for a bit, explaining some cutesy story about how this is so much better than apologies, because what if you don't mean it and what if you turn that around and make it all about yourself?

Well, you made it about yourself anyway, with this performative act of self-flagellation. Adjusting to someone's new pronouns can take a bit, because you are working against your own habits and ingrained muscle memory. Slip ups happen, especially in contexts like this. She was already accepting and making an effort to use Taash's new pronouns, the theatrics were off-putting and unnecessary. Everyone has a different experience with gender, but most trans and nonbinary people understand this and don't want you to treat their new pronouns as something to be made a fuss about. The best you can do is treat it like normal so it becomes a new normal. Go forward and keep making an effort using their new pronouns - build up that new muscle memory! - and it will be fine. If someone feels like you are not making enough of an effort because you keep slipping up (maybe because you still think of them as a woman, deep down), there are ways to address that between the two of you.

Now, aside from how uncomfortable that scene made me feel because the narrative pushes so hard for it that this is the correct way to handle this situation...

Can we address the elephant in the room and look at what message this sends to cis people? Not the crowd crying about wokeness, they can rot where they are, but players who have not been exposed to trans/nonbinary narratives before and are uninformed or ambivalent about the topic. Taash is angry and aggressive when the world doesn't immediately reorder itself in a way that accommodates their new identity the exact way they want it to. They don't even get any meaningful pushback!! Nobody questions or disregards their new identity, even their mother is more confused than anything. A cis character making one mistake of misgendering them is punished for it and it is explained at length why she should be punished and why that is a good thing.

I will give them the benefit of the doubt and say that it's probably unintentional, but this is feeding into some of the most prevalent anti-trans stereotypes that paint trans and nonbinary people as vindictive and unreasonable and all I can say to that is 😬. Should have put more thought into this, people.

[namitha]

I am a human being, meant to be in perpetual becoming. If I am living bravely, my entire life will become a million deaths and rebirths. My goal is not to remain the same but to live in such a way that each day, year, moment, relationship, conversation, and crisis is the material I use to become a truer, more beautiful version of myself. The goal is to surrender, constantly, who I just was in order to become who this next moment calls me to be. I will not hold on to a single existing idea, opinion, identity, story, or relationship that keeps me from emerging new. I cannot hold too tightly to any riverbank. I must let go of the shore in order to travel deeper and see farther. Again and again and then again. Until the final death and rebirth. Right up until then.

🌿 Glennon Doyle, Untamed

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[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

I’m scared because I’ve lived my life wanting to die most of the time, and now that I don’t ...

[yourmentalhealthpal]

Reminder: There's no rush in finding your way. 🌿 It's okay to take your own time, to move at your own pace. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth, knowing that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. 💫

[healthyselflovetips]

Remember to speak to yourself with the same kindness you’d give to someone you love. Self-compassion isn't just nice to have—it's essential. 💛

[colorpicked-flags-from-one-guy]

The abrosexual flag picked from this one frame of Zuko!!

[thejourneywinsbyoliana]

Letting the Journey Guide Me to My Destination

For so long, I believed life was about reaching that elusive “perfect destination.” You know, that moment when everything aligns, and you think, “This is it!” But along the way, I’ve learned something far more valuable: life is not just about the destination—it’s about the journey that gets us there.

I’ve found beauty in letting go of rigid expectations and embracing the small, seemingly insignificant moments that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s the way sunlight dances through the trees during a walk, the sound of laughter shared with a friend, or the quiet reflection of sitting in stillness, these moments hold profound meaning. They remind us that the journey is just as important, if not more so, than the end goal.

This shift in perspective has allowed me to go deeper—deeper into myself, deeper into the relationships I value, and deeper into the experiences that make life truly worth living. By surrendering to the flow of life, I’ve uncovered a sense of peace and joy I never knew I needed.

So here’s to the journey. The twists and turns, the ups and downs, the moments of uncertainty that lead to growth, and the discoveries that unfold when you allow yourself to simply be. Thank you for being part of this space as I continue to explore, reflect, and share the beauty of life’s unfolding.

[theegreenmuse]

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦

☞ Embracing Growth: Discovering my strength and the impact of truly supportive friendships has been a transformative journey

Navigating this journey of growth and self-discovery, I’ve come to see how much the people around us shape our paths. As a young Black woman stepping into my own power, I’ve realized the true value of friendships that lift us up, and the courage it takes to step away from those that don’t. It’s been a ride—filled with laughter, learning, and sometimes, letting go. From facing the sting of betrayal to recognizing when support feels missing, and the importance of being around those who really see and celebrate us. It’s about understanding our worth, beyond the shadows of external validation, and embracing the beauty of our own company.

Those are my tips if you are currently in this position of cutting someone that no longer elevates you:

☞ Growth Beyond Age

🪷 Here’s the thing about growth—it’s not just about you getting taller or older. It’s about evolving, seeing things in new lights, and sometimes, realizing the friendships you’ve cherished aren’t growing with you. This is your sign, that nudge you’ve been waiting for, to step away from friendships that feel more like anchors than wings.

☞ Betrayal as a Wake-Up Call:

🪷 We’ve all had those friends, the ones who seem to have your back until you’re turned around. The backstabbing—it’s more than just betrayal; it’s a clear sign that the foundation you thought you had was built on sand. True friends stand by you, not behind you ready to push you down.

☞ Unmasking Hidden Animosity

🪷 Then there’s that secret animosity, the kind that simmers under the surface, poisoning the air between you. It’s subtle, but it’s there—the passive-aggressive comments, the backhanded compliments. It’s exhausting, right? Friendship shouldn’t be a game of detective, deciphering hidden meanings and intentions.

☞ The Essence of Support

🪷 Support, or the lack thereof, is a deal-breaker. Watching friends cheer for everyone but you, or worse, diminish your achievements, it’s disheartening. It makes you question the very essence of friendship. Remember, true friends amplify your joy; they don’t mute it.

☞ Accountability in Friendship

🪷 Accountability is another cornerstone of genuine connections. Friends who can’t own up to their mistakes, who weave excuses instead of apologies, show a lack of maturity and respect. Growth involves learning from our errors, not dodging them. If they’re stuck in that loop, it might be time for you to move on.

☞ Choosing Your Light

🪷 This is your moment to reflect on the friendships that light you up versus those that dim your sparkle. It’s not about holding grudges or burning bridges but choosing your wellbeing and growth. Life’s too short for friendships that don’t serve you, that don’t cheer for you, and that don’t allow you to be your most authentic self.

☞ Letting Go with Love

🪷 So, if you’re starting to feel the weight of friendships that bring more shadows than sunlight, it might be time to lovingly let them go. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care. You deserve a circle that reflects your light, supports your dreams, and stands by you, genuinely and wholeheartedly.

- 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞

[hsmagazine254]

Exploring The Depths Of Your Shadow Self (Part 3) - Positive Reflection Of The Week

Integrating The Shadow The ultimate goal of shadow work is not to eliminate or suppress the shadow, but to integrate it into your conscious self. Integration leads to greater wholeness and authenticity. By integrating our shadow, we are able to understand and acknowledge all aspects of ourselves, including our hidden fears, insecurities, and desires. This process allows us to embrace our…

[loveyourlovelysoul]

It's okay to be messy, to be lousy, to be confused and try different things all at once. At the right time, you'll find your way out of this confusion, realize what's really important and grow your abilities. Just be patient and let things flow without trying to constantly control them or fear running out of time (it will only stress you and increase your confusion)

[wisterianwoman]

What is Shadow Work, and How Do I Do It?

What is Shadow Work, and how can it help you? Are you ready to confront your shadows and emerge into the light of authenticity and wholeness?

Within each of us, under the surface that we show to others, is a dark side, or a shadow self just beneath our skin. It sounds like a supervillain origin story when I put it that way, but I’m really just talking about the psychological concept of shadow work. What is Shadow Work? Within the shadow, we confront aspects of ourselves we’d rather keep concealed: our fears, insecurities, traumas,…

[conditionaljewel]

New year, new me, same based gods. I’m out here actively taking steps to address my disorders, conditions, and illnesses, and I’m gonna stop feeling ashamed for acknowledging the realities of my situation. While I’m at it, I’m also gonna stop feeling guilty and embarrassed over calling myself disabled, because that’s what I fucking am, and there’s nothing wrong with that OR addressing my needs however I best feel is necessary.

I have to stop being my own worst enemy through all of this, and start loving myself and treating myself with the care and kindness I deserve and that means addressing my needs and concerns instead of brushing them under the rug and ignoring them.

I don’t owe anyone any explanations or answers or statements, they’re not entitled to anything about my gender, disabilities, anything else personal that I don’t want to share with them, and I’m allowed to take up the space that I need to get my needs taken care of.

I’m going to stop making myself small for others falsely inflated selves, and I’m going to stop being so afraid of so many things. It’s time to make wholesale changes. No one’s an identity police coming to stop me, I’m in control.

[namitha]

Occasionally, one yearns for a bit of solitude, to wander aimlessly and become immersed in the unknown. It's essential to step back, take a breather, and momentarily vanish from the daily grind. Allow life's currents to carry you away, surrender to the flow. Release the burdens that have accumulated over time. In this moment of reprieve, look past the confines of your expectations, and you may just discover the astonishing beauty that has been waiting right in front of you. As you traverse this uncharted path, embrace the serendipitous encounters and unexpected joys that are bound to arise. Let the world surprise you with its hidden wonders, and in the midst of getting lost, you might find yourself anew.

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