We all have sides of ourselves that feel harder to look at sometimes.
This is part of every human experience.

As we are shaped by our upbringing and society, we develop different parts of our identity to help us move through life. We develop thoughts and behaviours that allow us to belong and achieve in society, parts that keep us safe from painful situations, and parts we keep hidden or ignore.

Sometimes these private aspects of our personalities (that we may not even know exist) can cause us suffering. This element of Self is sometimes called the shadow.

Typically, we’re only exposed to our shadow in moments of rage, revenge, contempt, pettiness, greed, extreme judgement, paranoia, sexual struggles, addictive behaviours, nightmares, or other triggered behaviours.

So, why explore these uncomfortable things?

Because, without your knowledge, your shadow may be controlling you. And, on the journey to peace and self-awareness, we must come to know all parts of ourselves. This honest understanding of Self helps put us in the driver’s seat of our own lives.

This work is not easy, but it is so, so worth it.

I created this journal while working through many shadow exercises myself and, given I’m forever growing, reference from time to time as the more I understand myself, the more at ease I feel.

If you ever feel alone or ashamed, know many examples used throughout this book are either my own or have been garnered through close conversations with friends, family, clients, and other loved ones. We are all humans, learning to Be, doing our best, and growing as well as we can at each phase.

By the end of this journal, it is my hope you’ll better understand who you are, have deepened your self-awareness, and have more mindfulness over the parts of yourself that may cause you struggle.