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Yesterday morning while on my walk, I listened to a podcast that included an interview of Marianne Williamson, and they spoke about the shadow effect. While the definition is a bit ambiguous, how I like to refer to it is the side of ourselves that we are fearful of or haven't accepted yet. For some, they never accept all that they are and thus cause themeselves preventable problems
. I don't necessarily believe that it is good and bad that we must accept, but rather what is easy to project out into the world and what is often viewed as odd or out of the ordinary (something many try to suppress).
The gift of choosing to embrace all that we are is that when we do we often discover what we were meant to become or pursue. Often we discover a unique gift about ourselves that very few, if any, may possess. It strikes me as fascinating that so many people would rather become sheep-eque in order to be accepted when the grander, more fulfilling life resides in tapping into what makes us each unique and therefore allows us to offer our gift or unique being to the world. While many may not initially know how to respond or may shun us because we are a reminder of what they dare not investigate about themselves (even though they wouldn't understand this to be the reason), I believe we owe it to ourselves to embrace
all that we are.
Perhaps its an introverted nature or an ability to dance or hear rhythm that no one else can understand. Or maybe you have an eye for composition that comes naturally while others look at the same thing and are unable to see the magic you immediate hone in on. Whatever your uniqueness, whatever you fear, embrace it, first ask why, and then soon as long as you don't impede on anyone else's rights, hug it with all of your might. I have a feeling you will be glad you did in hindsight.
Perhaps this post from the archives will help explain why I am confident we each have our own unique path, and it is our job to pay attention until we find it, and when we find it, to fully embrace it and make the most of it.
In this week's newsletter, you'll notice that I've added an extra few pictures in the right-hand column to give you a glimpse into the images I have captured and shared on my Instagram account. I will be trying to share a few more outfit pics, so feel free to follow along if you'd like. Also, I've eliminated the "Articles You Might Enjoy" as any article I find worth reading will be shared (and has been shared for some time now) in the weekly This & That post. This week in fact, I've shared an interesting article about Darwin and dating that would be a wonderful conversation starter with friends. Also, be sure to stay tuned next Tuesday as I have an article I can't wait to share if you adore Parisian fashion.
A quick update regarding my kitchen facelift. Things are coming together quicker than expected. The window treatments are being shipped as we speak and the few last details will hopefully be done in a few weeks. But if you can't wait until mid to late February for the reveal on the blog, you can at least see all of my dishware and glassware choices and a few wall decor details here.
Wishing you a wonderful last weekend in January. Continue to stick to those resolutions. I promise it will be worth it!
Until next week, I'll see you on the blog!
-Shannon |
