09/24/2025
Lately, there’s been such a strong message everywhere: **“Expose them. Let them be seen.”** As if we need to shine a harsh light on the parts of ourselves and others that are usually kept hidden. I have to be honest—my very human heart sometimes just wants to turn away, to skip the discomfort and sidestep the conflict. We all know how messy it can get.
But here’s the gentle truth: so many people who came from ruins only have eyes for the glow of greatness—they chase after what someone else seems to have, imagining that *winning* their prize will somehow complete them. Yet, you can never truly be anyone other than yourself. You may fool the world for a while, but you cannot hold up the hoax of living a life that isn’t yours. Pretending to be someone you’ve never been, never lived—thinking that’s empowerment—is, in reality, a painful illusion. Life has its unique way (hello, karma!) of showing us time and again that the greatest alignment comes from admitting and embracing who we actually are.
**And that includes our shadows.**
The truth is, we all have parts of ourselves we’d rather hide—the fears, the past mistakes, the little voices of envy or resentment or pain.
But those aren’t signs of failure or weakness. They’re a map to our wholeness. When we bring our shadows into the light, gently and honestly, we reclaim our story. We free ourselves from pretending. We become truly powerful: not because we’re perfect, but because we’re real.
So let’s promise to own our shadows with compassion. Instead of running from discomfort, let’s hold ourselves gently. That’s where true greatness lies—in the courage to see *all* of yourself and still know you belong, right here, right now.
If you’re facing your shadows today, know you’re not alone. You’re seen, just as you are, and you are still worthy of love.
Refined Divine i