Facing the Dark to Find the Light
As we step into this new year, many of us are focusing on the good, setting goals, and striving for motivation. It's the time when we envision positive changes and put ourselves on the path to self-improvement. But what if true transformation comes from acknowledging not just the parts of us we love, but also the parts we shy away from? The shadow self—the things we avoid facing because they’re uncomfortable, the habits we wish we didn’t have, the parts of ourselves that we feel ashamed of—these are often the places where the most growth lies. And honestly, it’s hard. It’s hard to look at those darker parts, to face the struggles and the weaknesses. For me, it's my relationship with alcohol. I’ve come to realize that I can’t just celebrate the light; I also need to honor the dark, because it’s in that darkness that I have the opportunity to truly grow. I’ve been struggling with the idea of sobriety, and the thought of it scares me. But I also know that I can’t evolve without being honest about where I am right now. So, as I enter this year, I choose vulnerability over perfection. I choose honesty over the shame I carry. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I know that facing my own truth—my issues with alcohol and my journey towards sobriety—is how I can elevate myself. It’s in this space of discomfort and raw truth that real, lasting change can happen. If you're also facing your own struggles, whether it's substance abuse or anything else, know that you're not alone. Sometimes, it's not about running from the shadows, but about learning to embrace them, heal them, and move forward with more strength than we ever thought possible 💖