I’m sharing this partially to anchor it better for myself, but mainly if you find it helpful.
These things can take decades of hard work, so if I can provide just a short patch of fast-track, this is it.
Keeping it brief. When I was 8 my mom struggled with her narcissism and depression and became both physically and psychologically violent.
I learnt to adapt, and become a pleasing social chameleon.
I abandoned myself. I abandoned my identity.
At that moment a shadow was cast from my body.
It would stalk me for 3 decades with blame and self destruction. Guilt. Drinking. Depression. Rage.
I was pleasing and adapting. Hiding.
But suddenly, while driving, I knew!
The shadow is not a monster. No demon. Not evil.
He is me!
He is my authenticity. My identity. The king that was cast from my kingdom!
He has been standing outside the walls, attacking, trying to burn it all down. With rage seeking justice.
All the while personas and imposters were leeching and consuming and destroying his kingdom.
With the years the king became a shadow. A monster. A villain. And that made him even more mad.
No More.
Now I’m lowering the gate.
The king is back in the sun. The invaders walking out defeated. Heads down.
And the light will make him heal and through that heal the entire kingdom.
My takeaway question to ask yourself: When did the shadow appear, who is your shadow and what does this avenging angel want?