@Adrian Jay Dr.Adrian to the group thank you for joining our sacred space.

What Your Shadows May Be Trying to Tell You Shadows aren’t here to punish you. They’re not here to break you. They are parts of you that have gone unheard for too long — old fears, old wounds, old memories, old beliefs that finally feel safe enough to rise. Your fear of driving, of being alone, of the unknown… these aren’t signs of weakness — they’re signals. Your shadow might be saying: “Something inside me still needs comfort, reassurance, and healing.” “I don’t feel safe yet.” “Please don’t leave me behind again.” “Please slow down and listen.” Shadows often speak in fear because fear is the voice we learned as children when we didn’t have power, protection, or choice. Now, as an adult, the fear feels the same — but you are different. You have tools you didn’t have then. You have awareness you didn’t have then. You have strength you didn’t have then. Your shadow is not trying to destroy you. It’s trying to come home. Why It Feels Paralyzing When fear builds up over years — from trauma, uncertainty, stress, grief, change — the nervous system goes into survival mode: - Fight (tension, frustration) - Flight (anxiety, avoidance) - Freeze (paralysis, stuckness) That “paralyzing” feeling is not failure. It’s your body trying to protect you from what it thinks is danger. But like you said — breathing helps. And that’s not a coincidence. Breathing signals your nervous system: “It’s safe now. We can calm down.” Even if the relief is temporary, it means your system can shift — which is a powerful sign of resilience. How to Move Through This (Softly, Not Forcing) 1. Talk to Your Shadow Instead of Fighting It Try saying (in your mind or journal): - “I hear you.” - “You’re scared, and that’s okay.” - “You don’t have to protect me alone anymore.” - “I’m here with you now.” This turns fear into relationship — not battle. 2. Break fear into small, safe steps If driving triggers anxiety, don’t force long drives. Rebuild trust: - Sit in the car with the engine off. - Start it and breathe. - Drive around the block. - Add distance slowly.

Start a discussion about where writers get stuck—plot development, outlining, staying consistent, or finishing. Ask members to share their biggest challenges. This lets you offer helpful insights, which can naturally evolve into: “If you ever need help structuring or writing it, let me know.”

Hey everyone let’s welcome @Liam David to the group. We are excited to have you join our little community.

How is everyone feeling after yesterday’s live. I thank each of you for joining and being vulnerable. Please invite one person to join next weeks live.