I hope this message finds you well and ready to dive a bit deeper into our own personal development.
I wanted to share something from my own day that might seem small but actually has a big message behind it. Amid a busy schedule, I decided to hit pause and take my dog out for a lovely walk in the sun. It was a moment of calm and connection, away from the endless to-do lists.
This break got me thinking about how important it is to give ourselves a moment away from work, to recharge and enjoy life. It’s all about the opportunity cost – what we miss out on when we’re buried in work. For me, skipping this walk would have meant missing out on a beautiful moment of peace and joy, not just for me, but for my dog too.
This idea of opportunity cost came up with a client today. She’s been doing a lot of work for free, worried that asking to be paid would make her seem greedy or off-putting. We dug into this fear of being seen in a negative light for valuing our own worth, which I like to call the ‘money shadow’.
It’s all about facing those fears. What could change if you weren’t scared of being seen as greedy or pushy? It’s not about ensuring people won’t see you that way; it’s about not letting those fears hold you back.
This seems to be a big deal especially for women, but really, it’s something many of us face: realising how much we might hold ourselves back by not standing up for what we’re worth.
So, take a moment to think about this for yourself. Where might you be playing it too safe because you’re worried about how others will see you? What could open up for you if you moved past these fears? How might your life look differently if you embraced your true value, without hesitation?
P.S. About four hours after our session, this particular client emailed to tell me that as a consequence of our session, she had rung someone for whom she had been working for free and told him that she believed she had added significant value and would very much like to be paid for it. And, his response was, no problem, we have a budget for that so will do.
This, my friends is the power of embracing our shadow.
Key Takeaways from a Jungian Perspective:
Embrace Your Shadow: Recognise and confront the parts of yourself that you might be avoiding or suppressing, such as the fear of appearing greedy or demanding. Acknowledging these shadow aspects can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
Seek Balance: Just as taking time for a walk can provide necessary balance between work and rest, strive to find equilibrium in other areas of your life. Balance between different aspects of the psyche is essential in Jungian psychology for overall well-being.
Explore Your Archetypes: Consider the roles you play in your life and how they align with Jungian archetypes. Are you embodying the Caregiver by helping others at your own expense? Could embracing aspects of the Warrior archetype help you assert your worth more effectively?
Understand Your Personal Myth: Reflect on the narrative you have constructed about your life and your identity. How does this story influence your actions and self-perception? Revising your personal myth can lead to transformative change.
Practice Active Imagination: Engage with your inner world through creative activities or meditation. This can help you connect with your unconscious and discover insights into your behaviour and desires.
Value Your Individual Journey: Recognise that your path to self-realisation is unique. Honour your personal journey and resist comparing it to others. Everyone’s process of individuation – the development of the Self – is distinct.
Mindfulness and Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your experiences, feelings, and actions. Mindfulness can enhance your awareness of the present moment and your deeper self.
Seek Synchronicity: Pay attention to coincidences and serendipitous events in your life. Jung believed these were signs of the unconscious at work and could lead to meaningful insights and decisions.
By incorporating these Jungian concepts into your life, you can foster deeper self-understanding and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.