In this module, we dive deeper into more of what makes you who you are, including those parts that we sometimes wish to disown. You will discover that they are tied to your greatest strengths and motivators and that a particular type of engagement with these parts will have you feeling fulfilled.

Challenge One

The first challenge for this module is to write down what you perceive to be the shadow or negative parts of you and give each a flip-side, a LIGHT quality. For example, the flip side of neurotic perfectionism might be pride in your work or great attention to detail. We don’t deny that the ‘dark’ presentation of our gifts won’t be present or something we won’t need to contend with ever again. But it will transform the way you see these and how you see yourself. It will also encourage you to live into the light side or the dark or problematic elements. If you are highly sensitive, you can consider how you can explore this sensitivity through art, or how you might capitalise on being very attuned to the feelings of others. Perhaps your will thrive in a particular career or project that will draw out this light side of what you see as holding you back.

If you are particularly self-aware, you can start with your ‘light’ qualities and then acknowledge the ‘dark side’ and write practical tips or steps to ensure that you do not dwell in the darkness for too long, or that you avoid the problematic manifestations of your gifts. For example, if you know that your sense of humour is a strength but it can get you into trouble in particular contexts, create appropriate outlets for this humour so that you don’t need to be the class clown at your work team meeting (because politically correctness…).

Challenge Two

The next challenge for this week is to create a candid video or post where you share something that is real to you and that makes you scared of being rejected for sharing it. You might fear rejection because what you share is too personal, or contradicts an image of perfection you may have cultivated or reveals something that is a work in progress. For some, this might be posting without makeup or sharing some poetry or just talking about something difficult you went through.

Challenge Three

The last simple act for this part of the course is to just breathe and acknowledge your courage in doing what scares you. You can say the words ‘I am brave’ or ‘badass’ or ‘I can do scary things’.

Challenge Summary

♦ Write down what you perceive to be the shadow or negative parts of you and work with me to give each a flip-side, a LIGHT quality. For example, the flip side or neurotic perfectionism might be pride in your work or great attention to detail.

♦ Create a candid video or post where you share something that is real to you and that makes you scared of rejection. For some, this might be posting without makeup or sharing some poetry or just talking about something difficult you went through.

♦ Acknowledge your courage. It is there. You can do what scares you. And this is what you must do!

Further Resources + Mini-Lessons