In the Dark, I'm Learning to See

I’ve recently started something I’ve been circling for a long time—something that both intrigues and unsettles me: shadow work.

If you’ve never heard of it, shadow work is the practice of gently uncovering the parts of yourself you’ve hidden away—whether from pain, shame, fear, or survival. It’s not about fixing yourself. It’s about meeting yourself... even the pieces that feel unworthy or uncomfortable.

To be honest, I put it off for a while. The idea of turning inward felt overwhelming. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see what was hiding in the dark.

But lately, I’ve felt this tug. A whisper that maybe those hidden parts aren’t monsters—maybe they’re just wounded. Maybe they just want to be seen, held, and loved. And maybe, just maybe, that’s how I start to become whole again.

Right now, my shadow work looks like:

• Writing letters to younger versions of myself

• Sitting with uncomfortable feelings instead of avoiding them

• Asking myself “Where does this reaction come from?”

• Being honest about the parts of me I usually try to keep quiet

It’s not always easy. Sometimes it leaves me raw. But other times… it brings a strange kind of peace. Like I’m reclaiming something that was always mine.

I’m just at the beginning, but I know there is only one way to go from here.

If you’re thinking about starting shadow work too, I want you to know: You don’t have to rush. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to be willing to be honest and kind.

The shadows aren’t here to hurt us. They’re just waiting to be heard.

With love, Bobbi Ann