A Surprise Visitor

By Dr. Marta Adelsman
Life Coach in Communication and Consciousness
www.DrMartaCoach.com
(October 10, 2018)

We all have aspects of ourselves hidden in the shadow of our personalities. Psychologist Carl Jung called these aspects archetypes — universal symbols that may pop out and surprise us at times when we don’t expect them. Even though it embarrasses me to tell you how this happened to me recently, I’m telling you anyway.

To pursue my emotional growth, I sat down a couple weeks ago to journal about my “inner child,” whom I refer to as my LG (little girl). Later in the day, I sat down at my computer to write a video script, welcoming people to my new website and letting them know what I offer. Instead of the warm, welcoming words I wanted to write, what spewed forth surprised and shocked me!

Here’s what I wrote:

“I created this site so you can see how wonderful I am. I want you to notice me, to think well of me, to like me, and to be fascinated by my writing and my wisdom. All this stuff about writing for you – for your growth and transformation – is horse pucky! I really want to dazzle you with my insight!”

I sat back in my chair in disbelief. What or who had just erupted all over my Word document? As soon as I asked the question, I knew I had just heard from my LG. Her needs for attention and acknowledgment had not been met as a child, and I had buried that needy part of me.  

Next I burst out laughing. My LG had came out of the shadows and found her voice, letting me know in a powerful way what she thought and felt! I proceeded to thank and acknowledge her. I also let her know we would look together at her feelings, but that now she needed to let me write my video script.

If we don’t acknowledge these hidden aspects of ourselves, they take over through “inappropriate” ways that appear naughty, selfish and disobedient. Becoming aware of my LG helps me integrate her into my self-image by accepting her naughtiness, selfishness and disobedience as part of myself. She then stops trying to get my attention in unacceptable ways.

She becomes my ally.

As an ally, she helps me speak my truth. She enables me to recognize when I’m being nice, trying to please others, or conforming to their expectations when it doesn’t serve me. She lets me know when I need to set a boundary, even if it appears selfish.  She’s smart!

Since her outburst, my LG hasn’t tried to sabotage my work. Once you become aware of the archetypes influencing you, they no longer need to throw tantrums to get your attention.

If they pop out unexpectedly, know that, as you bring these parts of you into the Light, you live with a fuller awareness of your Wholeness.