It was so annoying…

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a particular friend, family member, or co-worker seems to consistently push your buttons? It can be easy to point the finger and attribute the discomfort solely to their behavior, but the truth is, it’s often a reflection of something within you. 

I have a friend whose life revolves around play and he constantly asks me to join him skiing, mountain biking, camping, etc., often spontaneously. Years ago, when this first began happening, I was so triggered because I had disowned being playful, trading it in for being hyper-responsible, and having every detail planned out. The more he asked, the more annoyed - at him - I became. Exploring my shadow, where my playfulness was hiding, allowed me to reclaim it and truly enjoy recreation. 

It can be humbling to recognize that our reactions are often rooted in our own inner landscape. Our interactions with others we’re triggered by, serve as a mirror, reflecting back the aspects of ourselves we’ve suppressed or denied, then relegated to our shadow. 

Through shadow work, we can begin to explore these hidden aspects of ourselves with curiosity and compassion. Instead of projecting our fears or insecurities onto others, we can use these triggers as opportunities for self-reflection and growth.

Through self-awareness and introspections, we can uncover the root causes of our reactions and begin the process of healing and integration toward wholeness. 

So the next time you find yourself feeling triggered by someone else's words or actions, take a moment to pause, reflect and ask yourself, what is being triggered in me? Chances are, there's a valuable lesson waiting to be revealed – not just about the other person, but about yourself as well.

In this episode, I share how shadow work has the potential to transform your relationships. Shadow work is key to creating healthy and sustainable relationships because it allows you to go within, uncover hidden patterns, and begin to heal the aspects of yourself you’ve denied in your relationships. I dive into the importance of doing your own inner work, the goal of creating interdependence in a relationship, plus a few tips on how you can begin diving into your shadow. 

Listen to The Nancy Levin Show: Episode 141 to start transforming your relationships through shadow work.

I’d love to hear from you! Let me know what resonates, topics you want me to cover, and any questions you have for me! Hit reply to this email and I'll get back to you! 

P.S. I am thrilled to be a part of The True You Series. This virtual series brings together 12 experts from around the world, including myself, to guide you on a transformative journey towards embracing your true self and unlocking your full potential. I have a complimentary ticket for you, click here to save your spot!