Every year, like clockwork, we’re told to ramp up our workout routines and ditch lotions and potions to get a “beach body.” As a result, many of us struggle with a little voice in the back of our mind — our inner critic.
At first, this voice sounds on your side, warning you of danger, whom you do not trust and be on guard. As you start to listen to the voice, it becomes more and more noisy, as it reminds you of all the terrible things that have happened to you, of what someone else did or said. The more you listen, the louder it becomes.
I, too, have tested this. I was exhausted by the constant internal bickering, the old arguments and the horrific scenarios running through my mind. I was overwhelmed and overstimulated, and asking about my behaviors only amplified my tormenting and shameful thoughts.
From the effects of being constantly scolded, intimidated, and criticized at every moment, I lost everything I held dear. My identity, my old friends and everything I know is gone – until I no longer recognize who I am. Stripped of my confidence, along with any desire to socialize or show my face, I hid in the shadows, consumed by dark thoughts.
Like a fake tan, hiding ourselves away may serve us well in the short term. But if this is a real transformation you’ve been looking for, you need to take back your inner goddess!
This is not an easy process. Indeed, it is an irreversible emotional and spiritual journey. Restoring your inner goddess and becoming your true self can even be mocked as an act of selfishness. However, if you are brave, adventurous, and willing to lose everything you cherish in exchange for awakening who you truly are, here are three easy steps to begin your journey toward empowerment.
Your transformation begins with revealing what is hidden. Embarrassing moments and bad memories can make us blush and keep parts of ourselves in the shadows. So, take a moment to really look at yourself, allowing any feelings to surface. Highlighting yourself can make you feel vulnerable and exposed. But this is the first step to becoming what you are meant to be.
Next, think about the thing you’re struggling with and examine why. Write them all down in a notebook and take stock of your thoughts and distractions to avoid experiencing these feelings. Dark Goddess Hel teaches you that entering a state of denial can interfere with your ability to meet challenges. Instead of lying and hiding from the truth, embrace it – because you are your emotions and your experiences.
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Finally, you need to silence your inner critic. Self-esteem is an inner state of being, a measure of how you respect and value yourself. When you don’t believe in yourself, you expect the worst and allow others to treat you accordingly. So, time to tell that little voice to pack his bags!
Daily positive affirmations allow you to enjoy a moment of self-esteem. Not sure where to start? Write a list of everything you would like to be or claim to be, and use it as the basis for your daily songs. Look in the mirror and declare your positive intentions, and in the end your confidence will appear in reality.
In restoring your inner deities, you are ready to walk in the dark and out, transforming into the light. Your full potential is waiting to be recognized and restored. So, forget your beachy body and embrace the dark – if you dare!
Flavia Kate Peters is a leading expert in ancient magic and the author of the new bestselling book Restore the Dark Gods: Alchemy of Transformationon August 18.
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