Written by: Jenny Alberti, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Is self-doubt, procrastination, or fear of criticism holding you back from realizing your dream of becoming a published author? Shadow work could be the missing key that unlocks your fullest potential in the pursuit of your authorial dreams.
Do you have a shadow self?
The short answer is yes. According to Carl Jung, everyone does indeed possess a shadow self. It encompasses not only the parts of ourselves that are hidden, repressed, or unconscious but also our unacknowledged desires. The parts of our personality that we deem unacceptable or undesirable often develop during childhood due to traumatic experiences, societal conditioning, or the pressure to conform with established expectations.
While some people are more familiar with the concept of the Shadow Self and actively involved in exploring and integrating their shadow self, there is a significant proportion of aspiring authors who struggle in pursuing their dreams of becoming published. This struggle may be attributed to limited awareness or understanding of their shadow self.
How your shadow can sabotage your authorial dreams
Self-identifying as an author is a significant part of your quest to get published.
One of the ways the shadow self can manifest is as self-doubt. As an aspiring author, you may have a nagging whisper questioning your ability and worthiness to add "Published Author" to your biography. This self-critical voice can cause you to procrastinate or discourage you from pursuing your writing aspirations altogether!
To compound matters, the shadow self often comprises unresolved emotional wounds. Past failures, rejection, or criticism can cause a fear of being seen that may prevent you from speaking your truth or sharing your gifts. The collective impact of these aspects can make it almost impossible to allow the free flow of creativity and confidence to expose oneself to criticism.
The essence of shadow work
Shadow work is an introspective journey reaching into the unconscious mind to bring the suppressed and disowned personality aspects into awareness. It’s essentially dealing with all of the things that we have pushed down and layered on top of each other throughout our lives. The process can be challenging, but it’s worth it. Doing so allows these aspects to be acknowledged and integrated into ourselves providing the opportunity for greater self-acceptance, compassion, and alignment. Shadow work can also bring about profound growth and healing, which I’ve personally experienced.
Shadow work journaling and expressive writing
After the harrowing end of a traumatic 11-year relationship, I turned to my journal. I’d tried journaling a number of times before, during my adult life, but it had failed to stick. I had a preconceived notion that it was childish—something only teenagers did—but I was desperate for relief. To be fair, when I started, I had no idea what I was doing. I was simply searching for something to absorb the pain I was feeling and the pages of my journal provided just that.
Soon after, I discovered James W. Pennebaker and his work on Expressive Writing. I followed his advice and wrote for around 20 minutes each day, most days of the week. Some days I wrote more and others I wrote less. But I always wrote about what was bothering me most.
As time passed, my journal entries evolved from mere purging to purposeful introspection. My journaling transformed into a tool for self-reflection and growth. I started asking myself questions and answering those questions during my journal sessions. As a new awareness emerged within me, I began recognizing and identifying patterns that had replayed throughout my life. I continued unraveling the painful knots within, which allowed me to release the weight of those past hurts, fears, insecurities, and disappointments.
In the recently released Amazon 1 best-selling book, Betrayed: Stories from women who transformed their broken hearts into opportunities for abundance and purpose, I wrote about my healing journey and how much of an impact regular shadow work journaling has had on me.
My shadow work practice has not only helped me heal from my traumatic relationship, but it has brought about a new confidence and renewed sense of purpose. It has unlocked my creativity and sparked a level of inspiration I had never before possessed. The band of inner critics who once played their tunes in my mind of, “You’re not a good enough writer,” and, “No one cares what you have to say,” have stopped. Now, I’m free to embrace my voice and share my stories with a newfound belief in their worth and impact.
Discover the transformative power that embarking on your own shadow work journey holds. Allow it to guide you towards personal growth, break free from the chains that hold you back, and reveal the untapped potential that resides within you. Become the fully formed author you have always aspired to be.
Jenny Alberti, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jenny is the Co-founder of the Women Writing Intentionally Collective, CEO of Introvert She Wrote Publishing and an International Best-Selling Author. She helps Female Visionaries communicate their valuable message to the world through uniquely designed book projects and author containers.
Jenny believes that remaining in alignment with and celebrating who we are is essential to fulfillment in business and life. She emboldens her authors to show up as their unique selves, speak their truth and get paid for their gifts. It is her dominant intent to amplify the voices of all women who have been called to make an epic impact, but have felt silenced.
A passionate storyteller since childhood, Jenny has been featured in Medium and Authority Magazines, Everyday Woman TV and several podcasts.
Jenny loves traveling, discovering and visiting new places. She plans to see more of the world with her incredible partner in the coming years.
