JoeyJoelle

In my earlier posts, we touched on shadow work — the deep, uncomfortable process of facing the parts of ourselves we usually avoid. And we talked about playing small — how we sometimes shrink just to feel safe or loved. This is where it all ties together.

Because not taking action? That’s often your shadow doing what it’s always done: protecting you. But baby, we know that comfort is not your calling.

So here are some real, grounded steps that’ll help you shift. One step at a time.

Name the Fear. Don’t run from it.

Write it down. Say it out loud. Tell a friend. Fear loses its power over you when it’s exposed. Most times, we’re not scared of the dream — we’re scared of what the dream demands of us.

Ask yourself:
“What would change if I actually got what I wanted?”
Pay attention to what comes up. Is it fear of responsibility? Fear of visibility? Worry that you still might not feel fulfilled?

That response — the hesitation, the doubt — that’s your shadow speaking.
It’s the part of you that’s been conditioned to believe staying small means staying safe. But now that you’re aware of it, you get to lovingly guide that shadow, not let it be in charge.

Reconnect with Your ‘Why’.

When fear clouds your vision, your ‘why’ brings you back to purpose. In Find Your Why, Simon Sinek explains that your ‘why’ is the core belief that drives you — it’s rooted in your past, shaped by experience, and speaks to the impact you want to make.

Ask yourself: When have you felt most fulfilled? What change do you want to create? Why does this dream matter to you?

Your ‘why’ is your anchor. It reminds you what’s worth pushing through the fear for — and keeps you aligned when things get hard.

Take One Loud Step.

Put away the 500 to-do lists. This is about movement.
You’ve spent enough time healing, journaling, manifesting.

A perfect example? The morning that my post on shadow work dropped I felt this intense wave of anxiety in my stomach. Why? Because I’m taking my loud step by  showing up consistently with my blog. That consistency meant I was becoming more visible — and that visibility triggered an old fear: “What if my work isn’t good enough to be seen?” I actually caught myself thinking, “Maybe I should post less.” But then another voice came through loud and clear: AHT AHT. Enough of that. We’re on the right track. Maybe a new one, but definitely the right one.

That’s what one loud step looks like. Not fearless — just louder than the fear.

Apply to that job even if you’re underqualified.
Share that blog post even if it’s not perfect.
Launch the thing even if no one shows up yet.

Your future self ain’t looking for perfection — they’re waiting on your yes.

Let Your Shadow Be Seen.

You don’t have to kill off your old self.
You just have to remind her: we’re safe now.

Your shadow—the parts of you that hide in fear, doubt, or old stories—isn’t the enemy. It’s a protector that’s done its job in tougher times. Now, it’s time to invite that shadow out into the light and show it some love.

This is where mindfulness plays a powerful role. Instead of pushing your shadow away or feeling shame for it, practice being present with it. Notice when old fears or limiting beliefs pop up. Observe how your body feels, what thoughts swirl around, and the emotions that arise — all without judgment. 

A great way to practice this mindfulness is through guided meditation or by repeating empowering affirmations aloud.

Remember, healing isn’t about erasing parts of yourself—it’s about embracing all of you. Your shadow holds stories, lessons, and strength you didn’t know you had. When you make peace with it, you reclaim your power.

You’re not in survival mode anymore, babe. You don’t have to shrink to fit the old story.

Talk to your shadow with love, not shame.

Set up systems, not just motivation.

Motivation is cute, but it comes and goes. What sticks? Structure.

Setting up intentional routines and habits creates a foundation that carries you through even when motivation dips. Time-block your creative work so it becomes a non-negotiable part of your day. Build rituals that ground you — whether that’s morning meditation, journaling, or a quick movement session. Plan your goals around your energy levels, not someone else’s.

This isn’t about hustle; it’s about creating balance and steady progress. With solid systems, you don’t rely on willpower alone, making space for your shadow to step aside as you step into your power.

To wrap it up: love, you’re not behind. You’re just waiting on permission you don’t actually need.

But if it helps, here it is:

Permission granted.

To take up space. To go after it scared. To shed our older version and step into the version you’ve been dreaming of.

If these posts spoke to you, stay tuned! I write about becoming the best version of ourselves, taking aligned action, and building a life that actually fits you. You can find more of that here — and on my Instagram.